UNDATED (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have earned themselves a one-week vacation with a little help from the Miami Dolphins.
The Chiefs closed out a 12-4 regular season with their sixth straight win, a highlight-laden 31-24 decision over the Chargers. Mecole Hardman returned a kickoff 104 yards for a touchdown and Damien Williams took a handoff 84 yards for another score. Patrick Mahomes (mah-HOHMZ’) threw for 174 yards and a touchdown, and Williams finished with 124 yards rushing on just 12 carries.
Philip Rivers threw for 281 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in what could be the veteran quarterback's final game for the Chargers.
The Chiefs actually gained a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs with New England’s 27-24 loss to the Dolphins. The Patriots led until Ryan Fitzpatrick tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mike Gesicki with 24 seconds remaining. Fitzpatrick’s game-winning toss came after Tom Brady threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to James White to put the Pats in front 24-20 with 3:53 left.
New England finishes the regular season 12-4 and will play in the opening weekend of the postseason for the first time since 2009. The Patriots have never won a Super Bowl after playing in the wild-card round.