Jaguars Upset Chiefs 31-28 in Thrilling Monday Night Showdown

Jaguars Upset Chiefs 31-28 in Thrilling Monday Night Showdown Oct, 7 2025

When the Jacksonville Jaguars pulled off a 31‑28 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, the crowd at EverBank Stadium went absolutely wild. The upset, which unfolded on October 6, 2025 during Week 5 Monday Night FootballJacksonville, FL, marked one of the season’s biggest surprises and snapped a 22‑game streak the Chiefs enjoyed whenever they led by 14 points or more.

How the Game Unfolded

The early minutes favoured Kansas City. After a goal‑line fumble forced by Patrick Mahomes, quarterback of the Chiefs, the Chiefs marched 97 yards for a touchdown, taking a 14‑0 lead by the end of the first quarter.

That lead felt comfortable until penalties started piling up. Roughing the passer calls and a costly pass‑interference flag stalled the Chiefs’ rhythm, while the Jaguars’ defence began to claw back, forcing three three‑and‑out drives in the second quarter.

Key Plays That Turned the Tide

The defining moment arrived midway through the second half when Devin Lloyd, the Jaguars’ star linebacker, snagged a deep pass and sprinted 99 yards for a touchdown. The return not only erased the Chiefs’ early advantage but also shifted momentum squarely onto Jacksonville’s side.

Later, Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt responded with a six‑minute, 12‑yard touchdown run that narrowed the gap to four points. A successful extra‑point by kicker Harrison Butker brought the score to 31‑28, setting up a nail‑biting finish.

With just 23 seconds left, Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars’ quarterback, broke free from a swarm of defenders, dropped to the turf, and then vaulted back to his feet for a one‑yard dash into the end zone. The play, reminiscent of classic "scramble" touchdowns, sealed the upset.

Reactions from Players and Coaches

On the field, Mahomes was visibly disappointed. "Obviously, it sucks. You let a game slip away. It still sucks whenever you get a lead and you're not able to hold it," he said in the post‑game interview. The quarterback also pointed to the penalty issues: "We crush ourselves with penalties and mistakes. It’s been one guy here or there. In this league, those moments change games."

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, in his rookie season, praised his players’ resilience. "Our guys never gave up, even when down 14. Devin’s interception return was a dagger, but Trevor’s run showed the heart of this team," Pederson remarked, adding that the win puts Jacksonville at 4‑1 and solidifies their playoff credentials.

What This Means for the Jaguars and Chiefs

What This Means for the Jaguars and Chiefs

For Jacksonville, the victory is more than a morale boost; it’s a statement that the team can compete with elite opponents on the road. The win improves the Jaguars’ record to 4‑1, their best start since the 2017 season, and gives them a vital edge in the AFC South race.

Conversely, the loss spotlights the Chiefs’ recurring issues with discipline. The 22‑game streak of holding 14‑point leads, second‑longest active streak behind Detroit’s 26‑game run, has finally been broken. Analysts note that three of Kansas City’s five losses this season have come by a single score, hinting at a possible regression to the mean after a record‑setting 2024 campaign where they won 11 one‑score games.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

The Chiefs’ last defeat after leading by 14 or more dates back to Week 17 of the 2021 season at Cincinnati. That streak had become a psychological shield; its end could alter how opponents approach Kansas City, knowing the margin is no longer a safety net.

Looking ahead, the Jaguars face a tough road trip to Denver next week, while the Chiefs will host the Las Vegas Raiders in a divisional showdown. Both teams will likely tighten up on penalties, but the psychological edge may now belong to Jacksonville after this dramatic upset.

Key Facts

Key Facts

  • Final score: Jacksonville Jaguars 31, Kansas City Chiefs 28
  • Date & venue: October 6, 2025 – EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
  • Turnover highlight: Devin Lloyd’s 99‑yard interception return
  • Game‑winning play: Trevor Lawrence’s 1‑yard TD with 23 seconds left
  • Chiefs’ streak ended: 22 consecutive games holding a 14‑point lead

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this upset affect the Jaguars' playoff chances?

The win lifts Jacksonville to a 4‑1 record, the best start since 2017, and places them near the top of the AFC South. A strong start improves their odds of clinching a division title or at least securing a wildcard spot, especially if they continue to win against division rivals.

What led to the Chiefs' collapse after a 14‑0 lead?

Multiple factors contributed: a series of penalties that stalled drives, defensive lapses that allowed Jacksonville to score, and an uncharacteristic inability to protect the ball in the red zone. Mahomes highlighted the penalty issue, noting it cost them crucial momentum.

Who were the standout performers for Jacksonville?

Trevor Lawrence’s composure in the final seconds earned him game‑winner honors, while Devin Lloyd’s 99‑yard pick‑six shifted the tide. The Jaguars’ offensive line also limited Kansas City’s pass rush, allowing Lawrence to make key throws throughout the game.

What does ending the 14‑point lead streak mean for the Chiefs?

It removes a psychological safety net that had shielded Kansas City in close games. Opponents now know that a sizeable early lead no longer guarantees a win, which could lead to more aggressive early‑game strategies against them.

When is the next match for each team?

The Jaguars travel to Denver for a Thursday night game on October 12, while the Chiefs host the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on October 15, a key AFC West showdown.

1 Comment

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    Terrell Mack

    October 7, 2025 AT 20:45

    Man, that Jaguars comeback was pure adrenaline. Lawrence dropped that scramble like a champ and Lloyd's pick‑six was a dagger. The Chiefs just couldn’t shake the penalties, and you could feel the crowd feeding the Jags. Props to Pederson for keeping his guys glued to the fight. This win could really shake up the AFC South race.

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