Chiefs vs. Chargers final score, results: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce team up for game-winning TD

Dan Treacy

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Chiefs vs. Chargers final score, results: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce team up for game-winning TD image

Entering Sunday, the Chargers hadn't beaten the Chiefs at home since 2013. They still haven't.

Despite leading for most of the game and scoring the go-ahead touchdown with under two minutes remaining, the story ended the way it usually does: Patrick Mahomes to Travis Kelce.

Mahomes led an all-too-predictable game-winning drive in 75 seconds, finding Kelce for a 17-yard touchdown with 31 seconds to play in an eventual 30-27 victory. It was Kelce's third touchdown of the night as he continued to dominate the Chargers.

MORE: Kelce steals LaDainian Tomlinson's TD celebration while scoring vs. Chargers

Justin Herbert gave it his all in the loss. He threw some beautiful deep balls to help put the Chargers in front. But his night ended with a dud. Needing just a field goal to force overtime, Herbert was intercepted in the closing seconds.

The Chiefs didn't look perfect, suffering occasional defensive lapses, but they continue to look a level above every AFC team not named the Bills. Kansas City (8-2) leads the AFC West by three games and a tiebreaker with seven games remaining, and the win ensures the Chiefs will stay atop the AFC for at least another week.

MORE: NFL standings: Updated playoff picture for Week 11

The losses are beginning to pile up for the Chargers both on the field and in the standings. Injuries struck again as they lost Mike Williams and Kenneth Murray, among others. The Chargers also dropped to 5-5, leaving them outside the playoff picture behind the Patriots, Bengals and Jets, who are all 6-4. Herbert's path to his first playoff berth is narrowing. 

MORE: Mike Williams injury update: Chargers WR ruled out vs. Chiefs with ankle injury

The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights as Los Angeles hosted Kansas City on "Sunday Night Football." Check out all of the key moments you might have missed from the Week 11 matchup.

MORE: Watch NFL games live with fuboTV (free trial)

Chiefs vs. Chargers score

   1   2   3   4   F 
Chiefs 6 7 3 14 30
Chargers 10 10 0 7 27

Chiefs vs. Chargers live updates, highlights from 'Sunday Night Football'

(All times Eastern)

Final: Chiefs 30, Chargers 27

11:20 p.m. INTERCEPTION — Herbert throws into traffic and gets picked off after a deflection. That'll end the game and extend the Chargers' home losing streak against the Chiefs to nine.

11:19 p.m. — The Chargers were in a good spot with three timeouts remaining, but Chris Jones sacks Herbert for a loss. Huge play.

Chiefs 30, Chargers 27

11:16 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Who could've guessed? None other than Travis Kelce takes it in for a 17-yard touchdown to give the Chiefs the lead. 31 seconds left. They made that look easy.

11:14 p.m. — Mahomes takes off running for a first down and more. The Chiefs are quickly into the red zone.

11:12 p.m. — The Chargers nearly force fourth down, but a holding call on Derwin James gives Kansas City new life in LA territory.

Chargers 27, Chiefs 23

11:07 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Herbert finds Palmer in the end zone for the go-ahead score! Huge throw under pressure. The Chiefs have 1:46 to take the lead. They need a touchdown. Too much time?

11:02 p.m. — Keenan Allen just made up for his mistake. He hauls in a 46-yard pass from Herbert to completely flip the momentum. What a catch!

11:00 p.m. — Willie Gay Jr. comes through untouched and sacks Herbert for a big loss. 3rd & 18 coming...

10:59 p.m. — Herbert's being forced to do a lot of work with his legs now. He just barely gets across the goal line on a sneak for the first down.

10:55 p.m. FUMBLE — The Chiefs give it right back! Huge momentum swing. Troy Reeder forces the ball out of Jerick McKinnon's arms, and the Chargers survive Keenan Allen's mistake.

10:54 p.m. — The Chargers' defense looks gassed. Already dealing with multiple injuries, they're getting gashed by Pacheco.

10:48 p.m. FUMBLE — Keenan Allen gets a big first down for the Chargers but fumbles the ball away. It'll be reviewed, but that looks like a fumble that will end LA's promising drive.

10:46 p.m. — Herbert sneaks it to keep the Chargers' drive alive. LA approaching midfield but moving much slower than earlier in the game.

Chiefs 23, Chargers 20

10:41 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Not only do the Chiefs convert another third down, but Kelce takes it all the way into the end zone. The Chargers' defense was completely overmatched on that play. Kansas City leads.

End of third quarter: Chargers 20, Chiefs 16

10:36 p.m. — Another third down conversion for the Chiefs! Mahomes finds Skyy Moore to keep the drive very much alive.

10:35 p.m. — On that note, here's 3rd & 7 for the Chiefs after a short run by Pacheco.

10:33 p.m. — You can say some variation of this every week: 3rd & 17 for the Chiefs like 3rd & 5 for every other team. Mahomes hits Justin Watson for the unlikely first down.

10:32 p.m. — There's the Chargers' first sack of the night. Derwin James comes off the edge to take down Mahomes for a 7-yard loss.

10:28 p.m. — Justin Reid is able to stop Ekeler on 3rd & 1, forcing a Chargers punt. Kansas City will have a chance to take the lead on this drive.

Chargers 20, Chiefs 16

10:23 p.m. FIELD GOAL — The Chargers finally stuff Pacheco behind the line of scrimmage and force a short Butker field goal. The Chiefs climbs closer, but not as close as they'd like.

10:21 p.m. — The Chiefs had a plan and are executing it. That's seven consecutive runs to open the drive...so far, it's working.

10:19 p.m. — Pacheco continues rumbling along. He's up to 85 yards on nine carries, and the Chiefs are nearing the red zone.

10:15 p.m. — Pacheco opens Kansas City's drive with a nice 19-yard run up the sideline. He's up to 65 yards on just six carries tonight.

10:14 p.m. — Injury update for the Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire is out for the rest of the game, while L'Jarius Sneed has rejoined the team after he was evaluated for a potential concussion.

10:12 p.m. — Mike Danna comes in for his second sack of the night. Chargers can't take advantage and will punt it away.

10:09 p.m. — Wow, Josh Palmer is already over 100 yards. Nice catch-and-run to give the Chargers some breathing room.

10:07 p.m. — Mike Williams was ruled out for the remainder of the game with an ankle injury. Tough break after he missed the previous two games.

9:57 p.m. — Mahomes and Herbert are both on pace for over 340 passing yards. Even with a lead, the Chargers are under pressure here. They were shut out by the 49ers in the second half last week. 

End of first half: Chargers 20, Chiefs 13

9:51 p.m. — Mahomes adds some yardage on the final play of the first half, but there wasn't nearly enough time to make something happen. Chargers will open the second half with the ball and the lead.

Chargers 20, Chiefs 13

9:49 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Wow, the Chiefs stop the Chargers near the goal line and force a Dicker field goal. The Chargers will take it, but I have a feeling we'll be remembering that moment in about 90 minutes.

9:46 p.m. — That penalty sparked new life in the Chargers' offense. LA is down near the goal line after another nice run by Ekeler.

9:45 p.m. — Herbert scrambles and runs out of bounds short of the first down marker, but he's hit late by Nick Bolton and picks up the first anyway.

9:42 p.m. TWO-MINUTE WARNING — Herbert has 156 yards and has the Chargers in Chiefs territory after taking advantage of strong field position. A field goal would be nice for LA, but it's going to take more than that to feel comfortable against the Chiefs.

9:37 p.m. — Only bad news for Kansas City on that drive. Chargers force a punt and quickly get a chance to add to their lead before halftime. Under three minutes remaining.

9:35 p.m. — The Chargers take advantage of a penalty that moved the kickoff and "sky kick" it to the Chiefs. Bad mistake by the returner Pacheco, who catches it and goes out of bounds at the 6-yard line.

Chargers 17, Chiefs 13

9:30 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Austin Ekeler muscles the ball across the goal line to give the Chargers the lead! Terrific drive by LA. 

9:28 p.m. — Interesting sequence here. Chargers take a timeout and try to run a play right out of the huddle. Chris Jones takes a timeout for the Chiefs to avoid disaster.

9:25 p.m. — Herbert sneaks it, and Isaiah Spiller takes the next snap down to the 13-yard line. The Chargers want a touchdown out of this.

9:23 p.m. — DeAndre Carter hauls in a 20-yard pass to push the Chargers into Chiefs territory. Nearing field goal range...

9:21 p.m. — That's the first NFL catch for undrafted tight end Stone Smartt, who gets the first down for the Chargers.

9:19 p.m. — Rare miscommunication between Mahomes and Kelce as the pass bounces off of an unaware Kelce. Chiefs will punt for the first time tonight.

9:18 p.m. — Great pressure on Mahomes by Morgan Fox, who chases him far from the line of scrimmage. Mahomes throws it away.

9:14 p.m. — We'll have our first punt of the night. Mike Danna sacks Herbert on 3rd & 12 to end LA's drive.

9:11 p.m. — Mike Williams remains on the sideline after aggravating his ankle injury.

Chiefs 13, Chargers 10

9:07 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Travis Kelce dances into the end zone to put the Chiefs in front! Chiefs have their first touchdown and first lead of the night.

9:06 p.m. — Mahomes continues to spread the ball around. He hits Jody Fortson for a 40-yard gain, bringing the Chiefs down to the Chargers' 4-yard line.

End of first quarter: Chargers 10, Chiefs 6

9:03 p.m. — A holding call erases a first down run by Mahomes. Chiefs will have 2nd & 15 to open the second quarter, though they don't need the first down to get into field goal range.

9:00 p.m. — These two teams refuse to punt. Mahomes overcomes a 2nd & 21 and hits Kelce on 3rd & 8 for a 34-yard gain.

8:57 p.m. — Clyde Edwards-Helaire limped to the locker room and is questionable to return with an ankle injury. The Chiefs don't run often, but it's Isiah Pacheco's backfield for the time being.

Chargers 10, Chiefs 6

8:56 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Cameron Dicker connects from 46 yards out. Even if he doesn't hold onto the Chargers' kicking job, Dicker is earning himself more NFL chances.

8:55 p.m. — Field goal unit coming on for the Chargers after a pass is out of Keenan Allen's reach.

8:52 p.m. — First Williams goes to the sideline, now Palmer is down in the end zone for the Chargers with an arm injury.

8:51 p.m. — Herbert has been fantastic early on, but Austin Ekeler has impressed as well with 21 yards on four carries.

8:50 p.m. — Welcome back, Mike Williams. Williams goes up and somehow gets both feet down for a first down grab along the sideline. He comes up hobbling...

Chargers 7, Chiefs 6

8:45 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Harrison Butker remains near-automatic. He hits from 52 yards out to make this a one-point game.

8:44 p.m. — Another field goal attempt coming for the Chiefs after Marquez Valdes-Scantling gets tied up with the defender on third down.

8:43 p.m. — Mahomes with a pitch to Kelce that goes nowhere. Kelce tries to flip it back to Mahomes, but the play is blown dead...

8:42 p.m. — Two early targets for Skyy Moore, none for Kadarius Toney.

8:40 p.m. — These quarterbacks are firing on all cylinders tonight. Mahomes hits Travis Kelce to quickly get out to midfield.

Chargers 7, Chiefs 3

8:35 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Wow! Herbert airs it out and hits Josh Palmer for a huge 50-yard touchdown. That's the Chargers offense we've been waiting to see.

8:34 p.m. — Welcome back, Keenan Allen! Allen runs a great route for a quick first down catch.

Chiefs 3, Chargers 0

8:30 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Butker drills the short-range field goal. Chiefs strike first, but Chargers deserve some credit for halting their momentum.

8:29 p.m. — The Chargers force a pair of Mahomes incompletions to bring on Harrison Butker and the field goal unit. LA has to be satisfied with that after a tough start to the drive.

8:27 p.m. — Chiefs convert on 3rd & 7 on a pass to Skyy Moore. Kansas City is already in the red zone.

8:25 p.m. — Isiah Pacheco breaks away for a 28-yard run. Chiefs running backs ran for just 14 yards last time we saw this team in prime-time.

8:24 p.m. — Mahomes takes a hard hit from Sebastian Joseph-Day right away but is able to throw the ball away.

8:22 p.m. — We are underway, with the Chiefs receiving the opening kickoff.

8:15 p.m. — Even after today's action, Patrick Mahomes still has five more touchdown passes than anyone else this season. Win or lose, expect him to put up some more big numbers tonight.

8:02 p.m. — The returning Chargers receivers are worth watching in this game, but how about Kadarius Toney for the Chiefs? He had 57 yards and a touchdown in his second game with the team. Will Mahomes look his way often tonight?

7:50 p.m. — Today's results only added more pressure for the Chargers, who would fall a game behind the Patriots and Bengals with a loss tonight.

7:46 p.m. — The Chargers haven't beaten the Chiefs at home since 2013, when Andy Reid was in his first season with Kansas City. Justin Herbert will have Mike Williams and Keenan Allen as he tries to snap that streak.

Chiefs vs. Chargers start time

  • Date: Sunday, Nov. 20
  • Time: 8:20 p.m. ET 

Chiefs vs. Chargers will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET, 5:20 p.m. local time. The game will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

What channel is Chiefs vs. Chargers on today?

  • TV channel (national): NBC (U.S.) | TSN2, CTV2, RDS2 (Canada)
  • Live stream: NBCSports.com, NBC Sports App, Peacock | fuboTV (U.S.) | DAZN (Canada)

The game will be broadcast nationally on NBC in the U.S.. Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (color commentary) and Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) will be on the call from Inglewood.

A live stream of the game will be available on NBCSports.con, the NBC Sports app, Peacock, and fuboTV, which offers a free trial.

Viewers in Canada can watch the game on TSN2, CTV2 or RDS2. They can also stream it with DAZN, which carries every NFL game.

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy Photo

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.