Justin Herbert shined as the Los Angeles Chargers held off the Kansas City Chiefs with a 27-21 victory to open the 2025 season in São Paulo, Brazil.

The Chargers struck in the first quarter after Herbert connected on a five yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston. Los Angeles would add to their lead in the second quarter with a field goal from 39 yards out.

The Chiefs finally got on the board in the second quarter thanks to a 45-yard field goal from Harrison Butker. Both teams traded field goals in the final minute of the first half, with the Chargers leading 13-6 at the break.

Patrick Mahomes orchestrated a touchdown drive to begin the third quarter, capping it off with an 11-yard touchdown run. However, Butker’s extra point missed wide right, keeping the Chargers in front by one.

Herbert came through for the Chargers near the end of the third quarter, finding Keenan Allen with an 11-yard touchdown pass as the Chargers led by eight heading into the fourth quarter.

Kansas City attempted to mount the comeback, scoring less than three minutes into the quarter thanks to a 37-yard bomb from Mahomes to Travis Kelce. The Chiefs went for two, hoping to tie it up, but were unable to convert. Herbert then connected with Johnston with his third TD pass of the night, giving L.A. a two possession lead. Kansas City would get a field goal with 2:34 left in the game, but Herbert and the Chargers were able to run down the rest of the clock, denying Mahomes and the Chiefs one final opportunity to win the game.

Mahomes finished 24 for 39 passing with 258 yards and a touchdown. He was also the team’s leading rusher, going for 57 yards and a score. Hollywood Brown caught ten passes for 99 yards to lead the Chiefs. Herbert finished with 318 passing yards and three touchdown passes.

The Chiefs fall to 0-1 on the season. They’ll be back in action next Sunday to face the Eagles in a rematch of the Super Bowl. Kickoff will begin at 3:25 p.m.