Chargers Defeat Chiefs in NFL Season Opener
The Los Angeles Chargers kicked off the 2025 NFL season with a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, winning 27-21 in São Paulo, Brazil. This marked an end to the Chiefs’ seven-game winning streak against their AFC West rivals.
Justin Herbert and the Chargers delivered a strong performance, especially with the Chiefs’ offense hindered by injuries. Star tight end Travis Kelce faced a shoulder injury during the game which limited his contributions. Coach Andy Reid mentioned he had adjusted his game plan to account for emerging second-year players in the squad.
Without Kelce’s dynamic presence, the Chiefs struggled initially, allowing the Chargers to start strong from the get-go. The Chargers quickly took control, going 7-0 in the fourth quarter due to a seven-play touchdown drive finished by a five-yard pass from Herbert to Quentin Johnston. Cameron Dicker added another field goal to give the Chargers a 10-0 lead, while the Chiefs struggled, punting on their first three drives.
The score remained tight, with both teams exchanging field goals in the second quarter. A notable highlight was Harrison Butker’s impressive 59-yard field goal. The Chiefs started to find their rhythm later, with Patrick Mahomes directing an 80-yard drive that concluded with their first touchdown of the season.
The Chargers responded effectively, as Herbert orchestrated a lengthy drive that ended with a touchdown from Keenan Allen, due to his prior tenure with Los Angeles this offseason. By then, the score sat at 20-12.
In a thrilling fourth quarter, Travis Kelce secured a 37-yard touchdown catch, bringing the score to 20-18, but a failed two-point conversion kept them trailing. Despite the Chiefs gaining momentum, the Chargers answered back when Herbert found Johnston again, widening the gap to 27-18.
Though Mahomes made a significant push with a 49-yard pass to Marquise Brown, ending in the red zone, the Chiefs had to settle for field goals. In a critical moment, Herbert made a notable 19-yard scramble on a third-and-14, helping to secure the Chargers’ triumph.
Herbert’s statistics were impressive, completing 34 out of 25 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns. Johnston recorded 79 yards over five catches, while Rudd McConkey had six receptions for 74 yards. Keenan Allen also contributed with seven catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.
On the Chiefs’ side, Mahomes managed 258 passing yards and one touchdown, along with 57 rushing yards. Brown was the top receiver for the Chiefs with 10 catches totaling 99 yards, while Kelce’s contributions were minimal.
