If you’re looking for the final score of the KC Chiefs game, the numbers on the scoreboard at Allegiant Stadium told a story that most Kansas City fans never expected to see this late in the Andy Reid era. On January 4, 2026, the Chiefs wrapped up a brutal regular season with a 12-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
It was ugly. Really.
The game was a defensive slog where neither team found the end zone for a touchdown. Imagine that. In a league defined by high-flying offenses, the Raiders and Chiefs traded field goals until a 60-yard bomb from Daniel Carlson with 13 seconds left sealed Kansas City's fate. This wasn't just another loss; it was the final nail in a 6-11 season that left the Kingdom wondering where the magic went.
Why the Score of the KC Chiefs Game Stayed So Low
Most of us are used to seeing Patrick Mahomes pull a rabbit out of a hat. But this time, Mahomes wasn't even on the field. After a devastating ACL tear in Week 15 against the Chargers, the Chiefs’ offense has looked like a shell of its former self.
For the season finale, third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun and backup Shane Buechele had to split duties. It showed. The Chiefs managed only 12 points, all of them coming off the foot of Harrison Butker. Butker was basically the entire offense, hitting kicks from 36, 40, 47, and 41 yards.
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The Raiders didn't fare much better. Aidan O’Connell and the Vegas offense also failed to score a touchdown. Their points came from four Daniel Carlson field goals and a safety. Yes, a safety. Tyree Wilson sacked Shane Buechele in the end zone during the fourth quarter, which provided the two-point margin that ultimately decided the game.
A Defensive Stand That Didn't Matter
Kansas City’s defense actually played out of their minds for most of the afternoon. Chris Jones was a monster, recording a sack and a forced fumble. Bryan Cook led the secondary with several key tackles, and Chamarri Conner even picked off a pass.
But when your offense only gains 10 first downs and totals just 84 rushing yards, your defense eventually breaks. You can't ask them to hold the line forever when the other team is constantly starting with decent field position.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Chiefs' Collapse
It’s easy to blame the backup quarterbacks for the score of the KC Chiefs game being so low, but the issues run deeper. Honestly, the 2025-2026 season was a perfect storm of bad luck and roster gaps.
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First off, the injuries weren't limited to Mahomes. Isiah Pacheco struggled with nagging issues, and the offensive line, while featuring All-Pro center Creed Humphrey, struggled with consistency on the edges. Rookies like Jalen Royals and Josh Simmons showed flashes of talent, but they weren't ready to carry the load in a "win-now" environment.
Also, let's talk about the competition. The AFC West shifted. The Denver Broncos finished 14-3, and the Chargers went 11-6. For the first time in a decade, the Chiefs were the ones being chased—and eventually caught. They were swept by both Denver and LA this season. That’s a bitter pill for a fan base that has basically owned the division since 2016.
Breakdowns and Key Stats from the Raiders Matchup
If you look at the box score, the lack of explosive plays is jarring. Hollywood Brown had one massive 51-yard catch from Buechele, which set up one of Butker’s field goals. Aside from that? Not much.
Travis Kelce reached a historic milestone during the game, becoming only the third tight end in NFL history to hit 13,000 career receiving yards. It should have been a celebration. Instead, it was a quiet moment in a game where he was held to just 12 yards on three catches. He spent most of the night fighting off double-teams while Oladokun struggled to find a rhythm.
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The Raiders' ground game was the difference. Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders' rising star, carried the ball 26 times for 87 yards. He didn't break any huge runs, but he kept the clock moving and kept the Chiefs' tired defense on the field.
Kansas City Chiefs Final 2025 Standings
- Final Record: 6-11
- Division Rank: 3rd in AFC West
- Away Record: 1-7
- Points For: 362
- Points Against: 328
The weirdest part? The Chiefs actually had a positive point differential. They outscored their opponents by 34 points over the course of the season, yet finished five games under .500. This basically means they blew a lot of close games. Nine of their 11 losses were by seven points or less.
Moving Forward: The Road to 2026
The score of the KC Chiefs game against the Raiders signifies the end of an era and the start of a massive offseason. The Chiefs haven't had a losing season under Andy Reid until now.
The focus now shifts immediately to the 2026 NFL Draft. Because of their 6-11 record, Kansas City will have their highest draft pick in years. They need to address the wide receiver room and provide better protection for Mahomes when he returns from rehab.
Actionable Steps for Chiefs Fans:
- Monitor Mahomes’ Rehab: Keep an eye on the official Chiefs' injury reports regarding his ACL recovery. His progress determines the ceiling for next year.
- Draft Watch: Look for mock drafts focusing on the early-to-mid first round. Names like Tetairoa McMillan or other top-tier tackles should be on your radar.
- Cap Space Analysis: The Chiefs have several key free agents, including safety Bryan Cook. Check the salary cap sites to see how Brett Veach might navigate the rebuild.
The dynasty isn't necessarily over, but the 12-14 score in Las Vegas proved that the Chiefs can no longer rely on reputation alone. They've got a lot of work to do this spring.