SAN DIEGO, Calif. — With their playoff seeding all set, the Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up their 2013 regular season on Sunday in San Diego by not playing 20 of their 22 starters.
The result was a 27-24 San Diego win, a game capped by overtime where the Chargers got a 36-yard field goal from Nick Novak to provide the difference. The Chiefs had a chance to win the game in regulation, but placekicker Ryan Succop missed a 41-yard field goal with eight seconds left on the fourth quarter clock.
The Chiefs started the game by going 80 yards on just five plays, a drive capped by a 17-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Knile Davis. Davis was starting for pro bowl running back Jamaal Charles. Charles was listed inactive by head coach Andy Reid, who elected to also play the game with starting quarterback Alex Smith, and teammates Dwayne Bowe, Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson, Branden Albert, Dontari and others.
In all, the Chiefs decided to sit 20 of their 22 starters to begin the game. Veteran backup quarterback Chase Daniel led the Chiefs offense all the way. Daniel threw his first NFL touchdown pass in the first quarter to Dexter McCluster from two yards out. The Chiefs also got a two-yard touchdown run from Davis late in the second quarter, and led 21-14 at the half.
The Chargers got three touchdown passes from quarterback Phillip Rivers, but never led in the contest. The Chiefs finish the regular season with a 12-4 record, while the Chargers miss the playoffs with an eight and eight ledger. The Chiefs play next week in the AFC Wildcard round, at Indianapolis, on a day and time to be determined, either on Saturday or Sunday.