Before we get to the weekend, let’s see how ‘Sunday Night Football’ plays out in the EA Universe.
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If you want to watch the simulation without spoilers, start the above video — or if you can’t see it, click here.
Here’s what happened in our simulation:
First quarter
After the Kansas City Chiefs punted on their opening drive, the Los Angeles Chargers methodically moved down the field.
The Chargers converted back-to-back third-and-inches plays, followed by a 13-yard run by J.K. Dobbins to enter Chiefs territory.
However, the Chiefs’ defense held firm, forcing a field goal attempt. George Karlaftis was flagged for roughing the kicker during the kick, giving the Chargers a fresh set of downs.
Justin Herbert rifled a 37-yard strike to tight end Tucker Fisk, bringing the Chargers inside the Chiefs’ 5-yard line. But on the next play, Herbert was intercepted in the end zone by Nick Bolton, ending the scoring threat.
With just over two minutes remaining in the quarter, the Chiefs took possession. Patrick Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce on a bullet pass for a first down, then found a streaking Xavier Worthy for a 67-yard touchdown, putting Kansas City on the board first.
End of the first quarter: Chiefs 7, Chargers 0
Second quarter
Herbert started using his legs effectively, breaking off a 10-yard run and then an 18-yard scramble a few plays later, pushing the Chargers near the Chiefs’ red zone.
Herbert capped off the drive with a 10-yard pass to Ladd McConkey on a post route, tying the game at 7-7.
On the ensuing drive, the Chiefs leaned on their ground game, featuring Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. The duo powered the offense down the field, with Pacheco breaking free for a 36-yard touchdown run to put Kansas City back in the lead.
As the Chargers pressed late in the half, Trent McDuffie showcased his interception prowess once again in the EA Universe, picking off Herbert after the Chargers crossed into Chiefs territory with 39 seconds left in the second quarter.
End of the second quarter: Chiefs 14, Chargers 7
Third quarter
The Chiefs’ first drive of the second half began deep in their own territory after a Chargers punt. Mahomes pushed the offense close to midfield but was intercepted by Joey Bosa, who unexpectedly dropped back into coverage on a play-action pass.
The Chargers took over on the Chiefs’ side of the field but struggled to gain momentum, managing just one first down. Karlaftis redeemed himself for his earlier roughing-the-kicker penalty by sacking Herbert on third down.
Despite the setback, kicker Cameron Dicker drilled a 48-yard field goal, trimming the Chiefs’ lead.
On the next possession, Kansas City went three-and-out, returning the ball to the Chargers.
It took just two plays for the Chargers to seize the lead. Herbert connected on a 44-yard deep pass to Stone Smartt, followed by another strike for 30 yards to tight end Will Dissly for the touchdown.
End of the third quarter: Chargers 17, Chiefs 14
Fourth quarter
With just over seven minutes remaining in the quarter, Herbert launched a 46-yard moon ball to McConkey, setting up the Chargers inside the red zone. On the next play, Herbert threaded a pass to Joshua Palmer for a touchdown, extending the Chargers’ lead to two possessions.
Mahomes struggled to find openings downfield as the Chargers’ secondary dropped back to protect against big plays, forcing the Chiefs into short, underneath routes that kept the clock running.
Xavier Worthy hauled in his second touchdown of the game with 50 seconds left, narrowing the deficit.
However, the Chiefs failed to recover the ensuing onside kick, sealing the Chargers’ victory.
Final score: Chargers 24, Chiefs 21
Notable stats
Justin Herbert 21/28, 285 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Patrick Mahomes 15/20, 199 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
JK Dobbins 14 att, 37 yards
Isiah Pacheco 9 att, 71 yards, 1 TD
Kareem Hunt 3 att, 34 yards
Xavier Worthy 4 rec, 82 yards, 2 TD
Travis Kelce 3 rec, 30 yards
JuJu Smith-Schuster 2 rec, 44 yards
Noah Gray 2 rec, 18 yards
Will Disley 7 rec, 79 yards, 1 TD
Ladd MCConkey 3 rec, 70 yards, 1 TD
Nick Bolton 10 total, 7 solo, 1 TFL, 1 INT
Trent McDuffie 5 solo, 1 int
George Karlaftis 3 total, 2 solo, 1 sack
In Week 15, the Chiefs are on the road in the dog pound, taking on the Cleveland Browns. Until then, we will see how the game is played out inside the EA Universe.