The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a crucial Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, eliminating them from playoff contention. The defeat was compounded by quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ late-game injury, raising further concerns for next season.
Patrick Mahomes Speaks Out After Serious Injury
The Chiefs confirmed Mahomes tore his left ACL and will require surgery, placing the 2026 season in jeopardy. Mahomes addressed the injury on social media, thanking fans and vowing to return in an emotional message.
“Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back,” Mahomes wrote.
Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back…
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 14, 2025
Injury Update on QB Patrick Mahomes:
An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today’s game. Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options.
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 15, 2025
With the Chiefs down by three, Mahomes, who ranks 12th in PFSN’s QB Impact metric with a C+ grade, ran under pressure. He planted his left foot, and his knee gave way, forcing him to fall in pain. On the next play, backup Gardner Minshew threw an interception to Travis Kelce, forced by Derwin James Jr.
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Chiefs Eliminated and Out of the Playoffs
The team needed to win its final four games and rely on losses by Buffalo, Jacksonville and Houston to remain in playoff contention. Instead, the defeat ended the Chiefs’ 10-year playoff streak, the NFL’s second-longest active run. Kansas City also fell short of a fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance, undone largely by turnovers.
In addition to their loss to the Chargers, the Chiefs’ elimination in Week 15 was sealed by other results: Buffalo’s victory over the New England Patriots, Jacksonville’s win over the New York Jets, and Houston’s triumph over the Arizona Cardinals.
