EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Kansas City Chiefs did not look like the version of themselves that has gone to three Super Bowls in the past five years. 

But a fast start in the form of a 17-point advantage accrued over the first 12 minutes of their “Sunday Night Football” tilt against the New York Jets compensated for tight contest that came down to the end.

Leading 23-20 out of the two-minute warning, quarterback Patrick Mahomes could have scored a touchdown. Instead, he slid down at the two-yard line, good enough for a first down. The Jets had already burned their timeouts.

Game over.

The game had plenty of drama — unpredictable performances, a comeback battle, Aaron Rodgers' return to the Jets and Pop icon Taylor Swift, in the stands for the second consecutive week to watch Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce.

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Chiefs vs. Jets highlights

Taylor Swift? Aaron Rodgers? Deadpool, Ant-Man and Wolverine? Zach Wilson outperforming Patrick Mahomes? A 17-0 lead in the first quarter? A major comeback? A three-point victory that comes down to the wire?

This game had it all. See full highlight reel here.

First, T. Swift arrived, with Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Hugh Jackman and Antoni in tow.

Then, the Chiefs ran up the score — fast. Running back Isiah Pacheco ran 48 yards for a touchdown, Noah Gray caught a 34-yard TD pass from Mahomes, and Harrison Butker kicked a 37-yard field goal.

Pacheco finished with 115 rushing yards, 48 of those coming on his touchdown run.

But the Jets didn't let it go. They went on a 20-3 scoring run to tie the game entering the 4th quarter. The scores came with a safety, 31-yard field goal from Greg Zuerlein, and 1-yard and 10-yard TD passes from Wilson to C.J. Uzomah and Allen Lazard, respectively.

Jets quarterback Zach Wilson had one of his more promising performances, leading a comeback and tying the game at 20 on the first drive of the second half with the touchdown pass to Lazard and a two-point conversion he ran in himself. He finished 28 of 39 with 245 passing yards and two touchdowns. 

But he also made a critical error that could have cost the Jets the game, fumbling the ball in the fourth quarter.

Mahomes had an uncharacteristic outing. The two-time MVP had a third interception negated by defensive holding on the final drive of the game. But his scrambling, including a 24-yard dash on 3rd-and-23, bailed out the Chiefs on a night the offensive line struggled against the Jets and receivers could not find much wiggle room in the secondary.

Harrison Butker’s 26-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter made it 23-20 and held as the game-winning score. 

Jets postgame press conference: Zach Wilson takes blame, Robert Saleh supports players

Jets quarterback Zach Wilson took full blame for the loss during a postgame interview.

"Yea, that's on me. Critical situation, I can't have a play like that. I can not drop the ball," Wilson said of his fourth-quarter fumble recovered by the Chiefs. "To drop a snap, I can not do that. I lost us that game, and I can not do that. "I was making it clear to those guys that I needed to be better. I needed to be better on the little things, the details. It can't happen."

Chiefs postgame press conference

Taylor Swift and Donna Kelce hug it out at Chiefs game

The NBC broadcast cameras zoomed in on Taylor Swift chatting in a suite with Travis Kelce's mom, Donna. The two looked close, smiling and whispering while Swift put her arm around Donna multiple times.

Patrick Mahomes recovers from near-interception: Holding?

Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner was called for a controversial hold that wiped out a Patrick Mahomes interception. The penalty resulted in an automatic first down on Kansas City’s final possession. Following the penalty, the Chiefs picked up a couple first downs, including a game-clinching nine-yard scramble by Mahomes on third-and-8 to ice the game.

Mahomes didn’t have his best performance Sunday night, but he did just enough for the Chiefs to survive. The quarterback went 18 of 30 passing for 203 yards, to go with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Jets turnover: Zach Wilson fumble recovered by Chiefs' Tershawn Wharton

The Jets battled back from a 17-point deficit to even the game at 20, but needed to score again as they trailed by 23-20 midway through the fourth quarter. With the ball at midfield, and the offense moving the ball incrementally, it looked like they’d have that chance for at least a game-tying field goal. 

But Zach Wilson could not handle a shotgun snap and Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton jumped on the pigskin before anybody else could. The Chiefs took over in Jets territory with 7:24 remaining. It was the Jets’ first turnover of the game.

Harrison Butker makes 3rd field goal, Chiefs reclaim lead

After going scoreless in the third quarter, the Chiefs put together a 14-play, 80-yard drive to get into scoring position. The Jets were able to stop the Chiefs on third down to force a 26-yard field goal with 10:51 remaining in the fourth quarter. 

Butker’s made all three of his field goal attempts tonight. 

Jets vs. Chiefs third-quarter highlights

Allen Lazard’s 10-yard touchdown reception served as the only points in the third quarter.

The Jets have played solid defense against Kansas City for two straight quarters. New York held the Chiefs to just 42 total yards and three first downs in the quarter. Zach Wilson produced 79 passing yards and one touchdown. While running back Breece Hall had 43 rushing yards.

The contest is tied 20-20 at the end of three quarters. 

Has Travis Kelce scored a touchdown for the Chiefs today?

No, Kelce did not give Taylor Swift a reason to scream and cheer, but the Chiefs star tight end had a team-high six catches for 60 yards in the win. Kelce was targeted nine times.

Kansas City’s go-to guy on offense Sunday night was running back Isiah Pacheco who produced 158 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown playing in his home state of New Jersey. 

Jets' Zach Wilson vs. Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes stats

Let's take a look at the quarterback stats right now, after the first two drives of the third quarter:

Zach Wilson: 25 of 34 passes complete, 220 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions

Patrick Mahomes: 8 of 17 passes complete, 135 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions

Allen Lazard touchdown: Zach Wilson ties it up with 2-point conversion

On the first drive of the second half, the Jets offense drove 75 yards and left the field with the ballgame knotted at 20. 

Wilson found tight end Tyler Conklin for 25 yards to open the half. He then had first-down completions to receiver Allen Lazard and tight end Jeremy Ruckert. 

From the Chiefs’ 10-yard line, Wilson dropped back and fed Lazard a pass for a touchdown to make it 20-18. Wilson then scrambled to his left and extended the ball over the goal line to make the two-point conversion successful and tie the game.

Joe Klecko honored at halftime of Jets vs. Chiefs

Sporting his gold jacket and standing on the Jets logo at midfield, Joe Klecko took the microphone next to his Hall of Fame bust that will be displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio for eternity. 

He thanked Jets fans as the team honored him for his induction to the Hall this past August. Klecko played for the Jets from 1977-1987 and was a two-time All-Pro defensive end. His 20.5 sacks in 1981 led the league that season.

First-half recap: Chiefs lead Jets 20-12

The Chiefs jumped out to a 17-0 first quarter lead, but the Jets rallied back in the second quarter to go into halftime down 20-12.

New York outscored Kansas City 12-3 in the second quarter, thanks to two interceptions by the Jets defense.

Safety Ashtyn Davis’ interception led to the Jets’ one and only touchdown thus far in the game. Linebacker C.J. Mosley also had a pick.

The Jets had 152 yards in the quarter compared to just 59 by Kansas City.

Still, the Chiefs have an advantage at halftime due to a hot start. Kansas City’s gained 259 total yards. Running back Isiah Pacheco has 126 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown in the game. 

Taylor Swift welcomed by fans: 'I've never seen this much attention paid to the Chiefs'

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The last time Taylor Swift entered MetLife Stadium it was as a performer, the third of three nights she played in the stadium as part of her “Eras Tour” in May.

On Sunday, she was just a spectator, cheering on beau Travis Kelce as his Kansas City Chiefs faced the New York Jets on “Sunday Night Football.” 

For the many Chiefs – and Jets – fans in attendance, the rumored Swift-Kelce relationship represented the apex of the hype surrounding the organization's “Winning Era,” a stretch that has included three Super Bowl appearances (two championships) and plenty of victories. 

“I’ve never seen this much attention paid to the Chiefs,” said Chiefs fan Josh Mayer, from Reading, Pennsylvania. “Every single TV show is talking about it, which is nice. Every TikTok I’ve seen is all about the Chiefs and how these Swifties are into football. It’s like ‘Oh, this is cool.’”

Read the full story from reporter Chris Bumbaca.

Patrick Mahomes intercepted again: Jets' C.J. Mosley makes catch

Mahomes nearly threw an interception to Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley while looking for Travis Kelce over the middle on the Chiefs’ previous drive. But Mosley dropped the pass, as Kelce and Mahomes’ telepathic communication stopped for at least a play. 

As the second half came to a close, Mahomes was not as fortunate. This time, with Mosley roaming the middle of the field, Mahomes floated a pass off his back foot and straight into the linebacker’s hands for his second pick of the game. 

New York, however, was unable to do much with the 26 seconds left on the clock. 

Harrison Butker field goal extends Chiefs lead 20-12

After throwing an interception on Kansas City’s previous possession, Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs on a 10-play, 56-yard drive that ended with a Harrison Butker 37-yard field goal.

Wide receiver Kadarius Toney had a nice 15-yard catch to put the Chiefs in field goal range.

Butker’s field goal gave Kansas City a 20-12 lead. Butker’s made both his field goal attempts in the first half. 

Jets Brandin Echols out with hamstring injury

Phantom horse collar, C.J. Uzomah touchdown helps Jets

Taylor Swift won’t have to witness a first-half blowout after all. 

Following Mahomes’ interception, the Jets had excellent field position and were aided by a horse collar penalty – although replay appeared to contradict that call – to reach the red zone. Zach Wilson missed a wide-open Garrett Wilson for a touchdown on the next play, but he eventually found tight end C.J. Uzomah from one-yard out for the Jets’ first touchdown of the game. New York trailed 17-12 after the extra point with 6:26 until halftime. 

Patrick Mahomes pick: Jets' Ashtyn Davis intercepts throw

Patrick Mahomes threw an interception in the second quarter against the New York Jets.

Beginning a drive after the Jets kicked a field goal, Mahomes took the snap, faked a handoff and rolled right. He shuffled around in the pocket before throwing downfield for Noah Gray.

Jets safety Ashtyn Davis leaped up and caught the ball before it could get to the tight end and New York had the ball back.

Greg Zuerlein field goal puts Jets offense on board

Zach Wilson and the Jets offense put together their best drive of the first half and gained some points and momentum, now trailing 17-5.

Wilson had a deep 39-yard pass to wide receiver Allen Lazard to put the Jets in scoring position. Wilson almost threw his first touchdown pass off the night a few plays later, but tight end Tyler Conklin couldn't hold onto the football in the end zone, so the club settled for a 31-yard field goal by kicker Greg Zuerlein.

The 62-yard drive was New York’s longest of the half. 

Chiefs' Cole Christiansen is out with hamstring injury

Chiefs facemask penalty gives Jets safety, first points

Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor has taken his share of penalties and criticism through the first three weeks of the season.

This play won’t make his highlight reel, either. 

Taylor was called for a facemask penalty in Kansas City’s end zone as the team started its drive deep in its own territory. Since the foul occurred in the end zone, it was ruled a safety. 

The points were the Jets’ first of the game, and they trailed 17-2 early in the second quarter. 

Noah Gray touchdown: Chiefs lead Jets 17-0

The Chiefs came is as the heavy favorite, and they are playing like it.

Kansas City jumped out to a 17-0 lead after Patrick Mahomes engineered a six play, 89-yard touchdown drive. The Chiefs’ drive was capped off by a Mahomes 34-yard touchdown pass to tight end Noah Gray.

The Chiefs have scored on all three of their possessions and have 200 total yards late in the first quarter. 

Who is Chiefs' No. 10 Isiah Pacheco?

Isiah Pacheco is a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs who scored the team’s first touchdown in its Sunday night matchup against the New York Jets.

The game served as a homecoming for the 24-year-old, who grew up in Vineland, New Jersey and played college football at Rutgers. He finished his college career at Rutgers as seventh in school history with 2,442 rushing yards.

Pacheco was drafted by the Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft. His rookie year, he started 11 games and played in all 17. He ran for 830 yards and five touchdowns. The Chiefs won the Super Bowl, beating the Philadelphia Eagles.

Pacheco goes by the nickname “Pop,” which he says comes from his time as a kid when he played Pop Warner and made a big tackle on defense. It also serves as a tribute to his older brother, who called him the name and passed away in 2016 at the age of 29.

Isiah Pacheco touchdown gives Chiefs 10-0 lead over Jets

The Chiefs offense scored quickly after their defense forced a three-and-out.

Running back Isiah Pacheco followed his blockers to the left, found space and scampered for a 48-yard touchdown to extend Kansas City’s first-quarter lead. Butker hit the extra point to make it 10-0.

The Chiefs’ second series went 69 yards in just 5 plays. It lasted just over two minutes. The Chiefs have eight carries, 82 rushing yards and one rushing TD in the first quarter. 

Chiefs' Harrison Butker hits 37-yard field goal

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made a 37-yard field goal to open scoring after Patrick Mahomes’ short pass to wide receiver Skyy Moore fell incomplete on third down. Chiefs lead 3-0.

Tight end Travis Kelce had two catches for 29 yards during Kansas City’s first series. 

Is Taylor Swift at Chiefs vs. Jets game? Yes, she has arrived

The NFL has welcomed Taylor Swift to New York — New Jersey, technically.

The popstar was seen in a video captured on social media entering MetLife Stadium ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs game against the New York Jets. She went through security with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.

This will be Swift’s second straight week attending a Chiefs game as she’s been rumored to be dating Travis Kelce. Last week, she was seen in a suite with Kelce’s mom, Donna, and cheered Kansas City on to victory.

Swift had three shows at MetLife Stadium this summer as part of her Eras Tour. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a Swiftie and was seen singing and dancing at one of the shows. The quarterback, who tore his Achilles in Week 1, is also at the Chiefs-Jets game.

Follow all things Taylor during the game with our Swift-Kelce live blog.

Aaron Rodgers, Paul Rudd early stars at MetLife Stadium

Aaron Rodgers made his return to MetLife Stadium on Sunday after tearing his Achilles in the New York Jets’ season opener. He roamed the sideline with crutches and a brace on his ankle and chatted with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

He also had a word with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who is rumored to be dating Taylor Swift. Anticipation was building all week ahead of the popstar’s appearance at the game. Rodgers himself is a big fan of Swift’s and was seen this summer at one of her concerts at the New Jersey stadium.

Chiefs fan Paul Rudd was also seen on the sidelines prior to kickoff. The “Antman” actor attended the University of Kansas and is one of Kansas City’s most famous fans.

Other celebs in attendance include actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, who arrived with Taylor Swift, and Jeremy Strong from the hit HBO show "Succession." World champion and Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles also is at the game and appeared on the pregame broadcast on NBC. Lyles made headlines outside the track recently for bashing American sports who call their season champions "world champions."

Taylor Swift fans tailgate at MetLife ahead of Chiefs vs. Jets

Chiefs at Jets: Predictions and picks

Here are the USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:  

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Chiefs 
  • Tyler Dragon: Chiefs 
  • Victoria Hernandez: Chiefs 
  • Jordan Mendoza: Chiefs 
  • Jarrett Bell: Chiefs 
  • Safid Deen: Chiefs 
  • Nate Davis: Chiefs 
  • Chris Bumbaca: Chiefs 
  • Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Chiefs

Chiefs at Jets odds 

Highlighting Sunday Night Football odds, the Kansas City Chiefs are among the best bets for NFL Week 4 as road favorites against the New York Jets. The Chiefs are favored by 8.5 points, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023. 

According to the top NFL betting apps, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (+550) is second only to Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (+350) among those with the best NFL MVP betting odds in 2023. The Chiefs also boast some of the best early Super Bowl betting odds (+600). 

The Jets, meanwhile, entered the season as one of the most popular NFL future bets but have floundered since Aaron Rodgers fell victim to injury. 

Not interested in this game? Our guide to the NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds and more. 

 If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.

— Richard Morin 

All odds provided by BetMGM 

Who is the highest-paid NFL player? 

The NFL's top 15 players in average annual salary are all quarterbacks, according to OverTheCap.com. As Joe Burrow proved in his new deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, teams place a huge priority on having a top-flight QB under center. Burrow's five-year, $275 million contract extension made him the league's highest paid player at a staggering average annual value of $55 million. San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league after signing a five-year, $170 million extension. 

Here’s the complete list of the league’s highest-paid players. 

How much does the average NFL ticket cost? 

The average price of a 2023 NFL ticket is $377, according to TicketSmarter data. It’s a major jump from last season, when the average price was $235. Leading the NFL in ticket costs is the Las Vegas Raiders, which has an average cost of $582 per ticket. Behind the Raiders are the Super Bowl 57 contestants: the Kansas City Chiefs at $578 and Philadelphia Eagles at $559. Here are the five highest ticket averages:  

  • Las Vegas Raiders: $582 
  • Kansas City Chiefs: $578 
  • Philadelphia Eagles: $559 
  • Dallas Cowboys: $545 
  • New England Patriots: $534 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Atlanta Falcons have the cheapest average price at $225. They are followed by the Houston Texans ($236) and Arizona Cardinals ($250). Here are the lowest five ticket averages: 

  • Atlanta Falcons: $225 
  • Houston Texans: $236 
  • Arizona Cardinals: $250 
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $263 
  • Tennessee Titans: $265 

— Jordan Mendoza 

NFL broadcast teams: Meet all the announcers for 2023 season 

The NFL is back, and with that, so are the announcing teams that will be the soundtrack of the games. 

Keeping track of who is behind the microphone for which game on what network can be difficult to keep track of. We’re here to help and break down the main broadcast players for the 2023 NFL season inside the booth. — Chris Bumbaca 

Taylor Swift surge? Ticket prices to Chiefs-Jets on rise 

Although Taylor Swift's appearance at MetLife Stadium hasn't been confirmed, rumors of her appearance sparked an 18.5% increase in ticket prices, TicketSmarter told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday. The get-in price rose from $100 last week to $128 on Thursday, marking the Jets' second-highest get-in price of the season, all the way up to $2,109. Here’s what you need to know. 

Travis Kelce shouts out Taylor Swift for 'seeing me rock the stage’

After having pop superstar Taylor Swift accept his invitation of attending his Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Travis Kelce discussed the massive attention that has come with it during his weekly podcast show, "New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce.” 

"I just thought it was awesome how everybody in the suite had nothing but great things to say about her. The friends and family,” Kelce said. “She looked amazing, everybody was talking about her in a great light. And on top of that, the day went perfect for Chiefs fans, of course. We script it all ladies and gentlemen. It was just impressive. …" 

Read more about what the Kelce’s had to say about Taylor Swift on their podcast. 

Bill Belichick delivers classic line on Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift relationship 

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, during his Monday morning appearance on Boston radio station WEEI, was asked about the potential power couple of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift ... and he delivered a classic response. 

"Well, I would say that Travis Kelce has had a lot of big catches in his career. This would be the biggest," Belichick deadpanned. 

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