Honestly, if you missed the latest Kansas City Chiefs vs Eagles score, you missed one of the most defensive, gritty battles we've seen in the modern NFL. Most people were expecting a high-flying shootout, especially after their Super Bowl showdown in New Orleans. But football is weird.
The Philadelphia Eagles managed to walk out of Arrowhead Stadium with a 20-17 victory on September 14, 2025. It wasn't pretty. It was, basically, a fistfight in shoulder pads that left the Chiefs sitting at an uncharacteristic 0-2 to start the season.
Why the Eagles Controlled the Clock
Philadelphia's win wasn't about Jalen Hurts throwing for 400 yards. In fact, he only threw for 101. That’s a stat that feels like it belongs in the 1940s, right? But the Eagles didn't care because they controlled the ball for over 32 minutes. Saquon Barkley was the engine. He didn't have a massive yards-per-carry average, but he was a workhorse, carrying the ball 22 times for 88 yards and a touchdown.
The game turned on a massive mistake in the third quarter. Patrick Mahomes tried to force a ball to Travis Kelce in the end zone. It bobbled off Kelce's hands—something you just don't see often—and Andrew Mukuba picked it off. Mukuba then took it 41 yards back the other way. That single play flipped the entire momentum of the game.
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The Chiefs vs Eagles Score Breakdown
If you look at the scoring summary, it’s a story of missed opportunities for Kansas City.
- First Quarter: Saquon Barkley punches in a 13-yard run. Eagles 7, Chiefs 0.
- Second Quarter: Harrison Butker hits a monster 56-yarder. Then Mahomes does Mahomes things, scrambling for a 13-yard TD. Jake Elliott answers with a 58-yarder. Halftime score: 10-10.
- Third Quarter: Elliott hits again from 51 yards after the Chiefs fail a 4th-down gamble at their own 36. Eagles 13, Chiefs 10.
- Fourth Quarter: After the Mukuba interception, the Eagles march down and use the "Tush Push" to put Hurts in the end zone. Eagles 20, Chiefs 10.
- Late Fourth: Mahomes finds Tyquan Thornton for a 49-yard touchdown with three minutes left. Eagles 20, Chiefs 17.
The Chiefs had no timeouts left. They needed a stop. But the Eagles, true to their identity, ran the "Brotherly Shove" on a 3rd-and-1 to ice the game.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
People think the Chiefs are invincible at home. They aren't. This loss marked the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era that the team started 0-2. It also showed a blueprint for beating Kansas City: hit Mahomes early and often. The Eagles' defensive line, led by Jordan Davis and Za'Darius Smith, was relentless. They didn't even need to blitz. They just played coverage and let the front four eat.
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Mahomes was sacked twice and hit way more than that. He ended up as the Chiefs' leading rusher with 66 yards, which usually tells you the traditional run game was non-existent. Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco combined for barely 50 yards on the ground. When your quarterback is your only rushing threat, you're playing a dangerous game.
Looking Back at Super Bowl LIX
You can't talk about this regular-season game without mentioning Super Bowl LIX. That was a completely different animal. Back in February 2025, the Eagles absolutely dismantled the Chiefs 40-22.
In that game, the Eagles built a 34-point lead by the third quarter. It was a massacre. Mahomes was sacked a career-high six times in that Super Bowl. The recent 20-17 score feels like a "moral victory" for the Chiefs defense in comparison, but a loss is a loss.
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The Head-to-Head Reality
Historically, the Chiefs still lead the all-time series 6-5, but the Eagles have now won the last two meetings including the postseason. The rivalry has shifted. It’s no longer about whether the Eagles can keep up with Mahomes; it’s about whether the Chiefs' offensive line can survive the Eagles' pass rush.
Next Steps for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the Trench Play: If you're re-watching the tape, ignore the receivers. Watch the Eagles' defensive tackles. They are winning the 1-on-1 battles that used to belong to the Chiefs.
- Monitor the Chiefs' O-Line: Keep an eye on Joe Thuney and Creed Humphrey. They are elite, but they looked tired by the fourth quarter of this 20-17 battle.
- Check the Injury Report: The Chiefs lost Mike Danna and Kristian Fulton during this game. Their depth is being tested early in the 2025-2026 cycle.
- Track the 0-2 Record: Historically, only a small percentage of teams make the playoffs after an 0-2 start. The Chiefs have the talent to do it, but the road is now much steeper.