Chiefs grades: KC loses, playoffs go ‘poof’ & Mahomes is hurt. Could it be worse?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs loss to Chargers ends playoff hopes as Mahomes exits with leg injury.
- Defense kept game close but offense failed with fourth-quarter turnovers.
- Injuries and thin offensive line depth forced backups into key roles in loss.
It’s a trend. The Chiefs’ defense did enough to keep the game close. The offense couldn’t come through when it needed to.
And to make matters worse, Patrick Mahomes left the field with assistance in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. He suffered a season-ending ACL tear.
The result: a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that ends the Chiefs’ hopes of making the NFL playoffs. The Chargers became the first AFC West to sweep the Chiefs (6-8) since the Denver Broncos in 2014.
Here’s our weekly analysis and grades for the Chiefs:
KANSAS CITY STAR OF THE GAME
Linebacker Drue Tranquill led the Chiefs with 14 tackles, and he was a big part of the Chiefs’ best defensive play, knocking Justin Herbert’s arm. The wobbly ball turned into an interception.
Next: The Chiefs visit the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 21. Kickoff is noon, and the game will be broadcast by CBS (Channel 5 in Kansas City)
REPORT CARD
Passing offense: F
A pair of fourth-quarter interceptions, one by Mahomes and another by reserve Gardner Minshew, sealed the deal.
When it seemed like the Chiefs had tipped the game back in their favor and were driving, down 16-13, Mahomes threw a jump-ball for Kareem Hunt that was intercepted at the Chargers’ 1.
At worst, it had looked like the Chiefs could kick a field goal and tie the game. But it was tough going for Mahomes and the KC wide receivers all day long.
Receiver Rashee Rice took several hard hits and Tyquan Thornton was leveled by L.A.’s Tony Jefferson after a 31-yard grab. A scuffle ensued and Jefferson was ejected.
For the Chiefs, offensive line health again played a role. Jaylen Moore left the game before halftime. He was replaced by Chukwuebuka Godrick, who made his NFL debut.
The Chiefs played most of the game with three offensive linemen who weren’t drafted: Godrick, tackle Esa Pole and guard Mike Caliendo.
Rushing offense: D
Tough going against one of the league’s top defenses. Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith were bottled up. The running backs gained 34 yards on 19 attempts.
Still, Hunt remains money on short-yardage situations, picking up a pair of first downs on third down on the Chiefs’ final possession. The only play of note on the ground came from Mahomes on his 12-yard touchdown run.
Passing defense: B
Many good things happened on the Chiefs’ second-quarter interception. Safety Mike Edwards came untouched on a blitz and forced Chargers QB Justin Herbert up in the pocket, where linebacker Tranquill hit Herbert’s arm.
The ball fluttered into the hands of end Ashton Gillotte, who had dropped back in coverage. The Chiefs turned that good fortune into a field goal.
But play was stopped on three consecutive snaps for an injury to a Chiefs defensive player: Nick Bolton, Chris Jones and Jaylen Watson. Bolton quickly returned to the game, however.
Rushing defense: C
The Chargers faced a fourth-and-1 at midfield and the Chiefs called a timeout. Jones lined up so offsides that the side judge had his hand on the flag in his pocket before the snap. But the defense held and eventually forced a punt.
Omarion Hampton was the better of the Chargers’ two-headed running back approach alongside Kimani Vidal. L.A. got what it needed in its ground game.
Special teams: C
The Chiefs have covered kickoffs well this season. But on their final kick of the first half, when they needed to keep the Chargers from getting a head of steam, they failed.
KC allowed KeAndre Lambert-Smith to reach the 40. Herbert led L.A. on a touchdown drive in the final 33 seconds to narrow the halftime deficit to three points, at 13-10.
This story was originally published December 14, 2025 at 3:36 PM.