Patrick Mahomes Injured, Chiefs Eliminated from Playoffs with Chargers Loss, Stun Fans

The Kansas City Chiefs' chokehold on the AFC officially came to an end on Sunday.

The Chiefs suffered a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in front of disappointed home fans at Arrowhead Stadium to fall to 6-8 this season. Following wins by the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City has officially been eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2014, ending the team's incredible run of three straight trips to the Super Bowl.

To make matters even worse, Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a left knee injury with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter and was helped back to the locker room.

Sunday's game was a slog for Mahomes and the rest of the offense, as the Chargers came up with timely stops on defense to stifle the once high-powered unit. Mahomes finished with 189 yards and an interception on 16-of-28 passing while also adding a rushing touchdown. Kansas City totaled 49 rushing yards in the loss.

Fans on social media understandably were stunned by the official end of the Chiefs' impressive run atop the AFC:

The Chiefs will primarily be concerned with Mahomes' health following his injury, but they will face a ton of questions after falling short of the playoff this year.

Many will be wondering about the status of star tight end Travis Kelce, who has openly contemplated retirement in recent years. Kansas City will have to decide if it wants to keep the band together under longtime head coach Andy Reid or retool with major changes across the roster.

The Chiefs will face the Tennessee Titans next Sunday as they trudge toward the end of the 2025 campaign.