Chiefs Beat Chargers 31-17: Key Stats and Turning Points

The Chiefs put together their most-complete victory of the season on Sunday afternoon

The defense was dominant down the stretch - holding the Chargers scoreless in the second half. Special teams iced the game with a big return from a guy making a big return (to KC), and Patrick Mahomes threw for more than 400 yards, while Travis Kelce also set a career-best with 143 yards receiving in the first half.

All-in-all, it was a complete victory for the Chiefs against the Chargers on Sunday as they beat their divisional rival 31-17 in front of Taylor Swift and a bunch of other people.

Here’s what stood out to Craig Stout and Matt Lane:

10.7 - Chiefs Offensive Yards/Play in the First Half 

Welcome back, Chiefs offense!

Patrick Mahomes threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, while All-Everything tight end Travis Kelce had his second straight game with over 100 yards receiving – also in the first half. While the Chiefs were on the field in the first half, everything just seemed effortless. All of Andy Reid’s playcalls were clicking, the execution was terrific, and everybody seemed to get involved. If this feels familiar, it should. This was the first time this season that the offense actually felt like it has in the past (not including the woeful Bears), and against a divisional opponent like the Los Angeles Chargers, it seems very real.

The obvious correlation is going to be made to the return of Mecole Hardman to the lineup. Hardman’s ability to stretch the defense and kick safeties out of the box certainly paid off, as Travis Kelce had acres of space to work with in the middle of the field. However, a “peak” game from Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Rashee Rice’s increased workload and target share, as well as a very well-rounded game from Skyy Moore showed the potential of what this offense can be when it’s all put together.