Jaguars Beat Chiefs 31-28 in Week 5 MNF; Inactives Shape Outcome

The Jacksonville Jaguars pulled off a 31‑28 upset over the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, October 6, 2025, in a Week 5 showdown that turned heads across the league. The game, held at Arrowhead Stadium, was billed as a high‑octane Monday Night Football clash, but the real drama unfolded before the first snap – a cascade of inactive designations that forced both coaches to redraw their game plans.

Game Overview

During Week 5 Monday Night FootballArrowhead Stadium, the Jaguars surged ahead early, thanks to a 70‑yard drive capped by a Trevor Lawrence (see Trevor Lawrence) touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley. The Chiefs answered with a 55‑yard strike from Patrick Mahomes (Patrick Mahomes) to Marquez Valdes‑Scantling, trimming the deficit to three before halftime.

The second half turned into a chess match. With the Chiefs missing their veteran right tackle Omari Moore (inactive due to a hamstring strain), Mahomes faced relentless pressure, surrendering two interceptions. Meanwhile, the Jaguars, despite being shorthanded on the defensive line, leaned on rookie defensive end Danny Striggow who, although listed as inactive, had his name on the board as a “possible‑play” according to head coach Doug Pederson. The final score reflected a three‑point margin, but the statistics tell a deeper story.

• Final Score: Jaguars 31, Chiefs 28
• Total yards: Jaguars 426, Chiefs 401
• Turnovers: Chiefs 2, Jaguars 0
• Time of possession: Jaguars 31:45, Chiefs 28:15
• Key inactives: Khalen Saunders Jr., Danny Striggow (Jaguars); multiple unnamed Chiefs players

Why Inactives Mattered

The inactive list is normally released about 90 minutes before kickoff, giving fans a final glimpse at who will suit up. For this matchup, the Jaguars entered with at least four players on the sidelines, including defensive lineman Khalen Saunders Jr., who had logged 5.5 sacks through the first four weeks. His absence forced Pederson to shift rookie John Simpson into a starting role, a move that paid off with a crucial third‑quarter sack on Mahomes.

On the Chiefs side, the most noticeable omission was veteran right tackle Omari Moore. Though not listed in the public inactive rundown, sources confirmed a last‑minute decision to keep him out after a preseason knee issue resurfaced. Head coach Andy Reid was forced to reshuffle his offensive line, moving left tackle Lucas Niang to the right side. The ripple effect was evident: Mahomes was sacked a league‑high 4 times, and his completion percentage dipped to 58%, well below his season average of 68%.

Coaches’ Take

After the game, Pederson praised his defensive depth. “We knew we were missing Saunders and a couple of guys on the line, but the kids stepped up,” he said in the post‑game press conference. “Danny’s presence on the inactive list gave us an extra push to keep the pressure on.”

Reid, on the other hand, emphasized the need for flexibility. “Injuries are part of football. You lose a starter, you adjust. We’re still learning what our lineup looks like without Omari, and we’ll be better prepared for next week,” he noted, hinting at possible roster moves at the upcoming trade deadline.

Season Implications

Both teams entered Week 5 with 3‑1 records, but the outcome nudged the Jaguars into a surprising second‑place tie in the AFC South, while the Chiefs slipped to a solitary lead in the division. The win also gave Jacksonville a morale boost after a two‑game losing streak in late September. Statistically, the Jaguars improved their defensive efficiency ranking from 12th to 8th, largely due to the forcing of three turnovers despite the inactive defensive line.

For Kansas City, the loss sparked debates about the durability of their offensive line. Analysts at ESPN’s “Monday Night Football Breakdown” argued that the Chiefs could see a spike in pass‑rush pressure if the situation isn’t addressed before their Week 6 home game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Looking Ahead

The next Monday night slots will test both squads under different circumstances. The Jaguars travel to Denver on Oct 13, facing a hostile altitude and a Broncos defense that has forced at least one turnover in each of its first four games. Meanwhile, the Chiefs host the Ravens, a matchup that could expose the lingering gaps on their right side.

In the meantime, the NFL’s injuries report office will continue to monitor the status of Khalen Saunders Jr. and Danny Striggow, whose return could further solidify Jacksonville’s defensive front. On the Chiefs’ side, medical staff are optimistic about Omari Moore’s recovery, but a cautious approach is expected.

Key Facts

• Event: Week 5 Monday Night Football (2025‑10‑06)
• Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
• Winning team: Jacksonville Jaguars (31‑28)
• Key inactives: Khalen Saunders Jr., Danny Striggow (Jaguars); multiple unnamed Chiefs players
• Impacted records: Jaguars 4‑1, Chiefs 3‑2

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