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NFL: Chiefs earn play-off spot with late penalty flag against Raiders

The Super Bowl champions became the first team to book their spot in the play-offs.

Kansas City Chiefs

In a thrilling encounter at Arrowhead Stadium, the Kansas City Chiefs narrowly defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 19-17 in a game decided by a dramatic final snap.

Kansas City’s defense capitalised on a costly mistake by the Raiders, securing another tight, last-second victory to maintain their stronghold in the AFC West.

The Chiefs took an early lead but struggled throughout the game to find consistency in the red zone.

Patrick Mahomes, who broke Len Dawson’s franchise record for career touchdown passes with a 6-yard strike to Justin Watson, finished with a respectable stat line but was visibly out of sync at times.

A missed connection with Travis Kelce on a would-be touchdown epitomized the offensive challenges, as Kansas City settled for field goals on four of their five trips inside the Raiders’ 20-yard line.

The Raiders, led by rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell, stayed in the contest with some clutch plays.

Tight end Brock Bowers made several highlight-reel catches, including a 33-yard touchdown grab that trimmed the Chiefs’ lead.

Tre Tucker’s 58-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter stunned the home crowd and gave Las Vegas a 17-16 advantage.

Kansas City regained the lead midway through the final period with a Harrison Butker field goal, but the offense’s inability to extend drives left the door open for a Raiders comeback.

Las Vegas mounted a determined two-minute drill, setting up what appeared to be a straightforward field goal attempt to snatch victory.

However, a botched snap by center Jackson Powers-Johnson with under 10 seconds left proved catastrophic.

The fumble was recovered by Kansas City, sealing the Raiders’ fate.

The win means the Chiefs become the first team to clinch a play-off berth as they move to 11-1, although they once again failed to impress.

 

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Mitch Fretton

Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football.

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