Jaguars Stun Chiefs 31-28 on Monday Night in Jacksonville Upset

When Jacksonville Jaguars toppled the Kansas City Chiefs 31‑28 on Monday Night FootballTIAA Bank Field, the surprise came as Kansas City entered as 3.5‑point road favorites. The win nudged Jacksonville to 4‑1 on the season while the Chiefs slipped to 2‑3, turning a primetime showdown into a statement victory for a team many still counted out.

Background: From Early‑Season Struggles to a Home‑Field Surge

Jacksonville entered week five riding a three‑game home winning streak. Under offensive coordinator Liam Coen, the Jaguars had reshaped their attack, blending a power‑run game with a refreshed passing scheme. Their defense, meanwhile, had crafted the league’s best turnover margin at +9, forcing 13 take‑aways in just four games.

Across the river, Andy Reid and the Chiefs were trying to bounce back from a 1‑3 start. After a 37‑point explosion against the Baltimore Ravens in week four, Kansas City believed it had found its rhythm. The return of rookie wideout Xavier Worthy added a new dimension, and coach Reid hinted that running back Brashard Smith could provide a fresh passing outlet.

Game Recap: A Back‑And‑Forth Battle That Came Down to the Wire

The opening quarter was a defensive stalemate; both squads struggled to move the ball, and the Jaguars were held scoreless. In the second quarter, Jacksonville finally cracked the door with a 7‑point surge, thanks to a 15‑yard touchdown run by Travis Etienne Jr.. The Chiefs answered with a quick strike of their own, tying the game at 7‑7 before the half‑time whistle.

Third quarter belonged to the Jaguars. After a forced turnover—a stripped ball from Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes that Etienne recovered—Jacksonville struck twice. A 23‑yard pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence to Calvin Ridley set up a 5‑yard rushing touchdown, and a subsequent field goal pushed the lead to 21‑14.

The fourth quarter turned into a rollercoaster. Kansas City rallied, scoring two touchdowns to close the gap to 31‑28. A missed two‑point conversion left the Chiefs trailing by three with just over two minutes left. Jacksonville’s defense held firm, forcing a three‑and‑out and sealing the upset.

Key Performers: Who Stood Out When It Mattered Most

Travis Etienne Jr. – The running back logged 23 carries for 124 yards and a touchdown, plus a crucial fumble recovery that sparked the third‑quarter surge.

Trevor Lawrence – The young quarterback finished 28‑of‑45 for 307 yards, two TDs and one interception. His composure in the pocket, especially after the early turnover, earned praise from analysts.

Patrick Mahomes – Mahomes threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns, but his single interception proved costly. The veteran noted after the game, "We left a few pieces on the table, and Jacksonville capitalized."

Andy Reid – The Chiefs’ head coach admitted in the post‑game press conference, "We knew we could beat any team; we just didn’t execute our basics tonight."

Liam Coen – Coen highlighted the team’s ability to adapt, stating, "Our game plan was to protect the ball, force them to make mistakes, and then strike when we got the chance."

Reactions: What Coaches, Players and Fans Are Saying

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson praised his squad’s resilience: "We talked all week about staying aggressive at home. The kids fed off that energy and showed why we belong in the conversation now."

Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton was more reflective: "We gave up some big plays early; we have to tighten up on the run. It’s a learning moment, not a disaster."

Fans in Jacksonville took to social media, flooding the hashtag #JagsStunChiefs with celebratory memes. Even neutral observers noted the shift, with ESPN analyst Nate Taylor commenting, "If you thought the Jaguars were a one‑hit wonder after beating the 49ers, think again. This is a team that can beat an elite offense in a pressure cooker."

Implications: How This Upset Reshapes the AFC Landscape

In the AFC South, Jacksonville jumps to a solid 4‑1 record, now sitting just behind the Indianapolis Colts for the division lead. A win against a top‑tier opponent like Kansas City bolsters their playoff resume and adds a tiebreak‑winner edge should the Colts stumble later in the season.

For the Chiefs, the loss drops them to 2‑3 and puts pressure on Reid’s staff to tighten up on the road. Their DVOA against the run remains in the bottom ten, a weakness the Jaguars exploited. The defeat also widens the gap between Kansas City and the AFC West leader, the Los Angeles Chargers, who sit at 5‑0.

Betting lines reflect the chaos; the Jaguars moved from +140 to +115 in the days after the game, while the Chiefs’ odds to make the playoffs slipped noticeably. Oddsmakers now list Jacksonville as a potential dark‑horse in the AFC, a notion that will keep their opponents on high alert.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Franchises?

Jacksonville’s next test comes against the Denver Broncos on October 13, a road game that will gauge whether the Jags can maintain their composure away from home. A win would signal a true playoff contender, while a loss could expose lingering consistency issues.

Kansas City, meanwhile, travels to face the New England Patriots on October 20. Reid will likely lean on the run game to address the DVOA shortfall, while Mahomes will need to cut down on risky throws that led to turnovers.

Both teams have a full schedule ahead, but the Monday night result has already rewritten the narrative for the rest of the 2025 season. One thing is clear: the Jaguars have earned respect, and the Chiefs can’t afford another slip‑up if they hope to defend their AFC West crown.