The (5-11) Los Angeles Chargers host the (10-6) Kansas City Chiefs on the final weekend of the NFL season. Neither team has much to offer. The Chiefs are locked in third place in the AFC playoffs while the Chargers wait for the postseason. Both teams will play without their starting quarterbacks – and will likely rely on many rookies and other reserve players.
First quarter
The Chiefs began the game with possession after Los Angeles won the first coin toss and dragged it into the second half. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert led the Chiefs' offense after a touchback from the 25-yard line.
The backups' first trip was uneventful. An incomplete screen pass led to third down, where Gabbert stepped into the pocket to throw an incompletion in traffic to tight end Blake Bell.
The Chargers' first drive almost ended on the first third down, where defensive tackle Chris Jones was just out of reach after recording more than 10 sacks this season and securing $1.25 million in contract incentives. Quarterback Easton Stick eventually fought for a first down, which he leaned on to propel the drive into Chiefs territory.
Stick kept running and eventually threatened to score in a score-to-go situation – then Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu punched the ball out, leading to safety Mike Edwards picking it up 97 yards for a touchdown played back. Suddenly Kansas City led 7-0.
The Chiefs defense, now defending a lead, was immediately back on the field and once again allowed Stick to gain big ground. Just before midfield, the unit forced a third down and a quick shot fell incomplete down the field, resulting in a punt.
To reinforce the defense's touchdown, the Chiefs first moved the chains with a 10-yard completion to wide receiver Justyn Ross. A third down quickly followed, with Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack receiving a sack to end the drive.
Second quarter
The Chiefs defense began the second period with a three-and-out, highlighted by a rushed throw under pressure from linebackers Cam Jones and Chris Jones.
Wide receiver Mecole Hardman moved the chains on a third down, but a holding penalty on left tackle Wanya Morris ensued to regain possession. A screen pass to running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire wasn't enough on third down and resulted in a punt.
The Chiefs forced another quick three-and-out, aided by a run stuffer from Cam Jones. Chris Jones broke a double team and almost got the sack, but Stick was able to get rid of him.
Kansas City got the ensuing drive going when Edwards-Helaire converted a short third down, but it fizzled out after that. However, the punt unit used some tricks to move the chains on fourth down: Running back La'Mical Perine received a direct snap and ran it around the right side.
The Chiefs offense quickly capitalized on its second chance at life when Gabbert gave Hardman a chance to catch a downfield pass in tight coverage. Hardman made the catch, then broke free from a defender, gained 37 yards and moved inside the five-yard line.
Crowded runs and an incompletion led to fourth-and-goal, and Kansas City settled for a field goal. A good kick extended the Chiefs' lead to 10-0 four minutes before halftime.
Los Angeles scored on its next drive, which was immediately helped by a pass interference call from cornerback Jaylen Watson on a deep throw. From there, the defense stopped the ball, but it was enough for the Chargers to score a field goal; The Chiefs' lead was 10-3.
After the two-minute warning, the Chiefs' offense got going as Hardman made another tough grab – he secured the ball and slid a total of 14 yards. A few plays later, Gabbert went to Hardman again, but a miscommunication led to an interception, giving Los Angeles back possession with less than 90 seconds left.
From 88 yards out, the Chargers were able to march down the field and score a field goal. Los Angeles shot the ball home from 40 yards out, closing in on the Chiefs' 10-6 lead just before halftime.
Third quarter
The Chiefs defense began by quickly shutting down a drive capped by a tackle for loss by defensive end Malik Herring. Chris Jones helped him blow up the play, which resulted in a punt.
Kansas City's offense got going on the next drive when Gabbert quickly threw to Perine in the flat, resulting in a 25-yard catch-and-run gain. However, a five-yard loss soon after derailed the drive and resulted in another punt.
The Chargers put together a 12-play, 60-yard drive that saw the chains move three times on the ensuing drive – but the possession was ended when Chris Jones finally wrapped up Stick for a sack. This meant he achieved more than 10 points this season and received his contract incentive. The stop still allowed a field goal, cutting the Chiefs' lead to 10-9.
Hardman and Perine paced the Chiefs on the next drive, pushing past midfield with a big play each. From there, the offense stalled and stumbled away from the Los Angeles 45-yard line.
Stick completed a 16-yard pass at the end of the third quarter.
Fourth quarter
The Chargers had another big play early in the final period when wide receiver Darius Davis darted 18 yards on a handoff. However, that drive ultimately ended in a punt.
Kansas City leaned on Perine to start this drive, moving the chains on three consecutive handoffs. After that, three passes in a row failed to make it past the first-down marker, leading to another punt.
The Chargers slowly worked their way into Chiefs territory with short passes and scrambles. Then a quick pass to Ekeler converted third-and-short. However, Kansas City limited the passing game in front of the sticks on third down, forcing a fourth down. The conversion attempt was successful and kept Los Angeles' drive alive.
A few plays later, the Chargers were working inside the 10-yard line and setting up the first score at the six-yard line. That turned into a third-and-goal at the one-yard line, then a fourth down — because the Chiefs defensive line was rushing to throw. The Chargers decided to kick and took a 12-10 lead with four minutes left.
Wanting to lead a game-winning drive, Gabbert took matters into his own hands – and feet! After gaining 25 yards on third-and-seven, he launched another dropback to move the chains and line up at the Chargers' 33-yard line. Then came the two-minute warning.
With 54 seconds left, the Chiefs faced fourth down and the Chargers took their final timeout of the game. To take the 13-12 lead, the Chiefs kicked and scored a field goal.
Injuries
Rookie left tackle Wanya Morris was seen leaving the field late in the first half; He was deemed doubtful to return due to a head injury. In the third quarter, it was reported that Morris had signed the concussion protocol, barring him from returning.
Right tackle Jawaan Taylor came into the game at left tackle in place of Morris and was left down shortly after a play. He walked off the field with help.
Wide receiver Justyn Ross left the game in the second half as a return was questionable due to a hamstring injury. Soon after, he was barred from returning.
Special teams
Kicker Harrison Butker scored his first point-after attempt of the game in the first quarter. Then he made a 22-yard kick four minutes before halftime.
Punt returner Richie James returned a punt 21 yards in the first quarter, his first chance of the game. He had two more returns and also caught two punts fairly.
James also returned a kickoff for a 23-yard gain.
Punter Tommy Townsend had three punts in the first half. Two of those ended in touchbacks, with his longest shoe traveling 61 yards. Later in the game, Townsend held the Chargers inside the 20-yard line twice.
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