In yet another display of late-game heroics, Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a thrilling 30-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. The game was decided by Spencer Shrader’s 31-yard field goal as time expired, marking the Chiefs’ fifth victory this season in games decided in the final seconds.
The Chiefs improved to 10-1 behind Mahomes, who completed 27 of 37 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns. But it was his legs that made the biggest impact on the game’s decisive play. With the game tied at 27 and time running out, Mahomes scrambled 33 yards—cutting inside defenders rather than sliding or stepping out of bounds—setting up Shrader’s game-winning kick.
The win marked the 21st game-winning drive of Mahomes’ illustrious career. The Chiefs, two-time defending Super Bowl champions, continue to find ways to win close games, with eight of their victories this season coming by one-score margins.
Noah Gray continued his breakout stretch, catching four passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns. His 11-yard score late in the second quarter gave Kansas City a 21-13 halftime lead. It was Gray’s second consecutive two-touchdown performance, highlighting his growing role in the Chiefs’ offense.
DeAndre Hopkins also contributed with a touchdown reception, while Kareem Hunt provided balance on the ground, rushing for 68 yards on 16 carries and adding 19 yards through the air.
Star tight end Travis Kelce had six receptions for 62 yards, moving into third place all-time in career receiving yards by a tight end. However, he was held out of the end zone for the ninth time in 11 games this season.
Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young delivered one of his most complete performances of the season, completing 21 of 35 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown. Young led the Panthers back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter, tying the game with a 1-yard touchdown run by Chuba Hubbard and a successful two-point conversion with 1:46 left.
Panthers coach Dave Canales, who has rotated between Young and veteran Andy Dalton this season, confirmed after the game that the No. 1 overall pick “absolutely” will remain the starter next week.
Despite moving the ball effectively, the Panthers settled for four Eddy Pineiro field goals, missing opportunities to take control of the game.
Kansas City struck quickly, with Samaje Perine returning the opening kickoff 56 yards. Three plays later, Mahomes connected with Gray for a 35-yard touchdown to give the Chiefs a 7-0 lead.
The Panthers stayed within striking distance, with Pineiro’s accuracy keeping them in the game. However, they couldn’t stop Mahomes and the Chiefs in crunch time.
The Chiefs will host the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday, looking to maintain their momentum in the AFC playoff race. Meanwhile, the Panthers (3-8) will aim to bounce back as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
The Chiefs’ victory underscored their ability to win in the tightest of contests, and with Mahomes at the helm, they remain a force to be reckoned with as they push for a third straight Super Bowl title.
