Rout sweet relief for Chiefs

WR Hill out few weeks; Jags QB Foles breaks clavicle, set for surgery

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Patrick Mahomes was every bit as good as he was during his MVP campaign. Sammy Watkins was better than ever.

Mahomes and Watkins — along with new teammate LeSean McCoy — helped the Chiefs open the season much like they finished last year: as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

Despite losing star wide receiver Tyreek Hill early, Mahomes threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns while leading the Chiefs to a testy and tactful 40-26 victory over the injuryriddled Jaguars on Sunday.

“They’ve done that to a lot of football teams,” Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said.

The Jaguars had major issues on both sides of the ball, none more concerning than the health of quarterback Nick Foles. The former Super Bowl MVP for the eagles broke his left clavicle in the first quarter and will have surgery Monday. Chris Jones hit Foles as he released a 35-yard TD pass to DJ Chark. Jones landed on top of Foles, but didn’t draw a flag.

Foles is expected to be put on IR and won’t be eligible to play again until Week 11.

“It’s not the way you want to start your time here,” said Foles, who as a free agent signed a four-year, $88 million contract with the Jaguars in March.

The injury leaves rookie Gardner Minshew in line to start a significant chunk of the Jaguars’ season. In relief, Minshewcompleted 22 of 25 passes for 275 yards, with two TDs and a pick.

Chark caught four passes for 146 yards.

Mahomes completed passes to nine receivers. Watkins had most of the highlights.

Watkins had nine receptions for a career-high 198 yards and three TDs.

McCoy carried 10 times for 81 yards despite barely knowing the offense.

Like Foles, Hill also broke his clavicle. But ESPN reported that Hill’s injury will not require surgery. He may miss only a few weeks.