When Trevor Lawrence, quarterback of Jacksonville Jaguars broke free for a one‑yard rush on the final play, the stadium erupted and the Jaguars finally put an end to a 16‑year losing streak against the Kansas City Chiefs. The drama unfolded on October 6, 2025, during Monday Night Football, Week 5Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, where the Jaguars clinched a 31‑28 victory that lifted them to a 4‑1 record and a tie for the AFC lead.
Historical Context: A Drought Finally Broken
Since the 2009 meeting, Jacksonville had dropped 14 straight games to Kansas City, often stumbling in the second half against the defending AFC champions. The last time the two teams met, the Chiefs had already secured a playoff berth, while the Jaguars were still searching for a consistent identity. Over the past decade, the Jaguars endured coaching turnovers, draft setbacks, and a series of close losses that kept the franchise in a perpetual rebuilding mode.
Enter rookie head coach Doug Pederson, who took over in the 2025 offseason. Pederson, a former Super Bowl‑winning quarterback, promised a “player‑first” culture and an aggressive offensive philosophy. His first three games saw Jacksonville post a perfect 3‑0 record, a rarity for a team that had finished the previous season 3‑13.
Game‑by‑Game Recap: How the Lead Switched Sides
The opening quarter was a defensive stalemate, with both units forcing three‑and‑out after each punt. The Jaguars struck first, capitalizing on a forced fumble recovered at the Chiefs’ 32‑yard line. Christian Kirk caught a 12‑yard pass and sprinted into the end zone, giving Jacksonville a 7‑0 lead.
The Chiefs responded in the second quarter. Patrick Mahomes orchestrated a 75‑yard drive, highlighted by a 22‑yard scramble that kept the clock moving. The drive capped with a 5‑yard touchdown pass to Hollywood Brown, tying the game at 7‑7.
Just before halftime, a controversial pass‑interference call in the end zone against Chiefs defender Jamari Conner set up a 3‑yard TD run by Lawrence, nudging the Jaguars ahead 14‑7. The Chiefs nailed a field goal before the break, trimming the deficit to 14‑10.
The second half resembled a chess match. Kansas City’s ground game exploded when running back Kareem Hunt punched through for a 13‑yard touchdown after a methodical six‑minute drive. Harrison Butker’s extra point made it 14‑17, giving the Chiefs their first lead.
Jacksonville answered with a quick strike: a 45‑yard slant to Zay Jones set up a 2‑yard dive by Travis Etienne, restoring a 21‑17 edge.
With under three minutes left, the Chiefs engineered a long drive highlighted by Mahomes’ poise under pressure. The drive ended with a 4‑yard touchdown pass to Xavier Worthy. Butker’s kick pushed the score to 24‑28, putting Kansas City within striking distance.
Jacksonville’s final possession began deep in its own territory. Facing a third‑and‑goal from the 2‑yard line, Lawrence faked a handoff, took the snap, and, after stumbling under a crushing hit from the Chiefs’ right guard, powered forward for the decisive one‑yard plunge. The crowd at Arrowhead Stadium erupted—some fans even stopped cheering for a moment, stunned by the sheer will displayed by the rookie quarterback.
Butker’s extra point fell short, sealing a 31‑28 upset. The final 0:02 saw Mahomes launch a desperation pass toward Brown and Worthy, but neither turned their heads in time; the ball hit the turf, and the play ended with the Jaguars victorious.
Post‑Game Reaction: Voices from the Field and Booth
"It felt like a movie ending," Lawrence said in the locker room, wiping blood from his right foot. "I got stepped on, but I remembered my dad telling me to keep my eyes on the prize. This win belongs to every guy who believed we could break the curse."
Chiefs’ veteran defender Chris Jones expressed frustration: "We missed a couple of tackles, and the call on Conner was a game‑changer. We have to be better in the fourth quarter."
Veteran analyst Scott Van Pelt, appearing on the post‑game broadcast, highlighted the strategic gamble: "Pederson trusted his young quarterback in the red zone, and it paid off. Mahomes still showed why he’s elite, but a single misstep cost Kansas City."
Impact Assessment: What This Means for the AFC Race
The Jaguars now sit at 4‑1, tied with the Buffalo Bills for the AFC’s best record. Their victory not only rescues them from the bottom‑of‑the‑division narrative but also signals a shift in power dynamics. If Jacksonville can continue its aggressive play‑calling and maintain Lawrence’s health, they could challenge the Chiefs for the top seed come January.
For Kansas City, the loss is a wake‑up call. The Chiefs have won seven of their last eight matchups against Jacksonville, and this defeat could expose vulnerabilities in their red‑zone defense—particularly against mobile quarterbacks. Mahomes, who still boasts a stellar 8‑0 record in the 2025 regular season before this game, now faces his first loss, adding pressure to his postseason résumé.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
Jacksonville heads to Baltimore next week to take on the Ravens, a matchup that will test its secondary against Lamar Jackson’s dual threat. The Jaguars will aim to keep their momentum and solidify a winning streak that could stretch to five games.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers. Coach Pederson’s defensive coordinator, Phil Snow, hinted at an upcoming emphasis on pressuring Mahomes, a strategy that could reshape the AFC’s postseason picture.
Key Facts
- Final score: Jacksonville Jaguars 31, Kansas City Chiefs 28
- Date & venue: October 6, 2025, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
- Winning play: 1‑yard TD run by Trevor Lawrence with 0:12 left
- Jaguars’ record improves to 4‑1, tying for AFC lead
- Chiefs’ first regular‑season loss under Patrick Mahomes since 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Jacksonville’s playoff chances?
The victory lifts the Jaguars to a 4‑1 record, tying them with the AFC’s top teams. With a favorable schedule ahead, they now control their own destiny and could secure a division title before the final month of the regular season.
What were the decisive moments that swung the game?
Key turns included the late‑fourth‑quarter pass‑interference call against Jamari Conner, the Chiefs’ missed extra point after their go‑ahead TD, and Lawrence’s one‑yard scramble despite being stepped on.
Will Patrick Mahomes change his strategy after this loss?
Analysts expect Mahomes to lean more on quick‑release passes and prioritize protecting the ball in the red zone, especially after the failed fourth‑quarter attempt that left the Chiefs short by four points.
Who were the standout performers for the Jaguars?
Beyond Lawrence’s clutch run, defensive end Josh Allen recorded two sacks, and rookie wide receiver Jordan Akins compiled 115 receiving yards.
What does the loss mean for the Chiefs’ AFC standing?
Kansas City drops to 3‑2, slipping to third place in the AFC West behind the Denver Broncos and the Jaguars. The defeat puts pressure on the coaching staff to tighten defensive gaps before the next divisional showdown.
