(My Sportsbook) - The Chiefs were walking on air following their last-second win over the Raiders two weeks ago, but plummeted back to earth this past Sunday.

Larry Johnson's leap into the end zone with no time left on the clock gave Kansas City a 27-23 win over Oakland and it seemed like that game could mark a turning point for Dick Vermeil's club.

However, the Chiefs were 14-3 losers in Buffalo this Sunday. The loss dropped KC to 5-4 on the year and two games behind first-place Denver.

Kansas City (5-4) managed to outgain the Bills by a 316-209 margin, but turned the ball over four times. The main culprit was quarterback Trent Green, who threw for 220 yards, but was picked off three times.

One of the problems for Green was the complete lack of pass protection he received from his offensive line. The QB had little time to throw the ball and was sacked six times in the setback.

"He was getting hit a lot and that throws you off a little," said Vermeil. "One of the interceptions he got hit when he threw the ball, therefore, he had no zing on the ball and it got picked off. Another before the half he was just trying too hard to make a play."

Green had gone four straight games and 159 consecutive pass attempts without an interception before Sunday.

One of the picks led directly to a touchdown, as Lee Evans hauled in a 29-yard TD pass from J.P. Losman just two plays after Rashad Baker intercepted a Green pass in the third quarter.

"When you're on the road and turn the ball over you don't win," said Vermeil. "There's only been four games won this year on the road playing minus football in turnovers out of 46 games. You turn the ball over on the road you're going to lose the football game."

The Chiefs are now 2-3 on the road this season and all three of those losses have been by more than a touchdown. That's something than needs to change if Kansas City wants to have a chance at catching the Broncos.

HOLMES SENT HOME; JOHNSON IN CHARGE

Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes was placed on injured reserve last week due to head and neck injuries.

Holmes suffered the injury after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from Chargers rookie Shawne Merriman during a 28-20 loss at San Diego on October 30.

For the season, Holmes had 451 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground. He has also caught 21 passes for 197 yards and an additional score.

Larry Johnson, who has taken over the running duties in Holmes' absence, has been excellent for Kansas City. Johnson has started the last two weeks and has eclipsed 100 yards rushing in both games.

Against the Bills, Johnson rushed 27 times for 132 yards, but was kept out of the end zone. It was the sixth career 100-yard day for Johnson, and the Chiefs fell to 5-1 in those games.

KING TONY

Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez had eight catches for 81 yards in Sunday's loss, and set a new team record in receiving yards.

On a 13-yard reception from Green in the third quarter, Gonzalez passed wide receiver Otis Taylor for the most receiving yards in Chiefs history. The nine- year veteran now has 7,362 career yards.

Gonzalez had a slow start to the season, but Sunday's game marked the fourth straight game in which the Pro Bowler had at least five catches and over 50 yards.

INJURIES

Offensive tackle Willie Roaf missed his second straight game Sunday with a hamstring injury.

The Chiefs reported three injuries against the Bills. Defensive end Eric Hicks sprained his left knee, defensive end Carlos Hall suffered a right thigh contusion and wideout/kick returner Dante Hall sustained a left knee contusion.

UP NEXT

The Chiefs will be on the road once again next Sunday (8:30 ET) as they battle the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Chiefs and Texans have split two all-time meetings, with the Texans earning a 24-21 win at Arrowhead Stadium in 2004 and Kansas City prevailing by a 42-14 margin in 2003.