The Kansas City Chiefs faced the Los Angeles Chargers on September 5th in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. Here are takeaways and highlights from the game.
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Final Score: Chiefs 21, Chargers 27
Going into the game, several questions needed to be asked. The main one was about the condition of the field. Based on last season’s game in Brazil, fans wondered if the issues that plagued the Eagles and Packers would surface this time around. Anyone watching the game would say that particular problem was put to rest.
Another question would be how the Chiefs would play in light of their loss in the Super Bowl to the Eagles. They got off to a slow start, which appears to be the new norm at times over the last few seasons. Their defense performed slightly better than Patrick Mahomes and the offense, but they still struggled to contain the Chargers’ offense. Losing Xavier Worthy in the first quarter to friendly fire did not help the Chiefs’ offense.
The Chargers had a few injuries before the season began. They also have a history of losing to the Chiefs, in which they have lost the last seven consecutive games. Despite the losses, the games have been close. All eyes were going to be on Justin Herbert to see if he could make some magic happen for his team.
The game gave viewers what they were looking for, especially if they were not rooting for the Chiefs. When comparing teams, it appeared the Chargers were more prepared and had a plan. Though the Chiefs made some great plays on both sides of the ball, the Chargers appeared to be in charge throughout the game. It came down to the last minutes of the game after the Chiefs made it a one-possession game with less than three minutes left in the 4th quarter. The Chargers were able to hold on for the victory.
Highlights
daiyan henley. relentless.
📺 | @youtube pic.twitter.com/vkY7x5QQhb
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 6, 2025
Chiefs magic is so devilish even the camera man had to look awaypic.twitter.com/A45CO3EbOB
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 6, 2025
that’s our quarterback
📺 | @youtube pic.twitter.com/Kv36yOljqY
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 6, 2025
Looking Forward
The Chargers and their fans can take comfort in this win. They did not make any blunderous mistakes to cost them the game. Herbert had plenty of time in the pocket at times, more than in previous seasons. They might have a chance to take on the Chiefs for the AFC West and have a shot at the postseason. The Chiefs will need to watch film to ensure that they are better equipped to handle teams on both sides of the ball. Hollywood Brown was the target for Mahomes quite a few times, and with Worthy being out and Rashee Rice suspended, he might be the new go-to guy for a while.
Going into the game, the Chargers treated it as if it were just another game. No worries about their opponent or the location of the arena. They need to take what they did today and apply it to the remaining games. Their next two games are against the remaining AFC West teams. After that, wins and losses will be a roll of the dice. However, if Herbert continues to play as he did against the Chiefs, the season looks good. If they don’t Charger it.
The Chiefs need to focus on their pass rush. Chris Jones was able to do what he does best, but other players such as George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, and Mike Danna were virtually non-existent. They also need to work on their uncharacteristic mistakes, which resulted in 10 penalties total for 71 total yards. Jawaan Taylor needs to go back to school to learn not to be offside.
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