Los Angeles Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats
The los angeles chargers vs kansas city chiefs match player stats from September 5, 2025, tell the story of an exciting NFL season opener in São Paulo, Brazil. The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21, starting their season with a victory. Justin Herbert delivered an outstanding passing performance, throwing three touchdown passes and recording 304 passing yards. Patrick Mahomes also made a major impact, combining 249 passing yards with 57 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
The game featured productive passing attacks, important defensive plays, and a competitive fourth quarter. Los Angeles created an advantage through its passing efficiency and ability to turn completions into touchdowns. Kansas City remained competitive through Mahomes’ mobility, Travis Kelce’s scoring contribution, and Harrison Butker’s field goals. However, the Chargers maintained their lead and finished the game six points ahead.
This statistical breakdown examines the final score, quarterback performances, rushing and receiving production, defensive contributions, kicking, and special teams. It also explains what the numbers reveal about each team’s performance, helping readers understand more than the final result alone.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The NFL matchup took place on September 5, 2025, during the league’s São Paulo international game. Both teams entered the contest with established quarterbacks and strong offensive expectations, making the opening game an important early test.
| Game Detail | Information |
| Competition | National Football League |
| Matchup | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers |
| Date | September 5, 2025 |
| Venue event | NFL São Paulo Game |
| Final score | Chargers 27, Chiefs 21 |
| Winning team | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Chargers’ record after the game | 1-0 |
| Chiefs’ record after the game | 0-1 |
| Chargers starting quarterback | Justin Herbert |
| Chiefs starting quarterback | Patrick Mahomes |
| Game status | Final |
Los Angeles finished with 27 points, while Kansas City scored 21. The six-point margin reflected a competitive contest in which both teams produced useful offensive numbers.
The difference was particularly noticeable in the passing game. Herbert threw three touchdown passes without an interception, while Mahomes threw one touchdown pass without an interception. Mahomes also scored on the ground, giving Kansas City another way to reach the end zone.
The final result shows why passing yards alone cannot explain an NFL game. Quarterback efficiency, touchdown production, red-zone execution, defensive pressure, and special teams all influence the outcome.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score Breakdown
The scoring pattern provides useful context for understanding how the Chargers secured their victory.
| Quarter | Kansas City Chiefs | Los Angeles Chargers |
| First quarter | 0 | 7 |
| Second quarter | 6 | 6 |
| Third quarter | 6 | 7 |
| Fourth quarter | 9 | 7 |
| Final score | 21 | 27 |
First Quarter: Los Angeles Establishes the Lead
The Chargers scored seven points in the opening quarter, while Kansas City failed to score. That early advantage gave Los Angeles a foundation for the remainder of the contest.
Opening-game scoring matters because it can influence offensive decisions. A team trailing early may need to take more risks, while the leading team can focus on maintaining its advantage and avoiding costly mistakes.
Second Quarter: Kansas City Gets on the Scoreboard
Both teams scored six points in the second quarter. Kansas City began to close the gap, but Los Angeles retained its lead.
The Chiefs’ ability to produce points kept the contest competitive. However, matching the opponent’s scoring output does not erase an existing deficit. Kansas City needed a stronger scoring advantage in a later quarter to move ahead.
Third Quarter: The Chargers Maintain Their Advantage
Los Angeles scored seven points in the third quarter, compared with six for Kansas City. The Chargers therefore added one point to their lead.
This period illustrates the value of sustaining offensive production after halftime. Kansas City continued to score, but it did not produce enough points to take control of the game.
Fourth Quarter: The Chiefs Push, but Los Angeles Holds On
Kansas City scored nine points in the final quarter, its highest-scoring period of the game. Los Angeles added seven.
The Chiefs’ late scoring effort reduced the distance between the teams, but the Chargers finished six points ahead. The final-quarter numbers show that Kansas City remained dangerous until the end, even though its comeback attempt did not produce a victory.
Quarterback Comparison: Justin Herbert vs. Patrick Mahomes
The quarterback matchup was one of the most important elements of the game. Both players avoided interceptions, but Herbert generated more passing yards and touchdown passes.
| Passing Statistic | Justin Herbert | Patrick Mahomes |
| Completions | 25 | 24 |
| Pass attempts | 34 | 39 |
| Completion percentage | 73.5% | 61.5% |
| Passing yards | 304 | 249 |
| Yards per attempt | 9.4 | 6.6 |
| Passing touchdowns | 3 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
| Sacks taken | 3 | 2 |
| Yards lost to sacks | 14 | 9 |
| Passer rating | 131.7 | 89.5 |
| ESPN QBR | 86.7 | 86.1 |
Completion percentages are calculated from the supplied completions and attempts. Passing figures reflect the individual quarterback statistics.
Justin Herbert’s Passing Performance
Herbert completed 25 of 34 attempts for 304 yards and three touchdowns. He did not throw an interception and finished with a passer rating of 131.7.
His completion percentage was approximately 73.5%, which was higher than Mahomes’ 61.5%. Herbert also averaged 9.4 yards per attempt, compared with Mahomes’ 6.6.
These numbers indicate that Herbert combined accuracy with substantial gains through the air. His performance was not simply about completing short passes. The yardage per attempt suggests that his completions generated considerable offensive progress.
The three touchdown passes were especially important. Passing yards help move the ball, but touchdowns directly add points. Herbert’s ability to finish passing opportunities in the end zone helped Los Angeles create the scoring advantage that ultimately decided the contest.
He was sacked three times for 14 yards. Although those losses affected the Chargers’ offensive efficiency, they did not prevent Herbert from producing a high-volume, high-efficiency passing performance.
Patrick Mahomes’ Passing and Rushing Contribution
Mahomes completed 24 of 39 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown. He recorded no interceptions and finished with an 89.5 passer rating.
His passing completion rate was lower than Herbert’s, and his average of 6.6 yards per attempt also trailed the Chargers quarterback’s figure. These differences help explain why Kansas City generated fewer passing yards despite attempting five more passes.
However, evaluating Mahomes only through passing statistics would leave out a major part of his contribution. He rushed six times for 57 yards and scored a rushing touchdown.
His 9.5 yards per carry demonstrated how effectively he could gain ground when running with the football. His longest run was 15 yards, and his rushing production provided Kansas City with an additional offensive option.
Mahomes was also sacked twice for nine yards. He avoided interceptions, but the overall passing output was less productive than Herbert’s in terms of yards per attempt and touchdown passes.
What the Quarterback Numbers Reveal
Three differences stand out:
- Passing efficiency: Herbert averaged 9.4 yards per attempt, while Mahomes averaged 6.6.
- Touchdown production: Herbert threw three touchdown passes, compared with one from Mahomes.
- Mobility: Mahomes contributed 57 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, giving Kansas City a valuable ground threat.
The supplied ESPN statistics list QBR figures of 86.7 for Herbert and 86.1 for Mahomes. These figures are close, even though Herbert led the main passing categories. QBR and passer rating use different calculations, so they should not be treated as interchangeable measures.
The overall picture is that Herbert had the stronger passing performance, while Mahomes supplied a significant portion of his team’s rushing production.
Team Offensive Statistics Comparison
The team totals provide another perspective on the result.
| Offensive Category | Kansas City Chiefs | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Passing yards | 258 | 318 |
| Rushing attempts | 17 | 25 |
| Rushing yards | 98 | 90 |
| Yards per rushing attempt | 5.8 | 3.6 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Receptions | 24 | 25 |
| Receiving yards | 258 | 318 |
| Yards per reception | 10.8 | 12.7 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 1 | 3 |
| Longest reception | 49 yards | 33 yards |
Los Angeles held the advantage in passing yards and receiving touchdowns. Kansas City, meanwhile, averaged more yards per rushing attempt and recorded a rushing touchdown.
The rushing numbers require some context. Kansas City gained 98 yards on 17 attempts, while Los Angeles gained 90 yards on 25 attempts. The Chiefs therefore gained more rushing yards on fewer attempts.
However, the Chargers’ passing production helped compensate for their lower rushing efficiency. Their 318 passing yards and three passing touchdowns gave them a strong route to victory.
One important distinction is that the team passing totals can differ from the quarterbacks’ passing-yard totals because official team statistics account for sack yardage separately. Readers should therefore avoid treating every passing figure as an identical measure.
Rushing Statistics: Chiefs vs. Chargers
The ground game played different roles for the two teams. Kansas City used its quarterback’s mobility and running backs to produce efficient gains. Los Angeles relied on a larger number of rushing attempts but received more of its offensive production through the air.
Kansas City Chiefs Rushing Stats
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Yards per Carry | Rushing TD | Longest Run |
| Patrick Mahomes | 6 | 57 | 9.5 | 1 | 15 yards |
| Isiah Pacheco | 5 | 25 | 5.0 | 0 | 10 yards |
| Kareem Hunt | 5 | 16 | 3.2 | 0 | 6 yards |
| Xavier Worthy | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | Not specified |
Mahomes led Kansas City in rushing yards. His 57 yards and touchdown were particularly valuable because they added production that did not appear in his passing totals.
Pacheco gained 25 yards on five carries, averaging five yards per attempt. Hunt added 16 yards on five attempts.
Together, the three primary contributors supplied most of the team’s listed rushing production. Kansas City’s 5.8 yards per carry as a team reflected an effective ground attack, even though the rushing volume was relatively low.
The Chiefs’ rushing success also made their offense less dependent on conventional passing plays. Mahomes’ mobility forced the defense to account for the possibility of a quarterback run, which can complicate defensive assignments.
Los Angeles Chargers Rushing Stats
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Yards per Carry | Rushing TD | Longest Run |
| Omarion Hampton | 15 | 48 | 3.2 | 0 | 11 yards |
| Justin Herbert | 7 | 32 | 4.6 | 0 | 19 yards |
| Najee Harris | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 | Not specified |
| Derius Davis | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 | Not specified |
| Tyler Conklin | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | Not specified |
Hampton recorded 48 rushing yards on 15 carries. His workload made him the Chargers’ leading listed ball carrier by attempts and rushing yards.
Herbert added 32 rushing yards, with his longest run covering 19 yards. That contribution gave the Chargers another way to gain ground when a conventional passing play was not the best option.
The remaining listed carries came from Najee Harris, Derius Davis, and Tyler Conklin. Their combined contribution was smaller, but it formed part of the team’s overall rushing total.
Los Angeles finished with 90 rushing yards and no rushing touchdowns. The Chargers did not need to dominate on the ground because their passing game supplied three touchdowns.
Rushing Comparison and Tactical Meaning
Kansas City had the more productive rushing attack by average gain and total rushing yards. Los Angeles attempted eight more rushes but finished with eight fewer yards.
The contrast highlights two different offensive patterns. Kansas City produced more yardage on a smaller number of runs, while Los Angeles combined a modest rushing game with a more productive passing attack.
Neither team’s rushing totals alone explain the result. Kansas City’s ground efficiency helped it stay competitive, but Los Angeles’ passing production provided the decisive scoring advantage.
Receiving Statistics: Leading Pass Catchers
Receiving production is particularly useful when evaluating quarterback performance. It shows which players converted targets into catches, how much yardage they generated, and which receivers contributed touchdowns.
Kansas City Chiefs Receiving Stats
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Receiving Yards | Yards per Catch | Receiving TD | Longest Reception |
| Hollywood Brown | 10 | 16 | 99 | 9.9 | 0 | 49 yards |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | 5 | 5 | 55 | 11.0 | 0 | 16 yards |
| Travis Kelce | 2 | 4 | 47 | 23.5 | 1 | 37 yards |
| Tyquan Thornton | 2 | 4 | 41 | 20.5 | 0 | 38 yards |
| Kareem Hunt | 2 | 3 | 10 | 5.0 | 0 | 6 yards |
| Noah Gray | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 | 3 yards |
| Isiah Pacheco | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 0 | 4 yards |
| Xavier Worthy | 0 | 3 | 0 | Not applicable | 0 | Not applicable |
| Jason Brownlee | 0 | 1 | 0 | Not applicable | 0 | Not applicable |
Hollywood Brown led Kansas City with 99 receiving yards and 10 receptions. He was the team’s most frequently targeted listed receiver, receiving 16 targets.
Brown’s production gave the Chiefs a reliable source of receiving yardage. His longest reception was 49 yards, the longest listed reception for either team. However, he did not score a receiving touchdown.
Kelce caught two passes for 47 yards and one touchdown. His average of 23.5 yards per reception indicates that his limited catches generated substantial yardage.
Thornton also produced an efficient receiving line, gaining 41 yards on two receptions. Smith-Schuster contributed five catches for 55 yards, converting all five of his listed targets.
The numbers suggest that Kansas City received contributions from several players rather than relying on one receiver for all of its passing production. However, the absence of a receiving touchdown from Brown, despite his team-leading yardage, shows why receiving totals and scoring impact should be assessed separately.
Los Angeles Chargers Receiving Stats
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Receiving Yards | Yards per Catch | Receiving TD | Longest Reception |
| Keenan Allen | 7 | 10 | 68 | 9.7 | 1 | 15 yards |
| Ladd McConkey | 6 | 9 | 74 | 12.3 | 0 | 23 yards |
| Quentin Johnston | 5 | 7 | 79 | 15.8 | 2 | 33 yards |
| Tyler Conklin | 2 | 2 | 50 | 25.0 | 0 | 33 yards |
| Will Dissly | 1 | 1 | 18 | 18.0 | 0 | 18 yards |
| Omarion Hampton | 2 | 2 | 13 | 6.5 | 0 | 7 yards |
| Tre’ Harris | 1 | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 0 | 11 yards |
| Najee Harris | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 | 5 yards |
| KeAndre Lambert-Smith | 0 | 1 | 0 | Not applicable | 0 | Not applicable |
Quentin Johnston led Los Angeles in receiving yards among the listed players, recording 79 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions.
Johnston’s scoring contribution was especially significant. He produced fewer catches than Allen and McConkey, but his two touchdowns gave his performance a direct impact on the scoreboard.
McConkey caught six passes for 74 yards, while Allen recorded seven catches for 68 yards and one touchdown. Their contributions helped Herbert distribute the football across multiple receiving options.
Conklin caught two passes for 50 yards, averaging 25 yards per reception. That was the highest average among the listed Chargers receivers with multiple catches.
The variety of contributors is an important feature of Los Angeles’ offensive performance. Johnston supplied the most receiving touchdowns, Allen also scored, and McConkey helped sustain the passing attack with consistent catches.
Which Receivers Made the Biggest Difference?
The receiving numbers reveal different types of impact.
- Hollywood Brown: Led Kansas City with 99 receiving yards and 10 catches.
- Travis Kelce: Scored a receiving touchdown and averaged 23.5 yards per catch.
- Quentin Johnston: Led the listed Chargers receivers with 79 yards and two touchdowns.
- Ladd McConkey: Recorded six receptions for 74 yards.
- Keenan Allen: Caught seven passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.
- Tyler Conklin: Gained 50 yards on just two receptions.
Kansas City had the receiver with the highest individual yardage total in Brown, but Los Angeles received more touchdown production from its leading pass catchers. That difference helped turn its passing advantage into a winning score.
Defensive Player Stats: Tackles, Sacks, and Pressure
Offensive statistics explain how the teams moved the ball, but defensive performance helps show how they tried to limit scoring opportunities. Both teams recorded 60 total tackles, although their pressure statistics differed.
Team Defensive Statistics
| Defensive Category | Kansas City Chiefs | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Total tackles | 60 | 60 |
| Solo tackles | 42 | 36 |
| Sacks | 3 | 2 |
| Tackles for loss | 6 | 3 |
| Passes defended | 2 | 4 |
| Quarterback hits | 4 | 8 |
| Defensive touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
Kansas City recorded more sacks and tackles for loss. The Chiefs finished with three sacks and six tackles for loss, compared with two sacks and three tackles for loss by Los Angeles.
The Chargers, however, recorded eight quarterback hits, twice Kansas City’s total of four. Quarterback hits measure contact with the passer and can indicate pressure even when a play does not end in a sack.
Los Angeles also defended four passes, compared with two for Kansas City. Neither defense recorded an interception or defensive touchdown.
These numbers suggest that Kansas City generated more negative plays in the backfield, while Los Angeles registered more quarterback hits and pass breakups. Defensive pressure can affect timing and passing decisions, but these totals alone do not establish which individual pressure directly caused a particular result.
Kansas City Defensive Leaders
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Sacks | Tackles for Loss | Passes Defended | QB Hits |
| Chamarri Conner | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nick Bolton | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Drue Tranquill | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Chamarri Conner led the listed Kansas City defenders with 10 total tackles, including seven solo tackles. His tackle count indicates that he was frequently involved in stopping offensive plays.
Nick Bolton recorded eight tackles, six of them solo. His contribution added to Kansas City’s defensive activity across the game.
Drue Tranquill recorded two sacks, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits. He accounted for two of Kansas City’s three team sacks according to the supplied player statistics.
Tranquill’s numbers stand out because sacks and tackles for loss can interrupt offensive rhythm. A sack can push an offense backward and create a longer third-down situation, while a tackle for loss can reduce the value of a rushing attempt or a pass caught behind the line of scrimmage.
Los Angeles Defensive Leaders
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Sacks | Tackles for Loss | Passes Defended | QB Hits |
| Alohi Gilman | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Daiyan Henley | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Derwin James Jr. | 7 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Alohi Gilman recorded nine tackles, making him the leading listed Chargers defender by total tackles. Daiyan Henley added eight tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hit.
Derwin James Jr. recorded seven tackles and two quarterback hits. He also registered one tackle for loss.
These contributions help explain the defensive workload behind the Chargers’ win. Kansas City still gained 258 passing yards and 98 rushing yards, so Los Angeles did not shut down the offense completely. Instead, the game ended with the Chargers allowing 21 points while producing enough pressure and defensive stops to preserve their lead.
What the Defensive Numbers Mean
Three details deserve attention.
First, Kansas City’s three sacks show that its defensive front created backfield disruption. Second, Los Angeles’ eight quarterback hits indicate repeated contact with Mahomes, even though the Chargers recorded fewer sacks. Third, neither defense generated an interception.
The lack of interceptions matters because both quarterbacks finished without a recorded pick. Neither team benefited from a takeaway through an interception, so the final difference depended more heavily on offensive execution and other defensive plays.
A balanced assessment should consider the complete picture rather than using sacks or tackles alone to declare one defense superior.
Kicking Statistics and Special Teams
Special teams can make a substantial difference in close NFL games. Field goals convert drives into points, extra points influence the scoring margin, and returns determine the starting position for the next offensive possession.
Kicking Comparison
| Kicking Statistic | Harrison Butker | Cameron Dicker |
| Field goals made | 3 | 2 |
| Field goals attempted | 3 | 2 |
| Field goal accuracy | 100% | 100% |
| Longest field goal | 59 yards | 39 yards |
| Extra points made | 0 | 3 |
| Extra points attempted | 1 | 3 |
| Total points | 9 | 9 |
Harrison Butker converted all three of his field-goal attempts and scored nine points for Kansas City. His longest successful field goal was 59 yards, demonstrating his contribution from long range.
However, the supplied statistics list one missed extra-point attempt. This is an important detail because extra points can affect the scoring difference in a close contest.
Cameron Dicker converted both field goals and all three extra-point attempts. He also scored nine points, matching Butker’s listed total despite attempting one fewer field goal.
The scoring totals show how the two kickers contributed in different ways. Butker supplied more points through field goals, while Dicker successfully converted every listed attempt.
Punting Statistics
| Punting Statistic | Matt Araiza | JK Scott |
| Punts | 3 | 2 |
| Total punt yards | 116 | 106 |
| Average punt distance | 38.7 yards | 53.0 yards |
| Longest punt | 40 yards | 56 yards |
| Touchbacks | 0 | 0 |
| Punts inside the 20 | 1 | 0 |
Matt Araiza punted three times for 116 yards, averaging 38.7 yards per punt. One of his punts landed inside the 20-yard line.
JK Scott punted twice for 106 yards and averaged 53 yards per punt. His longest punt covered 56 yards.
Scott recorded the higher average distance, but punt distance alone does not establish overall punting effectiveness. Field position, hang time, return opportunities, and the location where the ball lands also influence the value of a punt.
Kick Returns
| Team or Player | Returns | Total Yards | Average | Longest Return |
| Kansas City team | 5 | 147 | 29.4 | 37 yards |
| Brashard Smith | 2 | 63 | 31.5 | 37 yards |
| Nikko Remigio | 2 | 56 | 28.0 | 34 yards |
| Tyquan Thornton | 1 | 28 | 28.0 | 28 yards |
| Los Angeles team | 3 | 67 | 22.3 | 25 yards |
| Hassan Haskins | 3 | 67 | 22.3 | 25 yards |
Kansas City produced more total kick-return yards and averaged 29.4 yards per return. Los Angeles recorded 67 return yards at an average of 22.3 yards.
Brashard Smith led the listed Kansas City returners with 63 yards on two returns. Nikko Remigio added 56 yards, while Tyquan Thornton recorded one return for 28 yards.
Hassan Haskins handled the listed Chargers kick returns, recording 67 yards on three attempts.
The Chiefs’ stronger return numbers could help improve field position, but return yardage does not automatically translate into points. The value of each return depends on where the offense starts and how effectively it uses the next possession.
Punt Returns and Ball Security
Kansas City recorded two punt returns for seven yards, averaging 3.5 yards per return. Nikko Remigio accounted for the listed return production.
No Los Angeles punt returns were recorded in the supplied statistics.
Both teams had one fumble listed, but neither lost a fumble. Kansas City recovered its own fumble, while the Chargers’ team figures list no recovery.
Neither side recorded an interception. These figures indicate that the supplied game statistics do not show a lost-fumble or interception advantage for either team.
Ball security is important because turnovers can immediately change possession and provide the opposing offense with a scoring opportunity. In this game, the absence of recorded lost fumbles and interceptions means those categories do not explain the six-point difference.
How the Chargers Won the Game
The Los Angeles victory becomes easier to understand when the main statistical categories are considered together.
1. Herbert Produced More Passing Yards
Herbert threw for 304 yards, compared with Mahomes’ 249. He completed a higher percentage of his passes and averaged more yards per attempt.
The difference was not simply about throwing more often. Herbert attempted 34 passes, five fewer than Mahomes, but still generated 55 more passing yards.
That combination of efficiency and yardage helped the Chargers advance the ball through the air without needing a larger passing workload.
2. Los Angeles Converted Passing Production Into Touchdowns
Herbert threw three touchdown passes. Mahomes threw one.
Touchdown production is often more revealing than yardage alone. A team can accumulate passing yards without consistently finishing drives, while another can generate fewer yards but score more efficiently.
In this contest, the Chargers’ three passing touchdowns were a central part of their winning performance.
3. Kansas City’s Rushing Attack Kept the Team Competitive
The Chiefs averaged 5.8 yards per rushing attempt and recorded 98 rushing yards. Mahomes contributed 57 yards and a rushing touchdown.
This production gave Kansas City another path to move the ball. It also helped keep the offense productive despite the gap in passing efficiency.
However, the Chiefs’ rushing advantage did not fully offset Los Angeles’ advantage through the air.
4. Los Angeles Spread Its Receiving Production Across Multiple Players
Johnston, McConkey, and Allen combined for 221 receiving yards according to the supplied individual statistics. Johnston scored twice, while Allen added another receiving touchdown.
Conklin also provided 50 yards on two catches. These contributions helped prevent the Chargers’ passing attack from depending on just one receiver.
A balanced receiving distribution can make an offense harder to defend because the defense must account for multiple players who can gain meaningful yardage.
5. The Final Quarter Was Competitive
Kansas City scored nine points in the fourth quarter, while Los Angeles scored seven. The Chiefs continued to produce points late, but they did not close the remaining six-point gap.
The late scoring illustrates why a final score should be read alongside quarter-by-quarter results. Los Angeles built enough of an advantage earlier in the game to remain ahead despite Kansas City’s stronger final-quarter scoring total.
Important Statistical Context and Data Limitations
When analyzing NFL player statistics, it is important to distinguish between individual totals, team totals, and different statistical categories.
The supplied game data lists Mahomes with 249 passing yards and Kansas City with 258 team passing yards. It lists Herbert with 304 passing yards and Los Angeles with 318 team passing yards. These figures should be retained as separate reported values rather than treated as contradictory measurements of the same category.
Team passing statistics can account for sack yardage differently from individual passing statistics. That distinction is especially important when comparing quarterback production with official team totals.
Similarly, the team receiving figures and individual player receiving figures should be interpreted according to their respective statistical categories. Receiving yards do not always match a team’s net passing yards because those measurements serve different purposes.
The QBR and passer rating figures also require separate interpretation. Passer rating is calculated using completion percentage, passing yards, touchdowns, and interceptions. ESPN QBR is a different measure, so a close QBR comparison does not necessarily imply identical passing performance.
For a reliable statistical reference, readers can consult the ESPN NFL box score for this game. The game box score provides the underlying player and team categories used in this analysis.
These distinctions are useful for anyone comparing quarterbacks, preparing a match report, or evaluating an NFL game using a statistical dashboard. Accurate interpretation begins with understanding what each number measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Los Angeles Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs game on September 5, 2025?
The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21 in the NFL São Paulo Game on September 5, 2025. The victory gave Los Angeles a 1-0 record, while Kansas City began the season 0-1.
2. How many passing yards did Justin Herbert record against the Chiefs?
Justin Herbert recorded 304 passing yards on 25 completions from 34 attempts. He threw three touchdown passes without an interception and finished with a passer rating of 131.7.
3. What were Patrick Mahomes’ stats against the Chargers?
Patrick Mahomes completed 24 of 39 passes for 249 passing yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions. He also rushed six times for 57 yards and one rushing touchdown.
4. Who led the Chargers in receiving yards?
Quentin Johnston led the listed Chargers receivers with 79 receiving yards on five receptions. He also scored two receiving touchdowns, making him an important contributor to Los Angeles’ victory.
5. Who led the Chiefs in receiving yards?
Hollywood Brown led Kansas City with 99 receiving yards on 10 receptions from 16 targets. Travis Kelce added 47 yards and one receiving touchdown on two catches.
6. How did the Chargers and Chiefs compare defensively?
Both teams recorded 60 total tackles. Kansas City had three sacks and six tackles for loss, while Los Angeles recorded two sacks, three tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, and four passes defended. Neither team recorded an interception.
Conclusion
The September 5, 2025, matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs ended with a 27-21 Chargers victory. The result reflected a productive passing performance from Justin Herbert, who recorded 304 passing yards and three touchdown passes without an interception.
Patrick Mahomes also delivered a strong all-around contribution, passing for 249 yards and adding 57 rushing yards with a rushing touchdown. Kansas City was more efficient on the ground, averaging 5.8 yards per rushing attempt, but its passing production did not match the Chargers’ output.
Quentin Johnston led Los Angeles in receiving yards among the listed players and scored twice. Hollywood Brown topped Kansas City’s receiving totals with 99 yards, while Travis Kelce supplied a receiving touchdown. On defense, Kansas City recorded more sacks, but Los Angeles registered more quarterback hits and defended more passes.
The most important lesson from this game is that no single statistic explains the final result. Passing efficiency, touchdown production, rushing contributions, defensive pressure, and special teams all provide pieces of the story. Considered together, these figures explain how Los Angeles opened the season with a six-point win over a competitive Kansas City team.
