Chargers eliminate Chiefs in Week 15 of the 2025 NFL with a 16–13 win

Chargers deliver a statement win at Arrowhead

The Los Angeles Chargers delivered one of the biggest shocks of the 2025 NFL season, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 16–13 in Week 15 at Arrowhead Stadium in a game with massive implications for both franchises.

The win not only keeps the Chargers’ late-season hopes alive, but also officially eliminates the Chiefs from playoff contention, an outcome few would have predicted at the start of the year.

A tight battle decided by small margins

It was a low-scoring, physical contest in which both defenses controlled long stretches of the game. The Chargers proved more efficient when it mattered most, managing the clock effectively and capitalizing on key moments, particularly in the second half.

Kansas City attempted a late push in the fourth quarter, but the Chargers’ defense stood firm, generating pressure and making timely stops to prevent any comeback.

A nightmare night for Kansas City: Mahomes injured

The defining moment of the game — and arguably the Chiefs’ season — came when Patrick Mahomes was forced to leave the field after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

It was later confirmed that the star quarterback will miss the remainder of the 2025 season, a devastating blow for Kansas City and the league as a whole. Without their offensive leader, the Chiefs struggled to find rhythm or answers down the stretch.

Chiefs miss the playoffs for the first time in years

With the loss, the Chiefs are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, signaling the end of a recent era of dominance in the AFC. Injuries, inconsistency, and now Mahomes absence ultimately defined a turbulent season for Kansas City.

Chargers look ahead with confidence

For the Chargers, this victory means far more than a divisional win. Winning at Arrowhead, eliminating a direct rival, and doing so under high-pressure circumstances sends a clear message heading into the final weeks of the season.

With a strong defensive performance and a composed offensive approach, Los Angeles has shown they are ready to compete when it matters most.