— In an NFL international game at Neo Quimica Arena in São Paulo, Justin Herbert threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Los Angeles Chargers to a 27-21 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, a result sealed by a 19-yard scramble by Herbert with 2:21 remaining.
Key Takeaways
- Justin Herbert completed 25 of 34 passes for 318 yards and three TDs; Chargers win 27-21 in São Paulo.
- Patrick Mahomes finished 24 of 39 for 258 yards and one TD; Chiefs fell 0-1 on the season.
- Quentin Johnston caught two touchdown passes; Keenan Allen added another scoring catch.
- The game was the NFL’s second played in South America and drew notable attendees from outside football.
- Chargers snapped a losing streak to Kansas City that dated back to Sept. 26, 2021.
- Key injuries: Chiefs’ Xavier Worthy exited early with a right shoulder injury; Chargers’ Denzel Perryman left in the third with an ankle issue.
Verified Facts
At Neo Quimica Arena, Herbert was efficient and decisive: he finished 25-for-34 with 318 yards and three passing touchdowns, and he was sacked three times. His 23-yard touchdown to Quentin Johnston pushed the Chargers ahead late in the fourth quarter, and Herbert’s 19-yard run with 2:21 remaining ended Kansas City’s last chance to tie.
Mahomes completed 24 of 39 passes for 258 yards with one touchdown. Kansas City’s scoring included a 37-yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce early in the fourth, but a failed two-point conversion kept the Chiefs behind. Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker converted multiple field goals, helping keep the score within reach.
Quentin Johnston finished as Los Angeles’ top receiving threat, including two touchdown catches (a 5-yard score on the opening drive and a 23-yard go-ahead TD). Keenan Allen, who rejoined the Chargers this offseason, added a late touchdown. There were no turnovers credited to either team in the box score.
Context & Impact
The matchup was the NFL’s second contest staged in South America and was streamed globally; Brazilian soccer star Neymar attended. The game provided the Chargers an early-season statement win and handed the Chiefs their first loss of the year.
For Kansas City, the defeat comes amid a thin receiving corps to start the season: Rashee Rice began the year serving a suspension, rookie Jalen Royals was out with a knee issue, and Xavier Worthy left early after a shoulder injury. The Chiefs travel back to the U.S. to host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 14 in a Super Bowl rematch; the Chargers head to Las Vegas on Sept. 15.
Official Statements
“It’s monumental,”
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh
Unconfirmed
- Exact official attendance figures reported in some feeds appear inconsistent and have not been independently verified.
- Some play-by-play sources show varying extra-point/field-goal notations; the primary scoring summary above reflects major scoring plays and final score.
Bottom Line
The Chargers earned a signature road-style victory in an international setting by leaning on Herbert’s arm and timely receiving plays from Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen. Kansas City showed resilience but was hampered by injuries and came up short in the late stages. The result reshapes early AFC narratives and sets up a quick turnaround for both clubs.