URGENT UPDATE: In a heart-stopping showdown, the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 16-13 on December 14, 2025, eliminating the Chiefs from playoff contention. The game ended on a devastating note for Kansas City as star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a serious injury, leaving fans and teammates in shock.
As the seconds ticked away, Mahomes was injured while attempting to evade a tackle from Chargers’ defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand. The two-time MVP was seen being assisted off the field, a white towel draped over his head, highlighting the gravity of the situation. An MRI confirmed later that Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee, prompting the Chiefs to explore surgical options.
In a dramatic turn of events, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew took the helm after Mahomes’ exit. With just 20 seconds remaining, Minshew threw an interception to Derwin James, sealing the Chargers’ victory and their second consecutive 10-win season. This win underscores the Chargers’ dominance over their division rivals, as they secured a perfect 5-0 record within the division.
The Chiefs, facing a wave of injuries, entered the game knowing that defeat would end their playoff hopes for the first time since 2014. They initially took control with Mahomes scoring a touchdown on their opening drive and leading 13-3 at halftime. However, the Chargers responded with a fierce second-half rally, including a pivotal field goal by Cameron Dicker that shifted momentum.
Minshew’s brief but impactful performance gave Chiefs fans a glimmer of hope, but the interception dashed any chances for a comeback. With Mahomes sidelined for the remainder of the season, Minshew will lead the Chiefs in their final three games, including a high-stakes matchup against the Denver Broncos on Christmas night.
The emotional fallout is palpable, especially among players like Travis Kelce, who was visibly upset and declined to speak to reporters post-game. This loss marks a stark contrast to the Chiefs’ recent playoff successes, leaving the team and its fans grappling with the reality of a postseason absence.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed his pride in his team’s performance, calling them a “real ball team” and highlighting the significance of their victory at Arrowhead Stadium. Fans can expect to see how the Chiefs adapt to this sudden shift in leadership and strategy as they brace for an uncertain future without their star quarterback.
Stay tuned for more breaking updates on this developing story as the impact of Mahomes’ injury reverberates across the league.
