The recent Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats game was a close and thrilling battle between two AFC West rivals. Played on December 8, 2024, the game took place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and ended with a nail-biting Chiefs victory (19–17), thanks to a last-second field goal. Both teams came in with high stakes—Kansas City aiming to lock up the division and the Chargers fighting for playoff relevance. From start to finish, the game was competitive, defensive, and full of crucial moments.
The match wasn’t just a contest of quarterbacks—it was a chess game involving coaching decisions, time management, and key defensive stops. Kansas City managed to control time of possession while Los Angeles had better second-half momentum. Still, the Chiefs’ consistency and Matthew Wright’s perfect kicking performance helped secure the win. Let’s take a look at the complete breakdown of Chargers vs Chiefs match player stats, beginning with a snapshot of the team metrics.
Table of Contents
Game Summary
| Category | Los Angeles Chargers | Kansas City Chiefs |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 17 | 19 |
| Passing Yards | 213 | 210 |
| Rushing Yards | 87 | 71 |
| Total Yards | 300 | 308 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 28:10 | 31:50 |
| Field Goals Made | 1 | 4 |
Chargers vs Chiefs Player Stats – Quarterbacks
When it comes to Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats, the quarterbacks are always the center of attention—and this game was no different. Justin Herbert for the Chargers and Patrick Mahomes for the Chiefs both delivered efficient performances under pressure. Herbert completed 21 of 30 passes for 213 yards, 1 touchdown, and no interceptions. He kept his throws sharp, played smart football, and connected well with his wideouts in the second half, particularly on crucial third downs.
On the other side, Mahomes was surgical, completing 24 of 37 passes for 210 yards and 1 touchdown. He didn’t turn the ball over and helped guide the Chiefs downfield repeatedly, even if they couldn’t finish many drives with touchdowns. His decision-making, poise in the pocket, and short-yardage accuracy helped the Chiefs keep drives alive and maintain control. While it wasn’t a game filled with long bombs or highlight-reel throws, both quarterbacks managed the game intelligently and stayed mistake-free.
Rushing & Receiving Stats – Chargers vs Chiefs Breakdown
Running the ball was a challenge for both teams, but there were a few bright spots worth mentioning. Gus Edwards led the Chargers’ backfield with 10 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown, while Kimani Vidal chipped in with 8 carries for 34 yards. Although they didn’t break out any long runs, they played a key role in short-yardage conversions and goal-line success. The Chargers’ ground game wasn’t explosive, but it helped balance their offense.
The Chiefs’ rushing attack was slightly more productive overall. Isiah Pacheco rushed 14 times for 55 yards, showing his usual physical running style and breaking tackles along the way. Kareem Hunt added a few solid carries, though he stayed under 20 yards. In the air, the Chargers got big gains from Joshua Palmer (6 receptions, 78 yards), while Quentin Johnston grabbed 5 balls for 48 yards and a touchdown. For the Chiefs, Travis Kelce led with 5 catches for 45 yards, while DeAndre Hopkins contributed 32 yards and the lone receiving touchdown for Kansas City.
Defensive & Special Teams Stats – Chargers vs Chiefs
The Chargers defense played with heart, especially in the second half. Daiyan Henley stood out with 8 tackles, constantly showing up near the ball. While the Chargers didn’t rack up many sacks, they did apply consistent pressure that forced Mahomes to play it safe. One of the key defensive moments was a forced fumble, which the Chargers nearly turned into points. Their defense also held Kansas City to field goals on several red-zone trips, which kept the game within reach.
Kansas City’s defense did its part as well. Players like Chris Jones and Trent McDuffie disrupted the Chargers’ passing game and made sure Herbert couldn’t get into a rhythm early. On special teams, Matthew Wright was flawless, making all 4 field goal attempts, including the game-winner from 31 yards. This clean special teams performance ultimately made the difference. The Chargers kicker hit one field goal but also missed an opportunity late in the first half.
Key Plays & Momentum Shifts – Chargers vs Chiefs Match
In a close game like this, a few moments made all the difference. The first major momentum shift came late in the second quarter when Kansas City converted a third-and-11 and then scored their only touchdown of the game—a pass from Mahomes to DeAndre Hopkins. That gave the Chiefs a 13–0 lead. The Chargers came roaring back in the third quarter, scoring 14 points, including a touchdown drive capped by Quentin Johnston’s catch.
One of the most important sequences came in the final minutes. With the game tied 17–17, Mahomes led a two-minute drill down the field with short completions and a key third-down conversion. The drive ended with Matthew Wright’s 31-yard field goal as time expired. That kick secured the Chiefs’ win and highlighted Kansas City’s excellent clock management and calm under pressure. The Chargers had a late fumble recovery opportunity but failed to capitalize.
Historical Context & Head-to-Head Stats
This wasn’t the first time these teams played in the 2024 season. In fact, the Chiefs also won the earlier matchup, 17–10, making this a season sweep for Kansas City. Historically, the Chiefs have had the upper hand in this rivalry in recent years, especially since Mahomes became the starter. They’ve now won 5 straight matchups against the Chargers, many of which were close games decided in the final minutes.
Looking deeper, the Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs player stats over the last few seasons show a pattern: Mahomes usually throws for over 200 yards with 1–2 touchdowns, while the Chargers struggle to finish drives. However, games between these two are rarely blowouts. The rivalry remains one of the most exciting in the AFC, with high tension, strong quarterback play, and late-game heroics becoming a common theme.
Player Highlights & Advanced Metrics
A few players deserve special recognition based on advanced stats and clutch performance. Patrick Mahomes had a QBR of 88.8, avoiding mistakes and moving the chains consistently. His ability to extend plays and complete throws under pressure showed up in multiple third-down conversions. Justin Herbert had a slightly lower QBR, but his third-quarter surge was vital in getting the Chargers back into the game.
Travis Kelce, while not explosive, was reliable with a 100% catch rate on 5 targets. Matthew Wright, the kicker, was arguably the most valuable player, going 4-for-4 and scoring over 60% of the team’s points. On defense, the Chiefs recorded 2 sacks and 6 pressures, and the Chargers had 1 forced fumble. These little details add up, and when you review the full stat sheet, it’s clear how tightly matched the teams were.
FAQs on Chargers vs Chiefs Player Stats
Q1: Who had the most passing yards in the Chargers vs Chiefs game?
Justin Herbert led with 213 yards, slightly more than Mahomes’ 210 yards. Both played efficient football with no interceptions.
Q2: Which running back had the best performance?
Isiah Pacheco led with 55 rushing yards for the Chiefs. Gus Edwards followed for the Chargers with 36 yards and a touchdown.
Q3: Who scored the only receiving touchdown for the Chiefs?
DeAndre Hopkins caught the lone touchdown from Mahomes during the second quarter, giving the Chiefs early control.
Q4: Was special teams important in this match?
Yes. Matthew Wright scored 13 of the Chiefs’ 19 points with 4 made field goals, including the game-winner.
Q5: Did this game affect the playoff race?
Yes. This win helped the Chiefs secure the AFC West, while the Chargers now need help to keep playoff hopes alive.
Conclusion & What These Player Stats Mean
The Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats tell a story of two teams that were evenly matched in talent, but Kansas City had better execution in the key moments. With Mahomes’ steady hand and Wright’s perfect kicking, the Chiefs edged out another close win. While the Chargers showed resilience and spark in the second half, their inability to capitalize on scoring chances cost them the game.
This game adds another chapter to a rivalry filled with drama. The stats show that both teams are playoff-caliber, but the Chiefs once again proved they can close games under pressure. As we move toward the postseason, both teams will take lessons from this matchup—one with confidence and the other with questions to answer.
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