The Kansas City Chiefs have been eliminated from the NFL play-offs for the first time since 2014, after a 20-17 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers. The loss was compounded by a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was hurt late in the fourth quarter.
Mahomes was attempting to rally the Chiefs when he was spun to the ground by defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand, leaving the two-time MVP clutching his left knee. After being helped to the locker room, it was confirmed that Mahomes had torn his ACL, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery. “I will be back stronger than ever,” Mahomes wrote on social media, thanking fans for their support.
With Mahomes sidelined, backup Gardner Minshew took over and drove the Chiefs into Chargers territory, but his pass for Travis Kelce was intercepted by Derwin James with 20 seconds left, sealing the victory for Los Angeles. The Chargers (10-4) completed a rare season sweep of Kansas City, ensuring consecutive 10-win campaigns for the first time since 2006-07.
The Chiefs (6-8), who have won three Super Bowls and reached seven consecutive AFC Championship Games during their play-off streak, managed only 239 total yards. Meanwhile, in other action, Jason Myers kicked a franchise-record six field goals to lift the Seattle Seahawks past the Indianapolis Colts, and Josh Allen threw three touchdown passes as the Buffalo Bills rallied from a 21-point deficit to beat the New England Patriots.
