UPDATE: The Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff hopes have been dashed after a crushing 16-13 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14, 2025, which also saw star quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustain a serious knee injury. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Mahomes was helped off the field after he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the second half, confirmed by an MRI later that day.
The loss marks a significant shift for the Chiefs, who face the grim reality of watching the playoffs from home for the first time since 2014. The game was a fierce rivalry, played in the freezing temperatures of Arrowhead Stadium, with wind chills nearing zero. The defeat came despite a strong opening drive where Mahomes darted in for a touchdown, giving Kansas City a brief lead.
The Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, who played through a broken left hand, rallied back impressively. Herbert’s leadership, alongside a key interception by Derwin James, ultimately sealed the victory for Los Angeles, allowing them to celebrate a second consecutive season with 10 wins.
As the game wound down, Mahomes was making a desperate play to avoid a sack when he was spun to the ground by defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand. The injury occurred just as the Chiefs were attempting a last-minute comeback. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew took over, throwing three consecutive passes that gave the Chiefs a glimmer of hope, but ultimately his interception to James ended any chance of a last-minute win.
In an emotional statement, the Chiefs confirmed, “An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today’s game. Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options.” Minshew will now lead the team for the remaining three games of the season, including a key matchup against the Denver Broncos on Christmas night.
The defeat is a significant blow for the Chiefs, who have been a dominant force in the NFL over the past decade. Star tight end Travis Kelce was notably silent after the game, refusing to speak with reporters, reflecting the weight of the loss on the team.
“Coming into Arrowhead Stadium and getting a win means a lot for our team,” James said after the victory, highlighting the significance of the win against their long-time rivals. Coach Jim Harbaugh praised his team’s resilience, stating, “It’s a ball team. A real ball team. Love these guys.”
As the Chargers celebrate their victory, the Chiefs must now regroup and prepare for a challenging end to their season, while fans and analysts alike process the implications of Mahomes’ injury on the franchise’s future. The immediate next steps involve evaluating Mahomes’ condition and preparing for an uncertain offseason.
Stay tuned for further updates on Mahomes’ recovery and the Chiefs’ upcoming games.