Chargers snap Chiefs’ seven-game skid in São Paulo as injuries, penalties and a missed extra point shape 27-21 win

The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21 on Friday night in São Paulo, ending a seven-game losing streak to Kansas City in a season-opening game marked by early injuries, multiple penalties and a missed extra point that drew widespread attention online.

The Chiefs' offense lost a key weapon three plays into the game when second-year receiver Xavier Worthy collided with teammate Travis Kelce and was ruled out with a right-shoulder injury. Worthy remained in visible pain on the sideline and walked off under his own power with a towel; the team did not immediately provide a specific diagnosis.

The Chargers’ offense, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, was largely efficient throughout the night. Herbert completed more than 300 yards passing and threw three touchdown passes as Los Angeles built and held a lead. The game’s momentum swung at several junctures: a personal-foul penalty against Chargers lineman Teair Tart for an open-hand hit to Kelce’s helmet advanced the Chiefs; on the next snap, Patrick Mahomes scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown. Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker then missed the extra point, a rare occurrence that preserved the Chargers’ lead and ultimately factored into the final margin.

The missed PAT drew attention beyond the stadium when broadcaster Rich Eisen, calling the game on YouTube alongside Kurt Warner, commented, "Harrison Butker, interestingly enough, is wide right!" The line circulated widely on social media; a Fox News video of the exchange had drawn millions of views. Butker has publicly voiced conservative political views in the past, and social platforms quickly reacted to Eisen’s phrasing while the broadcast replayed the play and its aftermath.

Taylor Swift’s engagement to Kelce continued to influence the atmosphere around the game. Kelce, who was asked in São Paulo how life has changed since announcing the engagement, quipped, "I got one more ring for it," and said life has been "fun." Off-field, Swift’s fanbase mobilized after Tart’s hit on Kelce, sending strong reactions to the Chargers player’s social media accounts. The hit was ruled a personal foul; Tart was not ejected, consistent with league rules that distinguish between an open-hand contact and a closed-fist punch, which can carry ejection.

The international stage produced other disruptions. Chargers offensive lineman Mekhi Becton was listed as questionable before kickoff because of an illness; he later posted to social media from what appeared to be a hospital bed and joked about local food, writing in an Instagram Stories post, "Don't eat the rice and beans in Brazil bro," alongside an image that appeared to show an IV bag and monitoring equipment. The Chargers did not provide detailed medical information in their immediate game reporting.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged the team must regroup after the loss. "We can learn from this as we move forward," Reid said. "I’ve got to make sure I get my team in a better state there coming out, playing with more emotion. We were a little flat that first half, and that cost us." Kansas City committed several penalties that hindered drives; the two teams combined for 10 flags that affected field position and momentum.

Despite the defeat, Kansas City had moments that kept the game competitive. Mahomes engineered drives late in the second half, and the Chiefs remained within striking distance until the closing minutes. Los Angeles, meanwhile, converted key third downs and limited turnovers as Herbert connected with targets including Quentin Johnston, who helped set the tone early with a five-yard touchdown catch on a quick drive.

The Chargers leave São Paulo with a statement win that halts their losing streak to the Chiefs and provides early-season momentum. Kansas City faces a quick turnaround: the Chiefs are scheduled to return to the United States and prepare for a rematch of last season’s Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles in their next game, giving Reid and staff limited time to address injuries, penalties and the inconsistencies that emerged in Brazil.

The international outing highlighted the NFL’s growing global reach and its capacity to generate storylines that blend on-field outcomes with broader cultural attention. In São Paulo, that mix included a high-profile engagement, vocal fan responses on social media, an illness scare for a visiting lineman and a rare kicking miss that prompted a viral broadcaster moment. Coaches and players from both teams emphasized the need to move forward and focus on the coming weeks as the regular season opens in earnest.