Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats (Dec 08, 2024)
The Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats from December 8, 2024 paint the picture of an AFC West classic that came down to the final tick of the clock.
As time expired, Chiefs kicker Matthew Wright banked a 31-yard field goal off the left upright to secure a 19-17 victory and Kansas City’s ninth straight division crown.
Table of Contents
How the Drama Unfolded: KC’s Comeback Clinches AFC West
This divisional battle followed a script NFL fans have come to expect when these rivals meet.
Kansas City built a 13-0 halftime lead before LA stormed back with 14 unanswered points in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter featured three lead changes, culminating in Wright’s bank-shot field goal that silenced SoFi Stadium.
Game Flow:
| Quarter | Chargers | Chiefs | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 0 | 3 | Wright connects from 47 yards |
| 2nd | 0 | 10 | Wright hits from 33; Hopkins 9-yard TD |
| 3rd | 14 | 0 | Edwards 3-yard TD run; Johnston 4-yard TD catch |
| 4th | 3 | 6 | Wright from 50; Dicker from 37; Wright wins it from 31 |
| Final | 17 | 19 | KC clinches 9th straight AFC West title |
This game had massive playoff implications beyond just the division race. With the win, Kansas City solidified their position as the AFC’s top seed at that point in the season.
The victory extended the Chiefs’ NFL record to 15 consecutive one-score wins and marked their 10th such triumph of the 2024 campaign alone.
Quarterback Duel: Efficiency vs. Clutch Play
The numbers tell one story. The game-winning drive tells another.
Mahomes: Masterful When It Mattered Most
Patrick Mahomes finished with a modest stat line: 24-of-37 passing for 210 yards and one touchdown.
What stands out isn’t volume but timing. With KC trailing 17-16 and just 4:35 remaining, Mahomes engineered a 14-play drive that consumed the entire clock.
The possession featured two critical third-down conversions – a 14-yard completion to Xavier Worthy on 3rd-and-10 and a 9-yard pass to Travis Kelce on 3rd-and-7.
Those plays won’t make highlight reels, but they won the game.
Herbert: Efficient in Defeat
Justin Herbert actually posted better efficiency numbers across the board: 70% completion rate, 213 yards, and a 101.1 passer rating.
His 4-yard TD pass to Quentin Johnston in the third quarter gave LA its first lead and snapped what had been a 13-quarter touchdown pass drought.
The turning point came when Chiefs defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton sacked Herbert in the fourth quarter, forcing the Chargers to settle for a field goal instead of potentially scoring a touchdown.
QB Statistical Breakdown
| Stat | Patrick Mahomes | Justin Herbert |
|---|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 24/37 (64.9%) | 21/30 (70.0%) |
| Passing Yards | 210 | 213 |
| Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 88.8 | 101.1 |
| Rushing Attempts | 4 | 4 |
| Rushing Yards | 17 | 12 |
| Sacks Taken | 3 (8 yards) | 3 (19 yards) |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 8/15 (53.3%) | 6/13 (46.2%) |
Ground Game: Nearly Identical Production
The rushing attacks mirrored each other in almost every statistical category.
Chiefs Backfield Rotation
Isiah Pacheco shouldered the load with 14 carries for 55 yards (3.9 avg).
Kareem Hunt contributed 5 attempts for 16 yards as the change-of-pace option.
The Chiefs’ rushing attack focused on balance rather than explosiveness, with no run longer than 9 yards.
Chargers Finding the End Zone
Gus Edwards powered in the game’s only rushing touchdown on a 3-yard run during LA’s third-quarter comeback.
Kimani Vidal provided an effective complementary option with 8 carries for 34 yards and a team-high 4.3 yards per attempt.
Taylor Heinicke even added a 12-yard scramble during his one-play cameo when Herbert briefly exited with a leg issue.
Running Back Production
| Player | Team | Carries | Yards | Average | Long | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isiah Pacheco | Chiefs | 14 | 55 | 3.9 | 9 | 0 |
| Gus Edwards | Chargers | 10 | 36 | 3.6 | 11 | 1 |
| Kimani Vidal | Chargers | 8 | 34 | 4.3 | 8 | 0 |
| Patrick Mahomes | Chiefs | 4 | 17 | 4.3 | 10 | 0 |
| Kareem Hunt | Chiefs | 5 | 16 | 3.2 | 7 | 0 |
| Justin Herbert | Chargers | 4 | 12 | 3.0 | 7 | 0 |
| Taylor Heinicke | Chargers | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 12 | 0 |
| Xavier Worthy | Chiefs | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 5 | 0 |
| Samaje Perine | Chiefs | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 3 | 0 |
| Derius Davis | Chargers | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Team Rushing Totals:
- Chiefs: 25 carries, 96 yards (3.8 avg), 0 TD
- Chargers: 24 carries, 94 yards (3.9 avg), 1 TD
Pass Catchers: Situational Success
Neither team had a receiver top 80 yards, but several made game-altering catches.
Chiefs Receiving Corps
Travis Kelce reached a career milestone, surpassing 12,000 receiving yards faster than any tight end in NFL history.
His stats (5 catches, 45 yards) don’t jump off the page, but his 9-yard reception on 3rd-and-7 during the final drive was perhaps the game’s most crucial catch.
Rookie Xavier Worthy showed his development with a clutch 14-yard grab on 3rd-and-10 in the decisive drive.
DeAndre Hopkins made his biggest impact with a 9-yard touchdown reception just before halftime.
Chargers Aerial Attack
Joshua Palmer led all receivers with 6 catches for 78 yards, including a 38-yard bomb that was the game’s longest reception.
Quentin Johnston hauled in Herbert’s lone touchdown pass on a 4-yard grab that capped LA’s comeback.
Tight end Stone Smartt averaged 18 yards on his 3 receptions, providing big plays from an unexpected source.
The unit’s performance was even more impressive considering in-game injuries to both Will Dissly (shoulder) and Jalen Reagor.
Top Receiving Performers
| Player | Position | Team | Targets | Catches | Yards | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Palmer | WR | Chargers | 9 | 6 | 78 | 13.0 | 0 | 38 |
| Stone Smartt | TE | Chargers | 3 | 3 | 54 | 18.0 | 0 | 24 |
| Quentin Johnston | WR | Chargers | 7 | 5 | 48 | 9.6 | 1 | 21 |
| Travis Kelce | TE | Chiefs | 6 | 5 | 45 | 9.0 | 0 | 13 |
| Xavier Worthy | WR | Chiefs | 6 | 5 | 41 | 8.2 | 0 | 14 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | WR | Chiefs | 9 | 4 | 32 | 8.0 | 1 | 10 |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | WR | Chiefs | 2 | 2 | 31 | 15.5 | 0 | 26 |
| Noah Gray | TE | Chiefs | 5 | 4 | 26 | 6.5 | 0 | 8 |
Defense: Wharton’s Game-Altering Sack
One defensive play changed the entire trajectory of this AFC West battle.
Chiefs Defensive Standouts
Tershawn Wharton recorded two sacks, but one stands above the rest.
With LA driving deep into KC territory in the fourth quarter, Wharton broke through for a drive-killing sack that forced the Chargers to settle for a field goal instead of potentially scoring a touchdown.
That four-point swing proved decisive in the final outcome.
Chamarri Conner led the Chiefs with 7 total tackles (2 solo, 5 assisted).
Nick Bolton added 5 tackles and a sack of his own.
Chargers Defensive Production
The LA pass rush was effective throughout, with sacks distributed among four defenders.
Daiyan Henley and Tarheeb Still each recorded 6 total tackles to lead the unit.
Star safety Derwin James Jr. notched a sack despite limited tackle production.
Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Tuli Tuipulotu all registered at least half a sack on Mahomes.
Defensive Statistical Leaders
| Player | Position | Team | Total Tackles | Solo | Assists | Sacks | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamarri Conner | DB | Chiefs | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0.0 | 1 |
| Daiyan Henley | LB | Chargers | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0.0 | 1 |
| Tarheeb Still | DB | Chargers | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| Nick Bolton | LB | Chiefs | 5 | 0 | 5 | 1.0 | 0 |
| Tershawn Wharton | DL | Chiefs | 3 | 0 | 3 | 2.0 | 0 |
| Derwin James Jr. | S | Chargers | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1.0 | 0 |
| Joey Bosa | DE | Chargers | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 |
| Khalil Mack | LB | Chargers | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.5 | 0 |
| Tuli Tuipulotu | LB | Chargers | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.5 | 0 |
Special Teams: Wright’s Heroics vs. The Costly Kickoff
In a two-point contest, special teams plays proved decisive.
Wright Perfect Under Pressure
Matthew Wright connected on all four field goal attempts (47, 33, 50, and 31 yards).
His kicks accounted for 13 of Kansas City’s 19 points.
The game-winner, which caromed off the left upright before passing through the posts, secured KC’s ninth straight division title.
According to the Kansas City Chiefs official site, Wright was remarkably the third different kicker to hit a walk-off, game-winning field goal for Kansas City during the 2024 season.
Dicker’s Fatal Mistake
Cameron Dicker was perfect on his kicks (1/1 FG, 2/2 PAT), including a 37-yard field goal that gave LA a 17-16 lead with 4:35 remaining.
However, his subsequent kickoff sailed out of bounds, giving KC excellent field position at their own 40-yard line for the game-winning drive.
This single miscue provided Mahomes with significantly better starting field position for the decisive possession.
Special Teams Stats
| Player | Position | Team | FG | FG Distances | XP | Punts | Avg | In20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Wright | K | Chiefs | 4/4 | 47, 33, 50, 31 | 1/1 | – | – | – |
| Cameron Dicker | K | Chargers | 1/1 | 37 | 2/2 | – | – | – |
| Matt Araiza | P | Chiefs | – | – | – | 4 | 51.8 | 2 |
| JK Scott | P | Chargers | – | – | – | 5 | 42.6 | 3 |
Return Stats:
- N’Keal Harry (Chiefs): 2 kickoff returns, 52 yards (26.0 avg); 3 punt returns, 34 yards (11.3 avg)
- Derius Davis (Chargers): 4 kickoff returns, 106 yards (26.5 avg); 1 punt return, 0 yards
By The Numbers: Statistical Dead Heat
This AFC West showdown was remarkably even in nearly every statistical category.
| Category | Chargers | Chiefs |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 17 | 19 |
| Total Yards | 288 | 298 |
| Passing Yards | 194 | 202 |
| Rushing Yards | 94 | 96 |
| First Downs | 20 | 20 |
| 3rd Down | 6/13 (46.2%) | 8/15 (53.3%) |
| 4th Down | 1/1 (100%) | 0/0 |
| Red Zone TDs | 2/3 (66.7%) | 1/3 (33.3%) |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Penalties | 7 for 50 yards | 8 for 98 yards |
| Time of Possession | 30:53 | 29:07 |
Game-Changing Moments
In this tight AFC West battle, five plays ultimately swung the outcome.
- Hopkins’ Halftime TD
Mahomes found DeAndre Hopkins for a 9-yard score with 46 seconds left in the second quarter, giving KC a 13-0 lead. - Wharton’s Fourth-Quarter Sack
Tershawn Wharton’s sack of Herbert stalled a promising Chargers drive, forcing them to settle for a field goal instead of potentially scoring a touchdown. - Dicker’s Kickoff Blunder
After giving LA a 17-16 lead with 4:35 left, Cameron Dicker’s kickoff sailed out of bounds, giving KC prime field position at their 40-yard line for the final drive. - Worthy’s Third-Down Conversion
Facing 3rd-and-10 during the final drive, Mahomes hit rookie Xavier Worthy for 14 yards to keep KC’s hopes alive. - Wright’s Bank-Shot Game-Winner
As time expired, Matthew Wright’s 31-yard field goal attempt hit the left upright before bouncing through, giving KC the 19-17 victory.
According to CBS Sports, this victory marked Kansas City’s 10th one-score win of the 2024 season, an incredible statistic that highlights their exceptional performance in pressure situations.
The Chiefs’ Late-Game Magic Continues
This victory extended KC’s NFL record to 15 consecutive wins in one-score games dating back to the previous season.
Kansas City’s success in these situations stems from their discipline in situational football. Their ability to execute two-minute drills with precision and their confidence in high-pressure moments have become hallmarks of their championship identity.
The Chargers, meanwhile, remain in search of that final piece needed to close out games against elite competition. Despite playing well enough to win in many phases, finding ways to seal victories against championship-caliber teams continues to be their next developmental hurdle.
FAQs: Chargers vs Chiefs December 2024
Q: How many consecutive AFC West titles have the Chiefs won?
A: With this victory, Kansas City secured their ninth straight AFC West division title, extending a remarkable run of divisional dominance dating back to 2016.
Q: What was the final score of this AFC West matchup?
A: The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17 on Matthew Wright’s game-winning field goal as time expired.
Q: How did Wright’s game-winning field goal go in?
A: Matthew Wright’s 31-yard field goal dramatically hit the left upright before bouncing through the posts as time expired, giving Kansas City the victory.
Q: Who led the Chiefs in rushing yards?
A: Isiah Pacheco led Kansas City with 14 carries for 55 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt.
Q: Who caught the touchdown passes in this game?
A: DeAndre Hopkins caught Patrick Mahomes’ lone touchdown pass, while Quentin Johnston was on the receiving end of Justin Herbert’s touchdown throw.
Q: How many consecutive close games have the Chiefs won?
A: This victory marked Kansas City’s 15th consecutive win in games decided by one score, an NFL record. Even more impressively, it was their 10th such win of the 2024 season alone.
This Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats breakdown shows how the finest of margins can decide NFL contests, with a few pivotal plays making all the difference in this latest chapter of AFC West rivalry.
