Madden Simulation: Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes duel at Arrowhead

SB Nation

On Sunday, the (6-7) Kansas City Chiefs will host the (9-4) Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Let’s see how the game plays out in “Madden NFL 26.”

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First quarter

The Chargers open the game with the ball and survive multiple chances for the Chiefs’ defense to get off the field. Quarterback Justin Herbert repeatedly turns to wide receiver Quentin Johnston for key first downs, including a 27-yard catch-and-run that pushes Los Angeles deep into Kansas City territory. At the Chiefs’ 9-yard line, Herbert keeps the ball on a read-option and powers into the end zone for the game’s first score.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs respond with a determined opening drive of their own. Tight end Travis Kelce hauls in a post route and turns upfield for 23 yards to move Kansas City into Chargers territory. Running back Isiah Pacheco adds yardage on the ground and through the air before Mahomes finds wide receiver Xavier Worthy on a drag route from the 10-yard line to tie the game at seven.

Kansas City tries to force a three-and-out on the ensuing possession but can’t contain Johnston on a slant. The Chargers’ receiver continues his hot start, adding 28 more yards to give him three catches for 71 yards in the opening quarter.

End of first quarter: Chargers 7, Chiefs 7

Second quarter

From the Chiefs’ 46-yard line, Herbert rifles a strike to wide receiver Ladd McConkey on a corner route. McConkey makes a defender miss with a sharp juke, tiptoes the sideline, and sprints into the end zone for another Chargers touchdown.

Mahomes quickly answers, hitting wide receiver Hollywood Brown on a streak for 25 yards before connecting with wide receiver Rashee Rice for 20 more to reach the Chargers’ 23-yard line. A short catch by Worthy sets up first-and-goal at the 2.

The Chargers tighten near the goal line, forcing Kansas City into a third-and-goal. A costly false start pushes the Chiefs back to the 9, but Mahomes fires toward the end zone — a pass seemingly intended for Worthy — only for Brown to slip underneath the route and haul in the touchdown.

The Chiefs’ defense finally breaks through on the next possession. On third down, defensive end George Karlaftis comes untouched up the middle and drops Herbert for a drive-ending sack, forcing the Chargers to punt for the first time.

But Kansas City can’t capitalize. A third-down pass to Rice is broken up, resulting in a punt.

With 52 seconds remaining, Herbert connects with wide receiver Keenan Allen for 23 yards to the Chiefs’ 28. Facing third-and-three at the 21, Herbert dumps the ball to running back Kimani Vidal, but the play stalls. Kicker Cameron Dicker drills the ensuing field goal to give Los Angeles the lead.

End of second quarter: Chargers 17, Chiefs 14

Third quarter

Isiah Pacheco opens the second half with a spark, slicing through the Chargers’ defense for a 41-yard touchdown run that gives Kansas City its first lead of the game.

But the Chiefs’ pass rush vanishes again. Herbert mixes the run and pass, guiding Los Angeles back into Chiefs territory. With time to operate in a clean pocket, Herbert finds Johnston slipping free from double coverage down to the Kansas City 15. Two plays later, he fires an out route to a wide-open Johnston on the goal line for another Chargers touchdown.

End of third quarter: Chargers 24, Chiefs 21

Fourth quarter

Kansas City converts a third-and-five with a quick toss to Worthy, then executes a perfectly timed screen to Pacheco that springs for 33 yards to the Chargers’ 28. Moments later, Mahomes threads a deep post to Worthy to reclaim a four-point lead.

On the next drive, a costly offside penalty on defensive tackle Chris Jones extends the Chargers’ possession on third-and-11. Still, Herbert can’t capitalize, as defensive ends Mike Danna and George Karlaftis combine for a crushing sack on the very next play. Kansas City gets the ball back with two minutes remaining, while the Chargers still hold all three timeouts.

Facing third-and-four, Mahomes hits Brown on a drag route, but the receiver’s outstretched arm comes up inches short of the sticks.

The Chargers strike quickly. A defensive pass interference penalty on cornerback Jaylen Watson flips field position, putting Los Angeles at the Chiefs’ 37. Herbert follows with a first-down completion to Johnston, then hits McConkey on a crisp 10-yard out to reach the red zone.

Watson nearly redeems himself with a would-be interception, but the ball slips through his hands. On the next snap, Herbert lofts a perfectly placed deep ball to Johnston on a streak for the go-ahead touchdown.

The Chiefs attempt a last-second Hail Mary, but the pass is batted away.

Final score: Chargers 31, Chiefs 28