NFL's Chiefs outplayed by Chargers in thrilling Brazil extravaganza

In a closely contested battle, the Los Angeles Chargers emerged victorious against the Kansas City Chiefs at the 49,000-seat Corinthians Arena. Justin Herbert, the Chargers' quarterback, showcased his skills, throwing for 318 yards and three touchdowns in the game.

The first quarter was a struggle for the Chiefs' offense, managing only 33 total yards with three punts and two first downs. However, Patrick Mahomes led a 16-play 49-yard drive that ended in a Harrison Butker 35-yard field goal, bringing the score to 3-0 for the Chiefs.

The Chargers capitalised on the Chiefs' mistakes, with one opportunity arising from the mistakes made by the Chargers in the first half. This led to a 39-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker, extending the Chargers' lead to 10-0.

The Chiefs responded with Mahomes scoring a touchdown early in the third quarter, but Butker missed the extra point, leaving the Chiefs down by one point. The Chargers, however, quickly regained their lead with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Herbert to Quentin Johnston, making the score 17-13.

The Chiefs fought back, with Travis Kelce scoring a 37-yard touchdown, but they couldn't take the lead. Herbert's 19 rushing yards in the game, including a late first down, sealed the victory for the Chargers.

The game featured a halftime show by Colombian star Karol G, streamed globally on YouTube, as part of the NFL's efforts to expand its global footprint.

The Chiefs suffered a blow on the opening drive when second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy was forced out of the game with a shoulder injury. Despite Mahomes' best efforts, throwing for 258 yards and a touchdown and running for a TD, Kansas City never led.

The Chargers turned their final drive into a victory march, securing the win, and leaving the Chiefs aiming to return to the Super Bowl for a fourth straight year in the 2025 campaign. The Chiefs finished the 2024 season as runner-up in the AFC West division.

Butker's 59-yard field goal in the second quarter reduced the halftime deficit to 13-6 for the Chargers. The Chargers marched 68 yards in seven plays in a drive capped by Herbert's five-yard TD pass to Johnston, increasing their lead to 27-18.

Herbert found Keenan Allen for a touchdown, further extending the Chargers' lead to 20-12. The Chargers' defense held strong, preventing the Chiefs from mounting a comeback, and securing a hard-fought victory.