Jim Harbaugh Extends Perfect Week 1 Record as Chargers Defeat Chiefs in Season Opener

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh kicked off his second year back in the NFL in the best way possible, guiding his team to a 27-21 victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in their 2025/26 season opener. With the win, Harbaugh extended his perfect Week 1 coaching record to 6-0, never once losing a season opener in his NFL head coaching career.

The game, played on Friday night in São Paulo, Brazil, was a fitting stage for the AFC West clash. Fans at the Corinthians Arena were treated to a dramatic back-and-forth battle, with Justin Herbert leading the Chargers’ charge while Mahomes fought to keep Kansas City alive until the very end.

At halftime, the Chargers held a 13-6 lead after Herbert’s steady play and a costly Chiefs injury setback. Kansas City rookie Xavier Worthy was ruled out on the very first drive following a collision with Travis Kelce, leaving Mahomes shorthanded on offense. Still, the Chiefs kept the game within reach thanks to a long 59-yard field goal from Harrison Butker just before the break.

The second half turned into a showcase of quarterback play. Herbert finished the night completing 25 of 34 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns. His connection with wideout Quentin Johnston proved decisive, with the second-year receiver catching two touchdowns, including the game-clinching score late in the fourth quarter. 

Mahomes, on the other hand, did everything he could to spark the Chiefs’ comeback, throwing for 258 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 40 yards and a score. He showed flashes of his trademark brilliance, including a highlight-reel fourth-quarter scramble and throw to JuJu Smith-Schuster, followed by a 37-yard touchdown strike to Kelce. But Kansas City’s miscues, missed extra points, a failed two-point conversion, and defensive lapses ultimately cost them.

The victory was a statement win for Harbaugh and the Chargers. Beating a Chiefs team that has appeared in three consecutive Super Bowls and dominated the AFC West for nearly a decade is no small feat. In fact, Kansas City had won 17 straight one-score games (including the postseason), an NFL record, before the Chargers snapped that streak in Brazil. For Harbaugh, it also added another layer to his remarkable Week 1 legacy, now tied for the most opening-game wins without a loss in NFL history.

For the Chargers, the win isn’t just about bragging rights over a division rival; it’s about momentum. They’ll look to carry that energy into their next matchup on Monday, September 15, when they face the Las Vegas Raiders on the road. A strong start under Harbaugh could set the tone for a season in which Los Angeles is determined to finally challenge Kansas City’s AFC West reign.

Read Also: “We’ve got to start faster and be better.”: Patrick Mahomes Stresses Needed Improvements as Chiefs Stumble in Sao Paulo Opener

What Were Jim Harbaugh’s Last Five NFL Week 1 Wins?

As already mentioned, Friday’s victory over the Chiefs wasn’t just another opening-week triumph for Jim Harbaugh; it extended a remarkable streak that stretches back to his very first year as an NFL head coach. Here’s a quick look at his last five wins before the Chargers’ 27-21 triumph in Brazil:

• 2011 – San Francisco 49ers 33, Seattle Seahawks 17
• 2012: San Francisco 49ers 30, Green Bay Packers 22
• 2013: San Francisco 49ers 34, Green Bay Packers 28
• 2014: San Francisco 49ers 28, Dallas Cowboys 17
• 2024: Los Angeles Chargers 34, Las Vegas Raiders 20

After nine seasons in college football with Michigan, Harbaugh returned to the NFL in 2024 and wasted no time picking up where he left off. He will now turn his attention to their Week 2 clash against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, September 15, with hopes of carrying this momentum forward. 

For fans, this opening win over the reigning AFC powerhouse is more than just a good start; it sparks dreams. If Jim Harbaugh can keep his team playing with this level of energy and discipline, then maybe, just maybe, the Chargers could be on the path to chasing that elusive championship.

Read Also: Top 5 NFL Rookies Most Likely to Make an Impact in The 2025/26 NFL Season

FAQs

1. What is Jim Harbaugh’s NFL Week 1 coaching record?

Jim Harbaugh is now 6-0 in Week 1 games as an NFL head coach, never having lost a season opener.

2. When was the last time the Chargers beat the Chiefs before this game?

The Chargers’ last win over Kansas City came in September 2021, snapping a losing streak against their AFC West rivals.

3. Have the Chargers ever won a Super Bowl?

No, the Chargers have never won a Super Bowl. Their only league title came in 1963 when they won the AFL Championship.

4. Why was the Chargers vs. Chiefs game played in Brazil?

The NFL scheduled the game in São Paulo, Brazil, as part of its international expansion efforts, bringing regular-season action to fans outside the United States.

5. Who do the Chargers play next after beating the Chiefs?

The Chargers will face the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, September 15, 2025, in their Week 2 matchup.