Needing a win to stay in playoff contention, Patrick Mahomes is determined to do whatever it takes to lift the Kansas City Chiefs to victory over the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium.
Patrick Mahomes Makes Big Run to Secure Touchdown Against the Chargers
On a key 2nd & Goal in the first quarter, Mahomes ignored the Chargers’ defensive front and sprinted for 12 yards to open the scoring. As Harold R. Kuntz noted, the quarterback is currently the “best running back on the team.”
This touchdown run by Mahomes stands out even more in light of Isiah Pacheco’s struggles this season. Once viewed as crucial to the Chiefs’ success, the running back has been inconsistent in 2025, failing to meet expectations.
“TOUCHDOWN PATRICK MAHOMES!”
Chiefs wasting no time getting on the board pic.twitter.com/8cYnKTNWne
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 14, 2025
Earlier this week, ESPN reports shook up Chiefs fans by indicating Pacheco may not be in the team’s future plans. Before Week 15, the RB had rushed 90 times for 375 yards and a touchdown, adding 13 catches for 60 yards and another score.
Best RB on the team .. Touchdown #Chiefs
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) December 14, 2025
Given these ongoing issues with the running game in 2025, Chiefs management now believes the time is right to invest in a new RB (not necessarily in the draft). Notably, Pacheco ranked 13th in PFSN’s NFL Running Back Impact with a 79.1 score and a C+ grade in his debut season.
Through ten games this season, Pacheco has slid to just fourth in PFSN’s RBi, with a 70.3 impact score and a C-. The Chiefs’ search for offensive firepower may send them looking for a game-changing RB in the 2026 NFL Draft, probably putting an end to his time with the franchise.
Mahomes Needs to Return to Top Form to Have a Chance at the Playoffs
While Mahomes made an impressive start against the Chargers, it’s important to note that he still needs to elevate his performance this season, especially after his poor showing against the Houston Texans.
Previously considered an MVP contender, Mahomes’ recent decline stems from poor decisions and injuries to key offensive linemen, as well as Travis Kelce’s subpar season, which has not matched his 2024 production.
Keep in mind, the Chiefs do not fully control their postseason destiny. They must win all remaining games and rely on the Chargers finishing 1-3 or worse, as well as the Indianapolis Colts recording a 2-2 record or worse in their upcoming contests.
