Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) – Los Angeles Chargers (8-5) : 19-17
On paper, the Chiefs reign supreme in the AFC West division, which they have just won for the ninth time in a row with this success over the Chargers. But in reality, each game feels like a survival mission for Patrick Mahomes and his team.
This time, Kansas City had to eat up the clock as much as possible on its last possession so that Matthew Wright ended up scoring the winning field goal at the last second. And even that wasn't easy! When the kicker was 31 yards from the target, his shot hit the post before returning inside.
The muzzled Chargers
However, everything started in an ideal way for the double reigning champions. A field goal on the first series of the match (3-0), but above all an iron defense, which forced Justin Herbert and company to punt on their first five possessions!
So even without being terribly effective, the Chiefs were able to break away, thanks to another kick, then a touchdown from DeAndre Hopkins. Enough to lead 13-0 at halftime.
The Chiefs are playing to scare each other
Except that upon returning from the locker room, Jim Harbaugh's men decided to get their hands on the ball. Deprived of JK Dobbins and Ladd McConkey, both injured, they put the ball in the hands of Gus Edwards (10 races, 36 yards, 1 TD) and Kimani Vidal (8 races, 34 yards). And it's the first to score at the end of a possession of almost eight minutes (13-7)!
Patrick Mahomes is harassed almost constantly. He takes 3 sacks and is under pressure on 38.1% of his pass attempts. DJ Humphries allows two sacks before going out with a hamstring injury.
And now Quentin Johnston catches a touchdown thrown by Herbert! Los Angeles goes back in front (13-14). The Chiefs respond on foot (16-14), but the Chargers keep the ball for 8 minutes and 29 seconds to regain the advantage (16-17)!
There are 4 minutes and 35 seconds left. Los Angeles will never see the ball again… While they were on the verge of collapse, the Chiefs found the strength to survive once again. With some runs from Isiah Pacheco. A decisive reception from Travis Kelce after a Mahomes fumble. And their tenth victory of the year (in ten times!) in a match decided by less than one possession.
The Chiefs continue to fail to impress, but they continue to reign.
