Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats (9 Dec, 2024): Full Game Breakdown

The Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs match played on December 8, 2024, was an intense AFC West battle that ended in a nail-biting 19–17 victory for the Chiefs. It wasn’t a high-scoring shootout but rather a close contest shaped by defensive stops, crucial drives, and a last-second field goal. This game played a vital role in the Chiefs clinching the division and extended their dominance over the Chargers.

For fans who love tightly contested football, this was the perfect example. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, managed to pull off a win in the final seconds despite the Chargers’ impressive showing from quarterback Justin Herbert. Let’s now dive deeper into the Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats and see how each key player performed.

Box Score & Statistical Leaders

To help you quickly understand the game stats, here’s a quick info table of team totals and top performers.

These stats show how close the game was. While both teams had modest offensive output, they made key plays when it mattered most. Justin Herbert slightly outperformed Mahomes in passing yards, but Mahomes led the game-winning drive — a pattern that’s become familiar in close matchups like this one.

In-Depth Player Stats – Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers came into this game with hopes of stopping their losing streak against the Chiefs, and while they fell short, several players stood out with strong performances. Quarterback Justin Herbert played a solid game, finishing with 21 completions on 30 attempts, totaling 213 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and no interceptions. His decision-making was sharp, and he spread the ball around effectively to different receivers. Despite the loss, Herbert’s performance kept the Chargers in the game until the final minutes.

In the receiving corps, Joshua Palmer had a standout night, pulling in 6 catches for 78 yards, becoming Herbert’s go-to target. Tight end Stone Smartt also contributed with a touchdown reception, and Quentin Johnston made several key third-down catches. In the backfield, the Chargers’ run game was relatively quiet. Austin Ekeler was limited to just 48 rushing yards, and the team had trouble finding consistency on the ground. Still, the offense had its moments and was efficient in the red zone.

In-Depth Player Stats – Chiefs

For the Kansas City Chiefs, it was another case of doing just enough to win. Patrick Mahomes completed 24 of 37 passes for 210 yards with 1 touchdown and no interceptions, managing the game with poise. While not one of his flashiest games, he was incredibly efficient, especially on the final drive when the team needed a field goal to win. His leadership and calm under pressure were on full display.

Tight end Travis Kelce led the team with 6 catches for 45 yards, proving once again why he’s Mahomes’ most trusted weapon. He didn’t score a touchdown, but his ability to move the chains — especially during the final drive — was invaluable. Running back Isiah Pacheco rushed for 55 yards on 14 carries, helping to keep the Chiefs’ offense balanced. On defense, Trent McDuffie and Nick Bolton each recorded multiple tackles, while Tershawn Wharton added pressure on Herbert throughout the game. The Chiefs’ defensive unit held strong when it mattered most.

Key Plays & “Doink” Moment

One of the most dramatic moments came on the final drive, led by Mahomes. With just seconds left on the clock and the Chiefs trailing 17–16, Mahomes completed key passes to Kelce to move the ball into field goal range. With the pressure on, Matthew Wright lined up for a 31-yard field goal, which hit the upright — the “doink” — before bouncing in. That kick sealed the win and gave the Chiefs the AFC West crown.

This wasn’t just another field goal. It was the 15th straight game decided by one possession between these two rivals, a streak that highlights how tightly contested their matchups have become. Even though the game wasn’t high-scoring, moments like this gave fans a real thriller to watch, with just enough drama to make it unforgettable.

Advanced Analytics & Grades

Looking deeper into the analytical side of the game, Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded both quarterbacks well. Justin Herbert earned a PFF grade of 82.5, reflecting his accuracy and poise under pressure. Patrick Mahomes came in slightly lower at 79.3, due to several stalled drives, but was praised for his late-game execution.

EPA per play (Expected Points Added) showed that the Chiefs had a slight edge due to better field position and time management. The Chargers allowed 4 sacks, which hurt their overall efficiency. Defensively, the Chiefs generated pressure on over 30% of Herbert’s dropbacks, thanks in large part to Chris Jones and Tershawn Wharton.

Top PFF Grades:

• Justin Herbert: 82.5

• Joshua Palmer: 78.0

• Travis Kelce: 76.5

• Trent McDuffie: 81.0

• Chris Jones: 80.2

These numbers help show that while the stats don’t always look flashy, individual performances played a huge role in determining the game’s outcome.

Historical Rivalry Context

The Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats rivalry has a long and storied history. As of this game, the Chiefs lead the all-time series 71–58–1. While the rivalry has always been competitive, the Chiefs have clearly held the upper hand in recent years, especially with Mahomes under center.

In the 2024 season, the Chiefs swept the Chargers in both matchups. What makes this rivalry exciting is the number of one-possession games they’ve played — 15 straight games decided by 8 points or fewer. This trend proves that while the Chiefs often come out on top, the Chargers always keep things close. These matchups are often decided by small details: a missed tackle, a key third-down conversion, or a clutch field goal.

Fantasy Football Implications

From a fantasy football perspective, this game had a few notable takeaways. Justin Herbert continues to be a reliable QB1 option, especially in matchups against top teams. His ability to throw over 200 yards with at least one touchdown gives him a solid floor in most leagues. Joshua Palmer emerged as a potential FLEX or WR3 option, especially in PPR formats.

On the Chiefs side, Travis Kelce remains a must-start tight end even when he doesn’t find the end zone. Isiah Pacheco’s usage confirms his role as the team’s RB1, and his workload is consistent enough for fantasy managers to rely on. Mahomes is always a must-start, even in games where the volume isn’t sky-high.

Fantasy Winners:

• Justin Herbert

• Joshua Palmer

• Travis Kelce

Fantasy Concerns:

• Austin Ekeler (low usage)

• Chiefs WRs (target share unclear)

FAQs

Q1: Who had the best performance in the game?
Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes both played well, but Mahomes led the game-winning drive.

Q2: What made the final field goal special?
Matthew Wright’s field goal hit the upright (a “doink”) before going in for the win.

Q3: How many total yards did each team have?
The Chiefs had 329 yards, and the Chargers had 224 yards.

Q4: How many straight close games have they played?
15 straight matchups were decided by 8 points or fewer.

Q5: Did Travis Kelce score a touchdown?
No, but he had 6 catches for 45 yards and was key on the final drive.

Conclusion & Next Matchup Preview

The Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats tell the story of a tightly contested game that came down to the wire. With Mahomes and Kelce doing just enough, and Herbert showing why he’s one of the most promising QBs in the league, this game had everything a football fan could want. From pressure-packed moments to standout performances on both sides, it was a thrilling chapter in this long-standing rivalry.

Looking ahead, the next scheduled matchup is September 5, 2025, and fans can expect another battle that likely won’t be decided until the very last seconds. If this game taught us anything, it’s that no lead is safe, and no mistake goes unpunished when the Chargers and Chiefs face off.

Read More: chargers vs new england patriots match player stats