Jaguars Stun Chiefs 31-28 on Monday Night Football

When Trevor Lawrence, quarterback of Jacksonville Jaguars connected on a 34‑yard strike to Christian Kirk late in the fourth quarter, the stadium erupted and the AFC South got a fresh storyline. The upset unfolded on October 7, 2025, during Monday Night FootballArrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Chiefs, led by veteran Patrick Mahomes and his longtime target Travis Kelce, fell 31‑28, a result that reshapes the early‑season AFC South battle and keeps Jacksonville’s playoff hopes alive.

Game Overview: A Night of Swings and Misses

From the opening kickoff, the contest felt like a roller‑coaster. Kansas City struck first with a 12‑yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to Kelce, but the Jaguars answered on their next drive, capitalizing on a fumble recovery to tie it up. By halftime, the scoreboard read 14‑14, and fans in the stadium and at home knew this was going to be a nail‑biter.

The second half delivered its share of drama. Lawrence, who threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns, mixed deep shots with quick slants, exploiting the Chiefs’ struggling secondary. Meanwhile, Mahomes, who finished with 285 yards and two scores, looked uncharacteristically rattled when the Jaguars’ defense showed up with speed on the edges.

• Jaguars: 31 points, 398 total yards, 3 turnovers forced
• Chiefs: 28 points, 365 total yards, 2 turnovers committed
• Time of possession: Jaguars 31:42, Chiefs 28:18

Key Plays and Turning Points

Here’s the thing: the game turned on three pivotal moments. First, a missed field goal by Harrison Butker from 48 yards in the third quarter left Kansas City with a six‑point deficit instead of a lead. Second, a decisive interception by Jaguars safety K'Waun Williams set up the go‑ahead drive that ended with Lawrence’s touchdown pass to wideout Zay Jones. Lastly, a botched punt snap by the Chiefs’ special teams gifted Jacksonville a short field, culminating in a field goal that forced the game into its final two minutes.

The twist is that the Chiefs’ special teams unit looked like a different team entirely on the second half’s opening drive, allowing a 22‑yard return that set up a quick field‑goal attempt by the Jaguars.

Special Teams Woes for Kansas City

Special teams was the Achilles’ heel. In the first half, the Chiefs mishandled two punts, both of which were downed inside the 20-yard line, but the third‑quarter snap error proved costly. The miscue gave the Jaguars a 44‑yard advantage, and they cashed in with a 32‑yard field goal by Jason Myers. Coach Andy Reid admitted after the game, "We’ve got to be better in every phase. If we don’t lock down the punting unit, we’ll keep giving opponents extra chances."

By contrast, Jacksonville’s unit was flawless, pinning the Chiefs inside their own 15-yard line three times. That field‑position battle forced Kansas City into low‑percentage plays, and the pressure showed.

Impact on the AFC South Race

Now, why does this matter beyond a Saturday night buzz? The Jaguars sit at 2‑3 in the AFC South, just a game behind the Indianapolis Colts, who opened the season 3‑0. The win narrows the gap to just one loss and injects confidence into a team that has struggled to close out games.

For the Chiefs, the loss drops them to 1‑4, expanding the chasm with the division leader and raising questions about their defensive coordinator’s schemes. Defensive analyst Mike Golic Jr. noted, "Kansas City’s inability to contain quick, horizontal attacks is a red flag. If they don’t adapt, the rest of the season could be a scramble for a wildcard spot."

What Comes Next for Both Teams

The Jaguars head to the bye week with a surge of momentum. Coach Doug Pederson told reporters, "We’ve shown we can compete with anyone. Next week, it’s about staying consistent and polishing the details that got us here." Their next matchup is against the Tennessee Titans, a game that could cement their position atop the South.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs return to practice with a glaring question: can they tighten up special teams and shore up a secondary that seems to crumble under speed? Their next test is a home game against the New England Patriots on October 20, a contest that could either start a turnaround or deepen the slump.

Historical Context: Upsets on Monday Night

Monday Night Football has a long tradition of surprise outcomes. In 2018, the Jacksonville Jaguars themselves shocked the league by toppling the Denver Broncos 27‑24 in Denver, a game that sparked a brief playoff run. This latest upset echoes that 2025 season’s unpredictable nature, reminding fans that no Thursday or Monday night is ever a guaranteed win for the ‘big‑name’ teams.

Oddly enough, the Chiefs have been on the wrong side of a Monday night upset three times in the past decade, most notably in 2019 against the Seattle Seahawks. The pattern suggests that the primetime spotlight can bring out extra intensity from the underdogs.