If you were looking for a high-flying shootout to close out the year, the final score of the Kansas City Chiefs football game against the Las Vegas Raiders probably felt like a punch to the gut. 14-12. That’s it. In a season that’s been, honestly, pretty weird for the Kingdom, this game was a messy, defensive slog that ended in a way most fans didn't see coming.
The Chiefs finished their season on January 4, 2026, with a 6-11 record. Let that sink in for a second. For a team that has basically lived in the AFC Championship for years, missing the playoffs feels wrong. It's like seeing a glitch in the Matrix.
The Wild Final Moments in Las Vegas
The game was basically a kicking competition between Harrison Butker and Daniel Carlson. Neither offense could find the end zone. Seriously, not a single touchdown was scored by either side.
The fourth quarter was pure chaos. With just over a minute left, Butker nailed a 41-yarder to put the Chiefs up 12-11. It felt like they might actually escape with a win, even if it was an ugly one. But the Raiders, who had lost 10 games in a row heading into this, found some life. Aidan O’Connell managed to move the ball just enough to set up Carlson.
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Then it happened. Daniel Carlson stepped up and crushed a 60-yard field goal with only eight seconds left on the clock. 60 yards. It was a career-long for him and a dagger for Kansas City.
The Chiefs tried a desperate "hook and ladder" play as time expired. Shane Buechele threw it to Travis Kelce, who tried to lateral it. There were fumbles, more laterals, and eventually, the Raiders swarmed them at the 45-yard line. Game over. 14-12 Raiders.
Why the Chiefs Offense Stalled
It’s no secret that Patrick Mahomes wasn't out there for this one. The Chiefs decided to sit several key players, including Mahomes, Xavier Worthy, and Isiah Pacheco. While Andy Reid usually has a plan, the backup rotation struggled against a Raiders defense that looked like they were playing their Super Bowl.
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- Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun split time under center.
- The offensive line gave up a staggering eight sacks.
- Brashard Smith was a bright spot, at least, rushing for 56 yards in his first career start.
The lack of rhythm was painful to watch. When your quarterback is getting sacked eight times, it doesn’t matter who is calling the plays—it’s going to be a long afternoon. Tyree Wilson for the Raiders was a nightmare, recording two sacks and forcing a safety that actually provided the margin of victory.
The Reality of a 6-11 Season
Missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014 is a massive story. The score of the Kansas City Chiefs football game in the finale was just the final chapter of a season plagued by injuries and uncharacteristic mistakes.
Honestly, the "Mahomes era" isn't over, but it's definitely in a transition phase. Analysts like Matt McMullen have pointed out that while the young guys got some playing time in this finale, the lack of consistency across the roster was the real culprit behind the 6-11 finish. Losing six straight games to end the season is a historic collapse for an Andy Reid-led team.
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Looking Ahead: The 2026 Reset
The Chiefs aren't a team that stays down for long. Already, we’re seeing the fallout from this disappointing campaign. Andy Reid has started a total offensive reset, which basically means some coaching staff members are looking for new jobs.
The focus now shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. With the Raiders actually clinching the No. 1 overall pick thanks to some other results around the league, the AFC West is going to look very different next year. The Broncos finished 14-3, which is another reality Chiefs fans are having a hard time swallowing.
Next Steps for the Kingdom:
- Watch the Coaching Carousel: Keep an eye on the offensive coordinator position. Changes are already happening.
- Health Check: Monitor the recovery of Patrick Mahomes and Isiah Pacheco. Their health is the only thing that matters for 2026.
- Draft Prep: The Chiefs will have a much higher pick than they’re used to. It's a prime opportunity to fix that offensive line.
The final score in Vegas was disappointing, sure, but the work to ensure it doesn't happen again has already started.