URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the Los Angeles Chargers have eliminated the Kansas City Chiefs from playoff contention with a dramatic 16-13 victory on December 14, 2025. The game ended in heartbreak for Chiefs fans as star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a serious injury, confirmed later to be a torn ACL.
The final moments at Arrowhead Stadium were filled with tension. Mahomes, who had been leading the charge for Kansas City, was injured while attempting to throw the ball away. He was violently spun to the ground by Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand, clutching his left knee as he was assisted off the field. An MRI confirmed the worst fears: Mahomes will require surgery to address the torn ACL, leaving the Chiefs’ season hanging by a thread.
Despite the frigid conditions with wind chills near zero, the Chiefs initially took control, with Mahomes scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. However, the Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, rallied in the second half after trailing 13-3 at halftime. Herbert, playing through his own injury, demonstrated resilience. He orchestrated a comeback that culminated in a decisive interception by Derwin James against backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, sealing the game and their playoff fate.
“It’s a ball team,” said Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh in a post-game interview. “We’re 5-0 in our division, and coming into Arrowhead to get a win means a lot.” James echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of their victory against a historically dominant Chiefs team.
As the dust settled, the Chiefs’ playoff hopes were extinguished for the first time since 2014. Travis Kelce, visibly upset, declined to comment on the outcome, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment. Minshew will step in as the starting quarterback for the remaining three games of the season, beginning with a Christmas night showdown against the Denver Broncos.
The impact of Mahomes’ injury is profound. The Chiefs, who had relied heavily on their MVP quarterback, must now navigate the final stretch of the season without him. Fans and analysts alike are left questioning how the team will adapt to this unexpected turn of events.
As the NFL landscape shifts, all eyes will be on how the Chiefs adjust and whether they can salvage their season without their star player. The Chargers, meanwhile, celebrate a significant achievement, securing a second consecutive 10-win season and solidifying their position in the playoffs.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
