Week 15’s opening game had profound postseason implications and could be the cornerstone in defining the AFC West champion. Despite struggling too much, the Chiefs defeated the Chargers by a score of 34-28 and they took an important step towards the playoffs.
At the start of the match, Kansas City gave signs that they would take the commitment. After a 75-yard kickback return that the Chargers squandered on the touchdown gates, Patrick Mahomes (31 of 47, 410 yards, three touchdowns, one interception) put together a 95-yard offensive drive capped by Michael Burton with a seven-yard carry.
After an interception to Justin Herbert (22 of 38, 236 yards, two touchdowns, one interception), the Chiefs increased the difference with a Harrison Butker field goal (30 yards).
What no one expected is that Los Angeles, who wasted two visits to the red zone with failed fourth-down conversion attempts, would take the lead at halftime with two. touchdowns resulting from a running touchdown by Herbert and reception by Jalen Guyton in the end zone.
Second half
In the third quarter only Kansas City could make a difference and his first attack of the complementary part was successfully concluded (33-yard field goal). That decrease in the pace of play only served to give way to a frenzied fourth period.
After a couple of exchanges of possession on both sides, the Chargers opened hostilities with a touchdown carry by Austin Ekeler that came a play after an interception to Mahomes.
A sense of urgency blossomed in Travis Kelce, who became the Chiefs’ big man down the stretch of the game. The stellar TE laid the foundations for the tie with a 69-yard reception that, subsequently, Tyreek Hill capitalized on a six-point catch. The tie came with a two-unit conversion scored by Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
The Chargers seemed to take the definitive lead with an attack that consumed 5:25 minutes and culminated in Herbert’s second shipment to the end zone (Keenan Allen reception).
With just over two minutes available, the Chiefs showed their best version and forced overtime with Kelce’s first touchdown of the night. Despite the efforts of both clubs to finish the match in the 60 regulation minutes, overtime was necessary to define the winner.
Extra time
Kelce’s score tipped the balance in favor of Kansas City, who won the toss. With the ball in possession, it took Mahomes just five plays to go 75 yards and clinch the Chiefs’ 10th win of the year with a 34-yard touchdown from Travis Kelce.
