UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention after a narrow 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14, 2025. The game ended with Patrick Mahomes suffering a severe injury, leaving fans and players in shock.
As the clock wound down, Mahomes was visibly in distress after being taken down by Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand. The Chiefs later confirmed that Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee and is currently discussing surgical options. This news marks a devastating blow for Kansas City, who will now miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
The Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, who played through a broken left hand, mounted a second-half comeback that turned the tide of the game. With just seconds remaining, the Chiefs had a chance to tie or win. However, backup QB Gardner Minshew threw an interception to Derwin James, sealing the victory for Los Angeles and allowing them to celebrate their second consecutive 10-win season.
With the Chiefs’ playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Mahomes’ injury compounded the team’s struggles this season. With wind chills dipping near zero, it was a bitter end to a campaign that promised much but delivered little. The game started brightly for Kansas City, with Mahomes scoring a touchdown early on, but the momentum shifted dramatically as the Chargers found their rhythm.
“We know what that team has done the last eight, nine years,” James stated, reflecting on the significance of the victory at Arrowhead Stadium. “Coming into Arrowhead and getting a win means a lot for our team.” The Chargers’ defense held strong, capitalizing on mistakes in critical moments, including a costly interception late in the game.
Minshew will now lead the Chiefs in their remaining games, including a high-stakes matchup against the Denver Broncos on Christmas night. As the team faces an uphill battle to end the season on a high note, star tight end Travis Kelce was notably silent post-game, refusing to speak to reporters about the playoff exit.
As fans process the implications of Mahomes’ injury, the Chiefs are left to regroup and navigate the challenges ahead. With the season’s final three games looming, all eyes will be on how Minshew adapts to his new role as starter and whether the Chiefs can salvage some pride before the season concludes.
The Chargers, on the other hand, are riding high after their latest victory, with Coach Jim Harbaugh praising his team’s resilience. “This is a ball team. A real ball team. Love these guys,” he declared, emphasizing the camaraderie that has propelled them through a challenging season.
As the NFL landscape shifts drastically with this outcome, fans across the league will be watching closely to see how both teams navigate the remainder of the season. The implications of Mahomes’ injury will certainly resonate far beyond this game, potentially impacting the Chiefs’ future for years to come.
