The New England Patriots put up a fight but were ultimately unable to overcome the loss of quarterback Cam Newton as they went down 26-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Newton was forced out of the game after testing positive for Covid-19 last week, leaving replacement Brian Hoyer with the mammoth task of going head-to-head with Patrick Mahomes.

Despite being down just 6-3 at half-time, the Patriots opted to replace Hoyer with 24-year-old Jarrett Stidham late in the third quarter in a bid to spark some life into the stale Patriots offence.

The move paid immediate dividends, as Stidham led a 75-yard drive before connecting with N'Keal Harry for a touchdown and cut New England's deficit to 13-10.

Unfortunately that was as close as the Patriots would come as Mahomes immediately hit back with a touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman before extending their lead through a pick-six from Tyrann Mathieu.

Aaron Rodgers has continued his strong start to the season, passing for four touchdowns to lead the Green Bay Packers to victory over the Atlanta Falcons 30-16.

The 36-year-old scored on Green Bay's opening drive and never let up from there, finishing the game with 327 yards and completing 27 from 33 passes.

Matt Ryan was unable to find the end zone for Atlanta, despite throwing for 285 yards.