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yesterday

Chiefs’ Playoff Hopes Teeter With Must-Win Chargers Test After Texans Loss

Kansas City sits 6-7 outside the playoff field, needing a four-game sweep to preserve a viable path.

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Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is pressured by Houston Texans defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. (97) during the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Sunday’s visit to the 9-4 Chargers is being framed as an elimination scenario for Kansas City, with a loss likely ending postseason hopes.
  • The Chiefs can no longer win the AFC West and must chase a wild-card berth complicated by head-to-head defeats to the Bills, Chargers and Texans.
  • Patrick Mahomes is coming off a career-worst outing against Houston with three interceptions, a 42.4% completion rate and a 19.8 passer rating.
  • Kansas City’s offense has slipped to 24.2 points and 367.1 yards per game as offensive line injuries forced patchwork protection, including an emergency debut for Esa Pole.
  • Debate over the league’s top quarterback has intensified, with SI’s Gilbert Manzano saying Josh Allen could overtake Mahomes by winning the Super Bowl and Joe Theismann asserting Mahomes remains the best.