The scoreboard at Allegiant Stadium finally went dark on a season most fans in Missouri would rather scrub from their memory banks. Honestly, if you were looking for a high-flying offensive masterclass in the final Kansas City game, you didn't find it. Instead, we got a 14-12 grind-fest against the Las Vegas Raiders that perfectly encapsulated a year of "what ifs" and "not quites."
It was Jan. 4, 2026. A Sunday.
Daniel Carlson, who’s basically been a human cheat code for the Raiders, iced the game with a 60-yard field goal. He only had eight seconds left on the clock. It was his career long. Before that kick, Harrison Butker had actually put Kansas City up 12-11 with a 41-yarder. For about fifty seconds, it felt like the Chiefs might actually escape with a win. Then the air left the room.
The Score of the Kansas City Game: A Closer Look at the 14-12 Final
Let’s be real—the final score of the Kansas City game doesn't even tell the whole story of how messy this was. We’re talking about a game where zero touchdowns were scored by either side. Zero. Not one. If you love kickers, this was your Super Bowl. If you like modern, explosive NFL offense, it was a long three hours.
Kansas City ended their season with a 6-11 record. It’s their sixth straight loss. People are calling it a "rust-off" year, but that feels like a polite way of saying the wheels came off. While the defense actually showed up—holding the Raiders to just field goals and a safety—the offense was stuck in mud.
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Why the Offense Stalled Out
Patrick Mahomes didn't even suit up for this one. Neither did Isiah Pacheco or Xavier Worthy. Andy Reid decided to sit the stars, which left the keys to Chris Oladokun and Shane Buechele. Oladokun finished 11-of-17 for a measly 58 yards. Buechele had 88 yards through the air.
When your leading receiver is Marquise "Hollywood" Brown with 64 yards on just three catches, you know the volume wasn't there. Travis Kelce had a quiet day too, snagging three balls for 12 yards before heading to the sidelines.
- The Safety: Tyree Wilson sacked Buechele in the end zone during the fourth quarter.
- The Ground Game: Brashard Smith led the way with 56 rushing yards.
- The Kicking: Harrison Butker was 4-for-4, accounting for every single point the Chiefs scored.
Breaking Down the Defensive Struggle
The Raiders weren't exactly lighting it up either. They finished 3-14, but they played like this was their championship. Pete Carroll, in what might be his final game for Vegas, watched his defense rack up eight sacks. Eight! That’s an offensive coordinator’s nightmare.
Tyree Wilson was a monster. Two sacks, two forced fumbles, and six tackles. He single-handedly ruined multiple drives. On the Kansas City side, Chris Jones did his thing, recording two sacks to move into third place on the franchise’s all-time list with 86.5 career sacks.
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The game felt heavy. It moved slow. Every yard gained felt like it required a monumental effort. By the time Carlson’s 60-yarder cleared the uprights, it almost felt like a merciful end to a grueling afternoon in the desert.
Looking Back to Move Forward
It’s weird seeing a January where Kansas City isn't preparing for a deep playoff run. Just a year ago, they were beating the Texans 23-14 in the divisional round to head to their seventh straight AFC Championship. That feels like a lifetime ago.
The 2025-2026 campaign was plagued by injuries and a lack of rhythm. While the Denver Broncos and LA Chargers fought for the top of the AFC West, Kansas City found themselves in the unfamiliar territory of the division basement.
What's next? The Raiders actually clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with this win, mostly because the Giants beat the Cowboys earlier that day. Kansas City, meanwhile, heads into an offseason filled with questions about roster depth and how to get the Mahomes-Kelce magic back to its 2024 levels.
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Key Stats from the Season Finale
- Final Score: Raiders 14, Chiefs 12.
- Chiefs Record: 6-11 (Last in AFC West).
- Total Touchdowns: 0.
- Total Fumbles: Kansas City lost two.
What Fans Should Do Now
If you’re a die-hard, the "score of the kansas city game" might sting, but the silver lining is the draft capital and the chance to get healthy. The 2026 home opponents are already set, featuring the 49ers, Colts, and Patriots.
Keep an eye on the injury reports for Trey Smith and the rest of the O-line. Their absence was glaring in the finale. The priority this spring has to be protection. You can't have your backup QBs getting sacked eight times in a single game and expect to win, even against a three-win team.
Take a break from the gridiron and maybe check out the Kansas City Mavericks. They’ve been on a nine-game win streak in the ECHL, providing a much-needed victory fix for the city while the Chiefs retool for a 2026 comeback.