Herbert Outshines Mahomes as Chargers Break Chiefs’ Streak in Brazil
On a major night of NFL action in South America, Justin Herbert delivered a masterclass to guide the Los Angeles Dishes to a 27- 21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, ending a seven-game losing run against their AFC West rivals.
The quarterback dogfight that numerous suckers had been waiting for lived up to the billing. Herbert threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns, outduelling Patrick Mahomes in a tense and dramatic battle in front of a buzzing Brazilian crowd.
“It’s monumental,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “September 5th will go down in some Charger lore, in my opinion. It was a big win.”
This was only the NFL’s second-ever game staged in South America, streamed globally on YouTube.
Brazilian football icon Neymar was spotted in the stands, while the much-rumoured appearance of Taylor Swift, engaged to Chiefs’ star Travis Kelce, didn’t materialise.
Justin Herbert Scrambles to Victory and Breaks His Mahomes Curse!
Great game! Chargers didn’t play it safe.
They kept their foot on the gas to win the game.
Jim Harbaugh is a genius. Big win over the Chiefs.
Is this the year the AFC West has a new…
— CEO Branding Expert (@Ceo_Branding) September 6, 2025
Instead, halftime saw Colombian pop sensation Karol G electrify the stage.
Herbert’s performance etched his name further into Chargers history. He became just the third quarterback in franchise history to throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in a season opener.
And when the Chiefs pushed late, his decisive 19-yard scramble on third-and-14 all but sealed victory.
“We knew it was going to be a dogfight, so we showed up today with our best effort,” Herbert said. “It was fun to see.”
Mahomes, usually the architect of Kansas City’s comebacks, couldn’t quite find the spark this time. He finished with 258 passing yards, a touchdown, and two sacks.
The Chiefs had their chances. A 37-yard touchdown connection from Mahomes to Kelce pulled them back to within two early in the fourth quarter, but the failed two-point attempt left them chasing.
Harrison Butker’s late 27-yard field goal cut the gap to six, but Herbert’s composure down the stretch denied them.
Herbert’s chemistry with wide receiver Quentin Johnston proved vital. The pair connected twice for touchdowns, including a pivotal 23-yard strike in the final quarter.
Veteran receiver Keenan Allen, returning to LA after a brief stint away, also played his part in extending drives.
The Chiefs’ night began with an early blow. Already without Rashee Rice and rookie Jalen Royals, Kansas City lost Xavier Worthy to a shoulder injury after a collision with Kelce. He did not return.
For the Chargers, linebacker Denzel Perryman limped off in the third quarter with an ankle problem, leaving LA’s defence to dig deep.
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier for either side. Kansas City now prepares for a high-stakes Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles on 14 September.
The Chargers head to Las Vegas a day later, continuing their run of division clashes.
For now, though, Herbert and the Chargers have their moment. A long-awaited victory. A bold statement to the rest of the AFC. And a night Brazil will not forget in a hurry.
