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Chiefs vs Chargers final score, results: Justin Herbert lights up Chiefs defense in Brazil

Jake Mozarsky

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Chiefs vs Chargers final score, results: Justin Herbert lights up Chiefs defense in Brazil image

 

All eyes were on three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of Friday night's primetime matchup in Brazil. But it was Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert that stole the show.

Herbert threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Chargers to a 27-21 win over the reigning AFC champions.

Los Angeles opened up the 2025 season with a statement, as they look to dethrone Kansas City in the AFC West.  Herbert, who didn't have a 300-plus yard, three-touchdown game all of last season -- willed his team to victory, icing the game with a 19-yard scramble on a 3rd-and-14.

It was the Chargers' QB's Herbert third career win against the Chiefs after losing the last six matchups against Kansas City. The win also snapped the Chiefs 17-game win streak in one-score games.

The Sporting News tracked updates from the tight matchup between two AFC West contenders at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo. Check out all the highlights below.

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Chiefs vs Chargers score

 

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Who won the Chiefs vs. Chargers game in Brazil?

11:19 p.m.: As Cam Newton said postgame, the Chargers "slayed the dragon," picking up their first win over Kansas City since Sept. 26, 2021.

Los Angeles advances to 1-0 and will play the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football in week two. The Chiefs fall to 0-1 for only the second time in 11 years, and will face the Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl LIX rematch in Philadelphia next Sunday.

FINAL: Chargers 27, Chiefs 21

11:10 p.m.: Herbert is able to kneel three times, and Los Angeles secures the week one win.

This is Herbert's second ever win against Mahomes and the Chiefs, advancing to

11:07 p.m.: Tonight has been all about Justin Herbert, and on a 3rd and 14 with the Chiefs looking to get the ball back, he scrambles right and gains 19 yards, before sliding down.

Los Angeles gains the first down as we hit the two minute warning, and the Chargers will be able to kneel out the clock and pick up a statement win.

10:59 p.m. FIELD GOAL: In a must-convert fourth down for Kansas City, Mahomes unleashes a bomb to a wide-open Brown for a 49-yard completion. Brown now has 10 receptions for 99 yards in the game.

Though, Kansas City was unable to do anything in the red zone. With three time outs, Andy Reid opts to kick a field goal, which Butker drills from 27 yards.

Kansas City trails by six with all three timeouts and the two minute warning remaining.

10:51 p.m.: Dicker kicks off and Kansas City returns the kickoff to the 28 yard line for 22 yards. The Chiefs trail by nine with 4:57 remaining, and their one-possession game streak on the line. 

The Chiefs are 9-1 in their past 10 opening games.

Chargers 27, Chiefs 18

10:48 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Herbert has been direct and accurate with his passes this half. On a second and four, he hit Tre Harris for an 11-yard completion, then finds McKonkey for nine yards right after. 

The Chargers converted on a third down with a direct snap to the tight end Conklin, then the next play, Herbert finds Johnston on the right side, who runs into the end zone.

Herbert and Johnston connect for their second touchdown of the game. The quarterback is up to over 300 yards and three touchdowns on the day, which he didn't do once in 2024.

10:42 p.m.: For the second time in a row, Herbert is able to find Allen for a first down, this time hitting him in the middle right of the field on a curl route.

Allen is up to 68 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions on the day. It's been quite the return for the 33-year-old, who spent 2024 with the Bears.

Chargers 20, Chiefs 18

10:34 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: The Chiefs were 0-for-7 on third downs in the first half, and now they are 5-for-5 in the second half. Mahomes once again is able to scramble for five yards, moving the chains.

The next play, he finally finds Kelce — who had one target for 10 yards up to this point — who finds himself open for a 37 yard touchdown. 

That was the 55th time the duo have connected for a touchdown, and Kelce's 78th of his career. Though, Kansas City is unable to convert on the two-point conversion. It was Tart, who got the personal foul for hitting Kelce earlier in the game, who broke up the play.

10:32 p.m.: It wouldn't be another NFL season without a Patrick Mahomes spectacular throw.

This time it comes on 3rd and 5, as Mahomes steps up in the pocket, and as he's falling down is able to underhand it to Juju Smith-Schuster for 12 yards.

10:29 p.m.: The clock hits zeroes, and we have a one-score game going into the fourth quarter. 

The Chiefs and Chargers exchanged touchdowns in the third, and the Kansas City offense has the ball with a chance to tie the game. 

Kansas City has won its last 17 one possession games, something to note as the fourth quarter begins.

10:26 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: In his first game back with the Chargers, Keenan Allen is on the board. Him and Herbert connect for an 11-yard touchdown in the back left corner of the end zone, and Los Angeles responds immediately.

That was Allen's 60th career touchdown with the Chargers, which is third all-time behind Antonio Gates and Lance Alworth.

10:23 p.m.: Herbert tries to hit Johnston in a similar spot to where they connected for a touchdown, but it's broken up by Jaylen Watson. Watson goes down after the play and is being checked by trainers. 

The cornerback has six passes defended and 32 total tackles in 2024.

10:20 p.m.: With 2:38 remaining in the third, Harris finally gets his first carry as a Charger, this one going for five yards. It's followed up by a Hampton five-yard gain for a first down.

Los Angeles is executing on all phases as they look to respond quickly.

10:19 p.m.: Herbert hits Allen on an out-route on the left sideline for a first down, moving the Chargers into Chiefs' territory. The next play, the quarterback hits McConkey on a crosser route, similar to the first half.

10:13 p.m.: Momentum is shifting towards the Chiefs, and their defense gets its first sack of the game, with Drue Tranquil bull rushing through the line of scrimmage and bringing down Herbert.

The next play, Herbert hits Johnston in the middle of the field for 15 yards, but the Chargers are just short of the line to gain. Jim Harbaugh opts to go for it on fourth down, and Hampton converts on his first carry of the second half.

Chargers 13, Chiefs 12

10:07 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: After the third down conversion, Chargers' defensive tackle Teair Tart took a swing at Kelce, and was given a personal foul that moved Kansas City down to the 20-yard line. Kelce and Tart got tied up as the tight end was blocking, then Tart hit him.

The ensuing play, Mahomes once again scrambles to his right, finds space, and dives to the pylon for an 11-yard touchdown. The three-time Super Bowl MVP has five carries for 52 yards — leading all rushers — and a touchdown.

But, Butker misses the extra point and the Chargers hold onto the lead.

10:05 p.m.: Kansas City faces its second third down of the drive, and Mahomes scrambles for 16 yards all the way down to the Los Angeles 31. He follows it up with two straight throws to Brown, who is now up to eight receptions on the day.

On a 3rd and 1, Mahomes hands the ball to Hunt, who jumps forward for a first down.

10:01 p.m.: The Chiefs finally convert their first down of the game, with Mahomes hitting Brown on a rub route. It was Brown's sixth reception of the game.

Kelce was the one who sat on a curl route and drew two defenders, allowing Brown to get open.

9:55 p.m.: Los Angeles is unable to move the ball on its first drive of the second half. On third down, Herbert throws a deep ball to Johnston, who is unable to bring it in.

There was a holding call on Becton, who was questionable throughout the week, but Kansas City declined.

Now, Mahomes and the offense have a chance to tie up the game.

9:52 p.m.: Kansas City has kicked off to get the second half underway. 

9:47 p.m.: KAROL G, the South American popstar, lit up Arena Corinthians during the locker room break. 

The artist, who is from Medellin, Colombia, has won a Grammy Award and six Latin Grammy Awards. 

9:41 p.m.: At halftime, Herbert has outplayed Mahomes, throwing for 171 yards and a touchdown.

The Chiefs offense was stagnant for most of the half until the chunk play from Mahomes to Thornton. Kansas City still has not converted on third down, despite having seven attempts. 

Kansas City has not had a main receiving threat since Worthy went down. Besides Brown, nobody has more than two catches. Kelce has only one reception on his lone target for 10 yards. 

Rushing-wise, it's the rookie Hampton leading the game with eight carries for 31 yards. For Kansas City, it's Pacheco, who only has four carries for 21 yards. Interestingly, Harris has not had a carry yet for Los Angeles.

Halftime: Chargers 13, Chiefs 6

9:31 p.m. FIELD GOAL: The Chiefs are unable to do anything after the Mahomes to Thornton connection. On a 3rd and 10, they suffer two false start penalties, and Mahomes hits Noah Gray for three yards. But, he does not get out of bounds.

In a wild end of the half, Kansas City has to run out its special teams unit, and with two seconds remaining, the Chiefs get the snap off and Butker hits a 59-yard field goal. It's a one score game at halftime.

9:28 p.m.: The Chiefs have their first big play of the game, with Mahomes hitting Thornton on a deep ball for 38 yards, bringing Kansas City all the way down to the Los Angeles 33.

Chargers 13, Chiefs 3

9:25 p.m. FIELD GOAL: On a 3rd and 16, Hampton runs it for eight yards and the Chargers stall out. But, Dicker hits a 36-yarder to make it a two-possession game. Hampton ran out of bounds on third down, allowing the Chiefs to get the ball back. He looked upset on the sidelines, and Lynch — who is doing photos — came over to give him advice.

9:21 p.m.: Allen is contributing a decent amount in his Chargers return. 

This time, it's a seven-yard reception on third down to move the chains. Kansas City is forced to use its third timeout in an effort to save some time, but after a Hampton runs for a one-yard loss, the clock runs below a minute.

9:15 p.m.: Facing a three-and-out, Herbert hits McConkey in the middle of the field right above the line to gain to keep the drive moving. Two plays later, Herbert finds him again wide open on a crossing route for a 23-yard gain, before the clock hits the two-minute warning.

McKonkey, the second-year receiver out of Georgia, is coming off a stellar rookie year where he had 82 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. He has emerged as Herbert's clear number-one wide receiver.

9:08 p.m.: With Worthy potentially missing games and Rice out for five more after this, Kansas City might be looking for wide receivers to fill the void.

Allen Robinson, who had three receptions in 12 games with the Lions in 2024, took to Twitter to plead his case.

Chargers 10, Chiefs 3

9:08 p.m. FIELD GOAL: The Chargers had the league's best red zone defense in 2024, and they come up big in Kansas City's first opportunity of the game.

On 3rd and goal, Daiyan Henley chases down Mahomes and brings him down for the game's first sack. Butker hits a field goal to make the game 10-3.

9:04 p.m.: Kansas City has converted on multiple 4th and short situations this drive, both with Hunt. This time, it's a boot leg reception for six yards, and the Chiefs keep driving.

8:58 p.m.: Mahomes hits Thornton third down, but he is short of the line to gain. Kansas City opts to go it on fourth down in their own territory, handing it off to Kareem Hunt to extend the drive.

8:55 p.m.: Worthy, who left the game with an injury after colliding with Kelce on the first drive, has been ruled out of the game.

The second-year receiver out of Texas is expected to have a huge year after having 58 receptions for 698 yards and nine total touchdowns in 2024. He had the best game of his career in Super Bowl LIX, bringing in eight receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns

Chargers 10, Chiefs 0

8:52 p.m. FIELD GOAL: On the first play of the second quarter, Herbert hits Harris for a five-yard reception, his first touch as a Charger.

Los Angeles stalls out in opponent territory, and Cameron Dicker hits a 39-yard field goal as the Chargers take a double-digit lead.

The Chiefs have been sloppy early on, already having four penalties for 28 yards.

End of the first quarter: Chargers 7, Chiefs 0

8:44 p.m.: Hampton runs the ball up the middle for 11 yards, then Allen gets his first reception on his second target.

8:41 p.m.: To open up the drive, Herbert hits Tyler Conklin, who signed in free agency from the Jets, for 33 yards to get the Chargers across midfield. But, a penalty on McKonkey draws them back 10 yards.

On the next play, Herbert delivers a throw to Keenan Allen —  his first target of the game — but Allen is unable to reel it in. Allen holds Chargers franchise records for most receptions (904) and receiving yards (10,530).

8:40 p.m: The Chiefs were facing a 3rd and 9 on the second straight drive, and Mahomes had Thornton on a go-route down the right sideline. But, he overthrows the receiver, who lays out and is unable to get his hands on the ball.

Kansas City punts for the third straight drive to open up the game. 

8:35 p.m.: The Chargers are unable to follow up their first drive. Herbert was pressured and was forced to throw the ball away on first down, he hit McKonkey on second down short of the line to gain, then Hampton was stuffed on a 3rd and 2. 

Mahomes and co. look to get their first points on the board.

8:30 p.m.: Facing a 3rd and 9, Mahomes hits Brown on a curl route, but the receiver drops the ball.

The Chiefs are able to pin a Matt Araiza punt down at the Chargers' two-yard line.

8:27 p.m.: Mahomes, on his first play of the second drive, has loads of time in the pocket and is able to scramble 10 yards for a first down.

Offensive tackle, Josh Simmons, Kansas City's first-round draft pick, protected Mahomes well there from Chargers rusher Bud Dupree.

Two plays later, Mahomes connects with Kelce for the first time, to the roar of the Brazilian crowd.

8:20 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: The Chargers faced a 3rd and 8 in the red zone, and Herbert escaped pressure but was unable to find a connection. But, an offsides penalty on George Karlaftis — who signed a four-year, $93 million deal this offseason — keeps the drive going.

The next play, Herbert hits Johnston for a touchdown, lofting one over Chiefs defenders to hit Johnston on the left side. There was a roughing the passer penalty called on Kansas City, which will be enforced on the kickoff.

8:18 p.m.: After injuring himself on the first drive, Worthy has exited the game to go to the locker room. He walked with a towel on his face, surrounded by Chiefs' staffers. He is questionable to return, according to Adam Schefter.

8:17 p.m.: On the Chargers' second play from scrimmage, Herbert hits Quentin Johnston on his first pass attempt, and Johnson turns upfield and turns it into a 33-yard gain. The Chargers are inside the Chiefs' 30-yard line.

It's followed up by Hampton's first carry in the NFL, a seven-yard gain for a first down.

8:14 p.m.: On 3rd and 6, Mahomes throws to Xavier Worthy but Worthy bumps into Kelce on a crossing route. Kansas City is forced to punt.

Worthy, the Chiefs wide receiver one, had to be helped off with an injury. Kansas City is already missing Rashee Rice, who is suspended for the first six games.

8:12 p.m.: Los Angeles has kicked off, and we are officially underway in São Paulo.

Tyquan Thornton, who came over this offseason from the New England Patriots, broke nearly a 50-yard return, but it was brought back by a holding.

Patrick Mahomes and the reigning AFC champions have the ball first.

8:07 p.m.: The national anthems have concluded — with the Brazilian crowd screaming their national anthem.

8:03 p.m.: The Chiefs and Chargers have ran onto the field, and we are moments away from kickoff.

8:00 p.m.: Before the game, YouTube took some time to highlight some of their creators.

It started with Mr. Beast, who has 420 million subscribers, on the stage with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Other creators in the video included Dude Perfect, Speed and Sketch.

7:58 p.m.: The first NFL pregame show on YouTube was a fun one, especially for former NFL MVP Cam Netwon. The 2015 MVP was received with loud cheers by the Brazilian crowd.

7:55 p.m.: It's almost game time, and Patrick Mahomes is amped up. Before every game, the quarterback is captured giving a speech to his teammates, and below is his first one of the 2025 season.

7:37 p.m.: Kickoff is less than thirty minutes away, and players are warming up. Below is Travis Kelce linking up with a few of the superstars in attendance.

7:26 p.m.: Also in attendance is Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar, who is now the captain of Santos in Brazil — the same club where he started his career.

Neymar — who has played for Santos, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain and Al Hilal — is the second-most capped player in Brazilian national team history with 128, and is the all-time leading goal scorer for Brazil with 79. 

7:14 p.m.: Teams have started taking the field for padded warmups. This includes Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton, who gets his first regular season action tonight.

6:56 p.m.: Kansas City has released its inactives for tonight's game. 

6:55 p.m.: It's confirmed — Taylor Swift will be in the house, per Brazil's TV Globo.

Swift and Kansas City's Travis Kelce recently announced their engagement on August 26.

6:52 p.m.: The Chiefs are embracing the Brazilian atmosphere, with a few players wearing SC Corinthians jerseys. Kansas City players, including Mahomes and Kelce, can be seen kicking around a football in warmups.

6:43 p.m.: Los Angeles has posted their inactives for tonight's matchup. The biggest news is Mekhi Becton — who signed with Los Angeles in free agency after winning Super Bowl LIX with the Eagles — is active. 

Becton's status was questionable during the week.

6:29 p.m.: With wide receiver Rashee Rice suspended for the first six games, Kansas City will be looking for other production to go along with Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs hope it will be Hollywood Brown and Tyquan Thornton.

6:24 p.m.: Also making an appearance in São Paulo is Odell Beckham Jr., who is currently a free agent. Beckham played nine games for the Miami Dolphins in 2024, reeling in only nine receptions for 55 yards.

6:15 p.m.: Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert have linked up before the game.

Herbert and the Chargers look to make a statement tonight against the nine-time reigning AFC West champions. The quarterback is 1-7 against the Chiefs in his career, throwing for 2,093 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. On the other side, Mahomes has thrown for 2,415 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions.

5:56 p.m.: There will be a star-studded lineup for the game tonight, including former NFL players, like Cam Newton — who is co-hosting the pregame and postgame shows — on site. Recently spotted was former Seahawks' running back Marshawn Lynch, who was seen on the sideline with a camera.

5:53 p.m.: The Chargers running back duo of Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton has taken the field for warmups. Harris was questionable going into this week after suffering an eye injury that caused him to miss all of training camp and preseason. But, he said earlier in the week he's expecting to play.

Los Angeles brought in Harris in free agency after he rushed for over 1,000 yards in all four seasons with the Pittsburgh steelers. The Chargers selected Hampton with the 22nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after he was third in college football with 2,033 scrimmage yards in 2024.

The Chargers should have a multidimensional rushing attack with their two new backs.

5:38 p.m.: Andy Reid has also been spotted in Brazil, as he goes into his 13th season as the Chiefs' head coach. 

Reid is fourth all-time among NFL coaches with 301 wins, per ESPN. 

5:32 p.m.: Patrick Mahomes has taken the field for the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Mahomes enters his eighth season as a starter looking to win his fourth Super Bowl title, along with keeping his AFC Championship and AFC West streaks alive; the Chiefs have not missed the AFC title game or lost the AFC West since Mahomes became the starter.

5:21 p.m.: This will be Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert's ninth career matchup. Per Adam Schefter, six of the previous eight matchups had a lead change in the final minute or went to overtime, and Kansas City is 7-1.

5:16 p.m.: Kickoff is under three hours away, and the stage is set for the second ever NFL Brazil game.

One key difference on the field is that the Chiefs and Chargers each have one end zone painted. In 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles were the home team, and their name and colors were on both sides.

4:55 p.m.: Players for both teams have arrived at Arena Corinthians. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce headline the Kansas City arrivals, looking to bounce back from a loss in Super Bowl LIX.

Los Angeles — the designated home team — has also arrived.

4:45 p.m.: As the game approaches, the teams have posted their uniforms. The Chargers will be wearing their classic powder blue uniforms with gold pants, while the Chiefs will be wearing their white jerseys.

MORE CHIEFS-CHARGERS NEWS:

How to watch Chiefs vs Chargers

Chiefs vs Chargers start time

  • Date: Friday, Sept. 5
  • Start time: 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. local time)

The NFL's second regular season Brazil game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 5 from Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

What channel is Chiefs vs Chargers on today?

  • Date: Friday, Sept. 5
  • TV Channel: N/A (U.S.) | TSN, CTV (Canada)
  • Live stream: YouTube | DAZN NFL (Canada)

For the first time ever, the NFL will stream a game exclusively on YouTube. The broadcast is available for free worldwide on the YouTube website or app. Rich Eisen will handle play-by-play, with Kurt Warner serving as analyst. Donald "Deestroying" De La Haye and Stacey Dales will report from the sidelines.

On-site coverage will feature NFL personality Kay Adams hosting the pregame and postgame shows. She’ll be joined in São Paulo by Cam Newton, while former NFL stars Derek Carr, Brandon Marshall, and Tyrann Mathieu will contribute from the NFL studios.

Chiefs schedule 2025

DateOpponentTimeChannel
9/5at Chargers (Brazil)8:00 p.m.YouTube
9/14vs Eagles4:25 p.m. FOX
9/21at Giants8:20 p.m.NBC
9/28vs Ravens4:25 p.m.CBS
10/6at Jaguars8:15 p.m.ESPN / ABC
10/12vs Lions8:20 p.m. NBC
10/19vs Raiders1:00 p.m.CBS
10/27vs Commanders8:15 p.m.ESPN / ABC
11/2 at Bills4:25 p.m.CBS
11/16at Broncos4:25 p.m.CBS
11/23vs Colts1:00 p.m.CBS
11/27at Cowboys4:25 p.m.CBS
12/7vs Texans8:20 p.m.NBC
12/14vs Chargers1:00 p.m.CBS
12/21at Titans1:00 p.m.CBS
12/25vs Broncos8:15 p.m.Prime Video
TBDat RaidersTBDTBD

Chargers schedule 2025

DateOpponentTimeChannel
9/5vs Chiefs8:00 p.m.YouTube
9/15at Raiders10:00 p.m.ESPN 
9/21vs Broncos4:05 p.m.CBS
9/28at Giants1:00 p.m.CBS
10/5vs Commanders4:25 p.m.FOX
10/12at Dolphins1:00 p.m.CBS
10/19vs Colts4:05 p.m.CBS
10/23vs Vikings8:15 p.m.Prime Video
11/2at Titans1:00 p.m.CBS
11/9vs Steelers8:20 p.m. NBC
11/16at Jacksonville1:00 p.m.CBS
11/30vs Raiders4:25 p.m.CBS
12/8vs Eagles8:15 p.m.ESPN / ABC
12/14at Chiefs1:00 p.m.CBS
12/21at Dallas1:00 p.m.FOX
TBDvs TexansTBDTBD
TBDat BroncosTBDTBD

Jake Mozarsky

Jake Mozarsky joined The Sporting News as an Editorial Intern in August 2025 after earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. He has previously written for Marquee Sports Network, Chicago This Week, Inside NU and The Daily Northwestern.