As the NBC broadcast pointed out, the win gives Kansas City 15 straight wins in one-score games, which extends the longest streak in NFL history.
It may not be perfect, but the Chiefs somehow keep finding ways to win. This time, it takes a doink off the left upright to do so.
Chargers cannot find a way to win close games
Unlike the Chiefs, Los Angeles keeps letting close games slip away.
Coming into Sunday night, per the NBC broadcast, the Chargers had 10 straight losses in games decided by three points or fewer, which was tied for the fourth longest streak in NFL history.
After a poor kickoff set the Chiefs up with great field position at the 40-yard line, the walk-off field goal that deflected through the uprights only made it worse.
Make it 11 consecutive one-score losses in games decided by three points or less. At this point, when will it end for the Chargers.
Another division title for Kansas City
Despite the inability to put teams away, the Chiefs are AFC West champions for a ninth consecutive season.
While Mahomes was solid with 210 pass yards and a touchdown, the run game was held under 100 yards for the game. TE Travis Kelce was once again held in check with just 45 yards.
Kansas City (12-1) may be tied for the best record in the NFL and division champions once again, but the lack of explosiveness and number of close games has to catch up to them at some point.
So far, that has not been the case.
Injuries continue to be a problem for Chargers
While the Chargers were without RB J.K. Dobbins (knee) once again after he was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 30, Los Angeles was also without rookie WR Ladd McConkey (knee/shoulder) on Sunday night.
Dobbins has been a huge catalyst in the Chargers success this season. Dobbins has rushed for 766 yards and eight TDs. His absence in the backfield has been felt by the Los Angeles offense.
McConkey has been a bright spot for Los Angeles in his rookie season. He has 815 receiving yards and four TDs. With Dobbins already out, the loss of McConkey for Sunday night’s game gave Herbert one less option down the field and someone that has been a reliable go-to option all season.
Herbert gets Chargers back in game after injury scare
Speaking of injuries, it was a hold your breath moment just before the half when Herbert took a massive hit that left him lying on the turf for a brief period.
Despite walking off the field gingerly with an apparent leg injury, Herbert returned before the half was over.
One area Herbert has excelled in this season has been taking care of the ball. Herbert only has one interception all season to go with his 16 TDs (two rushing).
Considering the rash of injuries Los Angeles (8-5) has dealt with, Herbert’s did not seem to be as severe as he led the Chargers to a pair of third quarter TD drives that put Los Angeles in the lead after a scoreless first half.
