Arrowhead Pride
On Sunday, the (6-7) Kansas City Chiefs will host the (9-4) Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Let’s see how the game plays out in “Madden NFL 26.”
The Chargers open the game with the ball and survive multiple chances for the Chiefs’ defense to get off the field. Quarterback Justin Herbert repeatedly turns to wide receiver Quentin Johnston for key first downs, including a 27-yard catch-and-run that pushes Los Angeles deep into Kansas City territory. At the Chiefs’ 9-yard line, Herbert keeps the ball on a read-option and powers into the end zone for the game’s first score.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs respond with a determined opening drive of their own. Tight end Travis Kelce hauls in a post route and turns upfield for 23 yards to move Kansas City into Chargers territory. Running back Isiah Pacheco adds yardage on the ground and through the air before Mahomes finds wide receiver Xavier Worthy on a drag route from the 10-yard line to tie the game at seven.
Kansas City tries to force a three-and-out on the ensuing possession but can’t contain Johnston on a slant. The Chargers’ receiver continues his hot start, adding 28 more yards to give him three catches for 71 yards in the opening quarter.
End of first quarter: Chargers 7, Chiefs 7
From the Chiefs’ 46-yard line, Herbert rifles a strike to wide receiver Ladd McConkey on a corner route. McConkey makes a defender miss with a sharp juke, tiptoes the sideline, and sprints into the end zone for another Chargers touchdown.
Mahomes quickly answers, hitting wide receiver Hollywood Brown on a streak for 25 yards before connecting with wide receiver Rashee Rice for 20 more to reach the Chargers’ 23-yard line. A short catch by Worthy sets up first-and-goal at the 2.
The Chargers tighten near the goal line, forcing Kansas City into a third-and-goal. A costly false start pushes the Chiefs back to the 9, but Mahomes fires toward the end zone — a pass seemingly intended for Worthy — only for Brown to slip underneath the route and haul in the touchdown.
The Chiefs’ defense finally breaks through on the next possession. On third down, defensive end George Karlaftis comes untouched up the middle and drops Herbert for a drive-ending sack, forcing the Chargers to punt for the first time.
But Kansas City can’t capitalize. A third-down pass to Rice is broken up, resulting in a punt.
With 52 seconds remaining, Herbert connects with wide receiver Keenan Allen for 23 yards to the Chiefs’ 28. Facing third-and-three at the 21, Herbert dumps the ball to running back Kimani Vidal, but the play stalls. Kicker Cameron Dicker drills the ensuing field goal to give Los Angeles the lead.
End of second quarter: Chargers 17, Chiefs 14
Isiah Pacheco opens the second half with a spark, slicing through the Chargers’ defense for a 41-yard touchdown run that gives...
