If you were looking for the high-flying, point-per-minute shootout we usually get when Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert share a field, you probably walked away from the latest Chiefs vs Chargers score feeling a little bit stunned. Honestly, it wasn't the offensive clinic anyone predicted. Instead, it was a gritty, cold, and ultimately season-altering 16-13 victory for the Los Angeles Chargers that left the Kansas City faithful in a state of absolute shock.
The game wasn't just about the final numbers on the scoreboard. It was about the end of an era, at least for this season. When the clock hit zero at Arrowhead Stadium on December 14, 2025, the scoreboard read Chargers 16, Chiefs 13. But the real story? That's buried in the way Kansas City’s playoff hopes evaporated into the freezing Missouri air.
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Breaking Down the Chiefs vs Chargers Score
The game started exactly how you'd expect a Mahomes-led team to start. Kansas City marched down the field with a precision that made the Chargers' defense look like they were standing in quicksand. Mahomes himself capped off the opening drive with a 12-yard touchdown scramble. At that moment, with the Chiefs up 7-0, the stadium was electric. You could almost feel the "here we go again" vibe from the Chargers' sideline.
But things stalled. Fast.
The middle of the game was a slog of field goals and defensive stands. Harrison Butker did what he always does, knocking through two more field goals—one from 27 yards and a booming 47-yarder—to give the Chiefs a 13-3 lead late in the second quarter.
Then, the momentum shifted. It didn't just tip; it fell off a cliff.
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- 9:11 (Q1): Mahomes 12-yard TD run (7-0 Chiefs)
- 2:30 (Q1): Cameron Dicker 49-yard FG (7-3 Chiefs)
- 0:38 (Q2): Butker 47-yard FG (13-3 Chiefs)
- 0:05 (Q2): Herbert to KeAndre Lambert-Smith 16-yard TD (13-10 Chiefs)
That touchdown by rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith with just five seconds left in the half was a backbreaker. It cut the lead to three and gave Jim Harbaugh’s squad all the oxygen they needed to breathe in the second half.
Why This Game Was Different
Usually, when we talk about the Chiefs vs Chargers score, we’re talking about late-game heroics from #15. Not this time. The second half was a defensive masterclass by Los Angeles. They held Kansas City scoreless for the entire final 30 minutes.
Cameron Dicker "The Kicker" tied it up with a 23-yarder early in the third, and then, with about three minutes left in the quarter, he nailed a 49-yarder into the wind to put the Chargers up 16-13.
Nobody knew it then, but those were the final points of the game.
The Injury That Changed Everything
You can't talk about this score without talking about the disaster that struck late. With the Chiefs trailing by three and trying to engineer one of those classic "Mahomes Magic" drives, the worst-case scenario happened. Mahomes went down.
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It wasn't a hit. It was one of those non-contact slips on the turf that makes your stomach turn. The diagnosis came later: a torn ACL.
When backup Gardner Minshew stepped onto the field, the atmosphere in Arrowhead turned from "we can win this" to "oh no." Minshew actually moved the ball a bit, finding Travis Kelce for a few short gains, but with 20 seconds left, he threw a desperation heave that was picked off by Derwin James.
Game over. Season over.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
This 16-13 result wasn't just a regular-season loss. It was the first time since 2014 that the Kansas City Chiefs were officially eliminated from playoff contention. That's a decade of dominance stopped dead in its tracks.
The Chargers, meanwhile, moved to 10-4 and secured a season sweep of their rivals for the first time since 2013. Jim Harbaugh has turned this team into a physical, defensive unit that doesn't need 40 points to win. They just need Justin Herbert to be steady and their defense to be mean.
Key Stats From the Matchup
- Justin Herbert: 19/29, 210 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT.
- Patrick Mahomes: 16/28, 189 yards, 1 Rushing TD, 1 INT (pre-injury).
- Ground Game: The Chargers' Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal combined for 112 yards, keeping the clock moving.
- The Drought: Kansas City went 0-for-5 on third downs in the second half.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
If you're a Chiefs fan, the focus shifts entirely to the 2026 rebuild. With Mahomes facing a long recovery, the front office has to decide if they’re going to ride with a veteran bridge quarterback or look toward the draft for depth. The dynasty isn't dead, but it’s definitely in the shop for major repairs.
For the Chargers, the sky is the limit. They’ve proven they can win ugly. In the NFL, winning ugly in December is exactly how you prepare for a deep run in January. They are currently sitting in the #2 spot in the AFC West, trailing only the surging Broncos.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Injury Reports: Patrick Mahomes is targeting a Week 1 return for the 2026 season; keep an eye on his rehab milestones through the spring.
- Draft Position: Since the Chiefs finished 6-11, they'll have their highest draft pick in years. Look for them to target offensive line help or a young playmaker to take the pressure off Kelce.
- Chargers Futures: If you're into sports betting, the Chargers' defensive consistency makes them a "live" underdog in the upcoming playoff rounds.
This Chiefs vs Chargers score of 16-13 will be remembered as the night the power balance in the AFC West finally shifted. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't high-scoring, but it was undoubtedly one of the most significant games in recent memory.