UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs have been eliminated from playoff contention following a heartbreaking 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14, 2025. The defeat was compounded by a severe injury to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who left the field with a torn ACL.
As the game unfolded at Arrowhead Stadium, Mahomes was seen being helped off the field, a white towel draped over his head, after a brutal hit from Chargers’ defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand. An MRI later confirmed the devastating injury, prompting the Chiefs to explore surgical options for their two-time MVP quarterback.
In a nail-biting finish, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew took over for Mahomes, completing three consecutive passes to give fans a glimmer of hope. However, with just 20 seconds remaining, Minshew’s pass intended for Travis Kelce was intercepted by Derwin James, sealing the Chargers’ victory and marking a historic low for the Chiefs, who will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
The Chargers, led by a gritty performance from quarterback Justin Herbert, who played with a broken left hand, rallied from a 10-point deficit. Herbert’s leadership was pivotal as he orchestrated a second-half comeback, showcasing the Chargers’ resilience and playoff potential.
“It’s a ball team. This is a ball team,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh exclaimed post-game, reflecting on the significance of the win against one of their biggest rivals. “Coming into Arrowhead Stadium and getting a win means a lot for our team.”
The Chiefs started strong, with Mahomes scoring a touchdown on their opening drive and extending their lead to 13-3 by halftime. However, the Chargers answered back decisively, tying the game and eventually taking the lead with a 49-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker in the final quarter.
With Mahomes sidelined, Minshew will lead the Chiefs through the final three games of the season, including a crucial primetime matchup against the Denver Broncos on Christmas Night. The Chiefs are now left to regroup and reassess their strategy for the remainder of the season as they face an uphill battle without their star quarterback.
In a season filled with ups and downs, this loss marks a significant turning point for the Chiefs. As fans digest the implications of Mahomes’ injury and the end of their playoff ambitions, attention will now shift to how the team can rally together in the face of adversity.
The Chiefs must now focus on healing and rebuilding, while the Chargers celebrate a hard-fought victory and their continued path towards the playoffs. This game will be remembered not just for the score, but for the impact it has on both teams moving forward.
