Chargers Defense pounds Chiefs as Bolts improve to 10-4

Here’s a full recap of Chargers vs. Chiefs game (Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season)

The Chargers beat the Chiefs 16–13 and delivered another huge defensive performance that dismantled Kansas City’s post season hopes.

Chargers 16, Chiefs 13 — Final (Week 15)

Final Score & Impact

• Chargers: 16
• Chiefs: 13
  Los Angeles earned the road win at Arrowhead Stadium, dealt a huge blow to Kansas City’s playoff chances, and continued their strong season — improving to 10–4 on the year.

Game Flow & Key Moments

First Quarter — Chiefs Strike First

• Patrick Mahomes opened the scoring with a 12-yard rushing touchdown after escaping pressure and taking it himself, giving KC a 7–0 lead.
• Chargers responded with a 49-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker to keep it close.

Second Quarter — Back-and-Forth

• Kansas City kicked two field goals, extending the lead to 13–3.
• Just before halftime, Justin Herbert connected with KeAndre Lambert-Smith for a 16-yard touchdown, trimming it to 13–10 going into the break.

Third Quarter — Chargers Take Control

• Los Angeles tied the game with a 23-yard Cameron Dicker field goal early in the second half.
• Dicker the kicker added a 49-yard field goal later to put the Chargers up 16–13, the eventual winning margin.

Fourth Quarter — Defensive Stands & Turnovers

• KC threatened late, but Mahomes was sacked at key moments, forcing stalled drives. The Chargers’ defense stepped up in those crucial spots with pressure and tight coverage.
• A big defensive play — an interception by Chargers DB Derwin James — sealed the win in the final seconds when backup Gardner Minshew tried to tie it late.

Chargers Defense — What They Did Well

The Chargers’ defense was the real story:

Pressure on Patrick Mahomes

• Los Angeles consistently got heat on Mahomes, forcing hurried throws and limiting big plays. Multiple sacks and very timely pressure disrupted the Chiefs’ rhythm.

Turnovers & Game-Changing Stops

• Critical interception by Derwin James late in the game killed the Chiefs’ final chance.

Forced Key Third-Down Stops

• Chargers defenders won battles in short-yardage and long-yardage situations, making Kansas City punt and settling for field goals rather than touchdowns.

Chiefs Struggles

• Kansas City led 13–3 at halftime but could never capitalize on that advantage.
• QB Patrick Mahomes suffered a knee injury late and had to exit the game — a devastating blow that helped stop KC’s comeback hopes.
• Backup QB Gardner Minshew threw the game-ending interception after entering due to the Mahomes injury.

The Bigger Picture

• This loss officially eliminates the Chiefs from playoff contention — their first season ending without a playoff berth since 2014.
• The Chargers defense bent but rarely broke, and their offense delivered when it mattered most — especially in the second half.

Standout Performers

Chargers

• Justin Herbert: Distributed the ball efficiently and led the second-half comeback.
• Cameron Dicker: 3 crucial field goals including the go-ahead points.
• Derwin James: Game-closing INT.

Chiefs

• Patrick Mahomes: Early touchdown run, but was limited later and exited with injury.

Summary

The Chargers delivered a gritty, well-executed road win:

• Came back from a halftime deficit.
• Defense consistently pressured and forced mistakes.
• Special teams and clutch plays — especially field goals and turnovers — sealed the game.

What a great pass!!! Jesus Christ!!! https://t.co/xLy3TtsMgo

— Los Angeles Chargers Info (@ChargersFanChat) December 14, 2025