Justin Herbert Leads Chargers Past Chiefs 27-12 in Thrilling Season Opener in Brazil.

Herbert Shines in Sao Paulo with 318 Yards and 3 TDs

Justin Herbert kicked off the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2025 NFL season in spectacular fashion, sealing a 27-21 victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Herbert not only delivered through the air with 318 passing yards and three touchdowns, but also made a game-clinching scramble for a first down that electrified fans worldwide.

The victory marked the Chargers’ first win over the Chiefs since 2021, snapping a seven-game losing streak against their AFC West rivals.

A Historic Win for the Chargers

Head coach Jim Harbaugh didn’t hold back his excitement after the landmark victory.

“It’s monumental. September 5th will go down in some Charger lore, in my opinion. It was a big win.”

The win was part of the NFL’s second-ever game in South America, streamed globally on YouTube. Brazilian soccer icon Neymar cheered from the stands, while fans also tuned in to a halftime show by Colombian superstar Karol G.

Herbert Joins Elite Company

Herbert became just the third quarterback in Chargers history to record 300 yards and three TDs in a season opener. He finished 25-of-34 passing and added 32 rushing yards, highlighted by a dramatic 19-yard run on third-and-14 that ended Kansas City’s hopes with just over two minutes remaining.

Mahomes and Chiefs Struggle to Keep Pace

Patrick Mahomes put up 258 yards and one touchdown on 24-of-39 passing, but the Chiefs couldn’t overcome missed opportunities in the red zone. “They definitely came out with more energy than we did,” Mahomes admitted after the game.

Key moments included:

Quentin Johnston’s two touchdowns from Herbert, including a 23-yard strike in the fourth quarter.
A late Harrison Butker field goal that trimmed the deficit to 27-21.
A failed two-point conversion after Mahomes’ 37-yard TD to Travis Kelce.

Chiefs defensive star Chris Jones summed it up:

“Multiple times we shot ourselves in the foot.”

What This Win Means for the Chargers

The victory is more than just a Week 1 triumph—it’s a statement. The Chargers showed they can not only compete with, but defeat the reigning AFC powerhouse on an international stage. With Herbert playing at an MVP-caliber level, fans are buzzing about what this season could hold.

🔥 Fan Takeaway: This wasn’t just a Chargers win—it was a global showcase for the NFL. From Neymar in the stands to Herbert’s clutch heroics, Sao Paulo got a front-row seat to one of the best Week 1 games in recent memory.

Up next

Chiefs: Host Philadelphia on Sept. 14 in a Super Bowl rematch.

Chargers: At Las Vegas on Sept. 15.

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