Travis Kelce’s OT touchdown gives Chiefs win over Chargers

Associated Press
Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 12:31 a.m. | Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 12:31 a.m.

Go Ad-Free Today!

AP

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrates Thursday after the Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in Inglewood, Calif. The Chiefs won 34-28.

AP

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill makes a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.

AP

Los Angeles Chargers running back Joshua Kelley reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.

AP

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, above, hauls in a pass as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward (35) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.

AP

Kansas City Chiefs fullback Michael Burton scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.

AP

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.

AP

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert scores a touchdown as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Darius Harris defends during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Travis Kelce scored on a 34-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied for a 34-28 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night.

Kelce caught a tying 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, then ended the game with his catch-and-run in overtime. On first-and-10, Kelce pulled in Mahomes’ pass at the 30 and eluded two tackles en route to the end zone, where he was swarmed by teammates.

WALK OFF WINNER!!! pic.twitter.com/lN2EljNALi

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 17, 2021

Mahomes finished 31 of 47 for a season-high 410 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Kelce had 10 receptions for a career-best 191 yards and two touchdowns.

Justin Herbert gave the Chargers a 28-21 lead with 2:19 remaining on a 8-yard TD pass to Keenan Allen.

Los Angeles’ defeat came after a terrifying injury to tight end Donald Parham. The 24-year-old appeared to lose consciousness after slamming his head on the turf in the first quarter. He was helped off on a stretcher and taken to a hospital, where the team said he is in stable condition.

Tyreek Hill had 12 receptions for 148 yards and a TD for the Chiefs, who have won seven straight to improve to 10-4 and remain on top of the AFC West. Hill’s 1-yard touchdown and a 2-point conversion tied the game at 21 in the fourth quarter — that score was set up by Kelce’s 69-yard catch.

It is the second straight season the Chiefs have come to the Chargers’ Hollywood Park home and won in overtime.

Herbert threw two touchdowns and ran for another score, but the Chargers (8-6) came up empty on three red-zone drives. Herbert completed 22 of 38 passes for 236 yards and an interception.

The Chargers fell behind 10-0 early in the second quarter before scoring on two straight drives to take a 14-10 lead at halftime. Herbert scored on a 1-yard keeper off left end and then connected with Jalen Guyton for a 4-yard TD on the next drive.

The Chiefs benefited off Chargers’ mistakes for their first 10 points. After Los Angeles turned it over on downs, Kansas City went 95 yards in 11 plays, culminating in Michael Burton’s 7-yard run up the middle.

The Chiefs then turned Anthony Hitchens’ interception of Herbert into points on Harrison Butker’s 30-yard field goal.