Chiefs snap counts: Jaylen Watson plays most snaps since Week 7

What can we learn from the #Chiefs’ AFC divisional round snap counts?

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-20 in the AFC divisional round.

The defense played seven fewer snaps compared to the offense, which speaks to the four punts they forced and the fourth-quarter fumble recovery and interception.

What else can we learn from the weekly snap numbers? Here’s a look at how the snaps came down in the AFC divisional round:

*Snap counts via NFL Game Statistics and Information System

Observations

  • The only active player who didn’t play a snap in the AFC divisional round was RB Ronald Jones. This comes after he played a season-high worth of snaps in Week 18.
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster led all skill position players in snaps in the AFC divisional round, playing two more snaps than Travis Kelce.
  • Jerick McKinnon continues to lead the running back group with 44 snaps. Isiah Pacheco saw 20 fewer snaps, likely due to McKinnon’s ability in pass protection.
  • Patrick Mahomes played 80% of the offensive snaps in this game despite suffering a high ankle sprain late in the first quarter. He basically played the entire second half of the game on a bad ankle.
  • Chad Henne played just 13 snaps in relief of Patrick Mahomes. 12 of those snaps came on his 98-yard scoring drive.
  • Nick Bolton, Juan Thornhill, Trent McDuffie and Justin Reid played 100% of the defensive snaps. L’Jarius Sneed likely would have too if not for leaving the field briefly with a nose injury.
  • Jaylen Watson played over 80% of the defensive snaps, his highest percentage and snap total since Week 7 against the 49ers. He continues to get starting opportunities while Joshua Williams is the first player off the bench at cornerback.
  • Nazeeh Johnson, Deon Bush, Chris Lammons, Jack Cochrane, Nick Allegretti, Prince Tega Wanogho and Lucas Niang played only on special teams.
  • Lammons and rookie LB Leo Chenal led the team in special teams snaps with 23 each.

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