10 winners and 3 losers from the Chiefs preseason loss to the Lions

It's the preseason, so the final score of the Kansas City Chiefs' 24-23 home loss to the Detroit Lions doesn't matter.

The Chiefs' starters didn't play long — and several of their significant players were missing with injuries. Meanwhile, the Lions' starters didn't play at all.

Still, there were a few moments during Saturday afternoon's game that we won't soon forget. There were also a couple of players we hope to forget if they don't make the roster.

Here were some of the Kansas City players who stood out before Detroit won on a last-second field goal.

Winners Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

Punter Matt Araiza: The power in the Punt God's leg has never been in question — and on Saturday, he continued to boom kicks downfield. But his ability to aim directional kicks (or apply the right amount of touch) has been open to question. Well... Araiza had six opportunities against the Lions. He made the most of each one. The distance was still there, But his kicks had more hangtime — and was able to pin the Lions at or near the 10-yard line on four occasions. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub must be pleased with Araiza's development.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: It finally happened: the two-time MVP's long-anticipated behind-the-back pass. Mahomes brought it out on a throw to tight end Travis Kelce to convert a third down. But his most memorable play of the preseason might not even have been Mahomes' best of the game. Well ahead of the season opener, the quarterback demonstrated he is dialed in — as noted by Arrowhead Pride's lead analyst Ron Kopp.

Running back Deneric Prince: So far in 2024, last year's preseason star has been overshadowed by the rise of undrafted running back Carson Steele. But Prince won't go onto the practice squad without a fight. While his 41-yard run was beautifully blocked, it also displayed some explosive ability the team needs in its backfield.

Wide receiver Xavier Worthy: The first-round pick was outstanding on Saturday, scoring his first NFL touchdown. Watching that play shows the ease with which this speedy rookie can win. He's not just a fast guy. He can accelerate, cut at full speed and track the ball in the air. Worthy might single-handedly change this offense into one we haven't seen since 2018.

Defensive backs Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner: Each of these young players showed their versatility — and the ability to be enforcers. They combined for 11 tackles that included some jarring hits. During his first training camp, Hicks has been everywhere; he could immediately fill multiple roles for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Then there's Conner. As a slot defender who can make plays there — while taking the pressure off a cornerback group that might be a little shorthanded — he might be one of the secondary's most important players.

Cornerbacks Kelvin Joseph and Keith Taylor: Speaking of cornerback depth, two bubble players from that room also stood out. Joseph had six tackles — including a big one on special teams. Taylor grabbed the game's only interception. Watch out for these two as the preseason wraps up. Each could be among those rounding out the initial 53-man roster.

Defensive end Truman Jones: EDGE is a position that many Chiefs fans find worrisome. Kansas City's pass rush wasn't great against Detroit, but the other Jones on the defensive line played like a man who deserves a longer look. He ended the game with half a sack, a tackle for loss and a recovered fumble.

Wide receiver Cornell Powell: Sure, it was just one play — but it was pretty spectacular. A forgotten man in the Chiefs' crowded wide receiver room, Powell snatched a contested pass out of the air before breaking multiple tackles during a 64-yard touchdown play.

Losers Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

Quarterback Ian Book: It was a rough outing for the former Notre Dame quarterback. On back-to-back plays in one drive, he took a sack and fumbled twice. Meanwhile, Chris Oladokun completed six passes on seven attempts with a touchdown. It would seem that the competition for practice squad quarterback is over — if there ever was one.

Running back Emani Bailey: It wasn't one specific thing — but on Saturday, Bailey just didn't look like he belongs on an NFL field. His two carries netted no yards. That gives him four carries for six yards over two preseason games.

Wide receiver Kadarius Toney: On his very first snap of the preseason, Toney committed two penalties (illegal formation and holding). While he did have a punt return for seven yards, his one catch lost four yards. He was playing deep into a preseason game with the third team. In camp, coaches tried him at running back in camp — and he's not among the top two punt or kick returners. It feels like Toney might not make the team's 2024 roster.