Two fourth-down stops in the red zone lifted the Kansas City Chiefs past the Atlanta Falcons 22-17 on Sunday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, keeping the defending champions undefeated on the young season.

After the Chiefs took the lead late in the third quarter on a 13-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes to JuJu Smith-Schuster, the defense held Atlanta to a field goal in the fourth quarter, then dug in as the Falcons marched 83 yards on 17 plays to try and take the lead. An incomplete pass on fourth and five from the six turned the ball over on downs, only for the Chiefs to go three and out and punt the ball right back with just over two minutes remaining. Atlanta again drove down the field, aided by three defensive penalties, but the defense stalled the drive again, with Mizzou product Nick Bolton tackling Bijan Robinson for a loss.  The offense was able to run out the clock and leave Atlanta with the win.

Mahomes completed 26 of 39 passes for 217 yards, with touchdown passes to Smith-Schuster and Rashee Rice, but the first drive ended with an endzone interception by the Falcons’ Justin Simmons. Rice led receivers with 12 catches for 110 yards, while fullback Carson Steele led the rushing effort with 72 yards on 17 carries. Kirk Cousins went 20 for 29, throwing for one touchdown and 230 yards with one interception. Harrison Butker went three-for-three in field goals in his return to his native Georgia, but missed the last extra point attempt when it hit the right upright.

Next week, the Chiefs face an AFC West foe for the first time this season, when they visit the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff will be at 3:25 p.m., with pregame at 2 p.m. Sunday on KMMO-FM 102.9.