Chiefs Aid Chargers’ Playoff Push, Lose 24-27 in OT

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas Chiefs were defeated by the San Diego Chargers 24-27 in overtime to close out the 2013 regular season.

Kansas City finishes the year at 11-5, ranked second in the AFC West. The Chiefs did have the fifth playoff seed in the AFC locked up heading into this matchup, so this was a game that didn’t mean anything. With that said, you always want to head into the playoffs with positive momentum, but Kansas City has lost its past two games and five of its last seven.

Chase Daniel got the start for Kansas City in a game where many of the Chiefs’ key starters didn’t see action. In fact, 20-of-22 starters rested against San Diego.

Daniel went 21-of-30 for 200 yards and one touchdown. He was also sacked twice for negative 11 yards.

Knile Davis, Jamaal Charles’ backup, led the way for Kansas City with 81 yards, and he punched in for two touchdowns. Daniel was second on the team in rushing with 59 yards off seven carries.

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Dexter McCluster caught Kansas City’s lone offense receiving touchdown and he led the team with six receptions for 62 yards. A.J. Jenkins added three receptions for 67 yards.

San Diego put up 405 yards offensively off a 229-yard three touchdown, one interception performance from quarterback Philip Rivers. Running back Ryan Matthews rushed for 144 yards off 24 carries, and rookie receiver Keenan Allen led the team in receiving yards with 89. Eddie Royal, Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green all caught touchdowns for San Diego.

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Chargers’ kicker Nick Novak went 2-for-2 on field goals, including the game-winner in overtime. Chiefs’ kicker Ryan Succop went 1-of-2, missing the potential game-winner from 41-yards out with four seconds left in the game.

With the win, the Chargers were able to secure the No. 6 seed in the AFC and will head to Cincinnati for Wildcard weekend.

The Chiefs will head to Indianapolis to play the Colts. Indy beat Kansas City 23-7 in Week 16 at Arrowhead.