Chargers Defeat Chiefs 16-13, Ending Kansas City's Playoff Hopes Amid Mahomes' Season-Ending Injury
The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 16-13, eliminating the Chiefs from playoff contention and ending their first playoff absence since 2014. This loss halts a streak for Kansas City that featured three Super Bowl appearances and seven AFC Championship games.
Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL during the game, effectively ending his season. Surgery options are being explored. Mahomes was limited to 189 passing yards, no touchdowns, and one interception in the matchup where the Chiefs amassed 239 total yards. Da’Shawn Hand contributed to Mahomes' injury by tackling him on a scramble near midfield. Mahomes was later replaced by Gardner Minshew, who completed three consecutive passes before a critical turnover.
In the game's final moments, Derwin James intercepted a pass intended for Travis Kelce, sealing the Chargers' victory. Justin Herbert led the Chargers with 210 passing yards and a touchdown, playing through a broken left hand. With this win, the Chargers improved to a 10-4 record, completing a regular-season sweep of Kansas City and extending their streak of 10-win seasons for the first time since 2006-07.
