São Paulo, Brazil – Travis Kelce‘s highly anticipated season debut, and the Chiefs‘ first regular season game in Brazil, ended in a 27-20 defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday night. The game, played before a vibrant international crowd, was marked by offensive struggles for the Chiefs and a frustrating performance for Kelce, who was limited to one target in the first half.
The Chiefs, playing without suspended receiver Rashee Rice, appeared short of offensive options. A long pass attempt failed to connect, and Hollywood brown dropped a crucial pass. Kansas City repeatedly gambled on fourth down, successfully converting twice before a Mahomes sack stalled a drive, resulting in a field goal by Harrison Butker for the Chiefs’ first points of the season. Cameron Dicker quickly responded with a field goal, extending the Chargers’ lead to 10 points.
A late first-half drive saw Mahomes connect with Tyquan Thornton for a 38-yard gain, but back-to-back false starts hampered progress. With seconds remaining, Butker connected on a 59-yard field goal as time expired.
The second half began with a promising drive led by Mahomes, culminating in a quarterback scramble for a touchdown. Though, Butker missed the ensuing extra point, leaving the score at 20-14. The Chargers capitalized with a touchdown from Keenan Allen. Kelce afterward scored, narrowing the gap to two points, but the Chiefs’ two-point conversion attempt failed. Johnston then extended the Chargers’ lead with another touchdown.
Mahomes attempted a late rally, connecting with Brown for a 49-yard pass, and Kelce had a chance to make a play, but couldn’t secure the catch. The game concluded with a Chargers victory, marking a difficult start to kelce’s season and the Chiefs’ international venture.
