Bears vs Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes led three scoring drives before the Bears stormed back to beat the Chiefs 29–27 in the 2025 preseason finale. See how to watch replays, key takeaways, depth-chart battles, and our Bears vs Chiefs outlook.
Why this game mattered
The Kansas City Chiefs closed their 2025 preseason against the Chicago Bears on Friday, August 22, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Starters for Kansas City, including Patrick Mahomes, got real work: the first-team offense scored on all three of Mahomes’ drives before giving way to reserves. Chicago finished the night with a furious second-half surge to win 29–27, a result that won’t count in the standings but does shape roster and role debates headed into Week 1.
Final score & quick game story
- Final: Bears 29, Chiefs 27 (Preseason Week 3)
- Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
- Notable: Chiefs’ starters dominated early; Bears’ backups, led by QB Tyson Bagent, completed the comeback late in the 4th quarter.
The arc of the game in 60 seconds
- Mahomes & the ones: Kansas City’s opening trio of drives: touchdown, touchdown, field goal. Explosive chunk plays (including a 58-yard strike) and a back-shoulder TD to Rashee Rice underscored midseason rhythm.
- Bears’ rally: Chicago’s depth unit flipped the script in the second half; Bagent delivered three TD passes as the Bears outscored KC 19–0 in the fourth quarter to steal it.
- Bottom line: August football is about evaluation. KC proved their starters can flip the “on” switch; Chicago surfaced roster-bubble keepers who finished.
How to watch Bears vs Chiefs
- Original kickoff: Friday, Aug 22, 7:20 p.m. CT
- Local TV (Chicago): Bears Network on FOX 32; stream options via ChicagoBears.com and the official Bears app (regional availability varies).
- Chiefs’ guide: KC’s How to Watch & Listen page lists TV/radio partners, plus streaming options for local markets and radio affiliates.
- League/alt viewing: Preseason replays available via NFL+; various outlets hosted live coverage and watch-alongs.
Tip for fans outside local markets: NFL+ hosts condensed replays that are perfect for film-study vibes and fast catch-ups. (Check availability by region.)
Key takeaways for both teams
Chiefs (what we learned)
- Mahomes ready on command. Three series, three scores. The second TD — a back-shoulder dart to Rashee Rice — plus a deep shot showcased timing and drive variety.
- Pacheco sets the tone. A goal-line TD capped the opening march, hinting at an early-season run/pass balance that punishes light boxes.
- Depth got stress-tested. The Bears rallied against KC’s reserves — a useful reminder about late-game DL rotation and coverage communication as roster decisions loom. Local coverage emphasized the outcome matters less than the tape it produced.
Bears (what we learned)
- Backups brought juice. Chicago media highlighted that the starters struggled, but the two-deep and young skill talent swung the game late; Tyson Bagent’s 3 TDs earned headlines.
- D’Andre Swift flashes a role. The veteran’s usage and burst drew positive notes despite protection hiccups.
- Defensive questions early, answers late. KC’s ones cruised; Chicago’s depth settled down and tightened red-zone and situational stops in the 4th.
Box score & stats snapshots (authoritative hubs)
- ESPN box/recap & play-by-play: Bears 29–27 Chiefs (includes officials, game info, and team stats).
- AP recap (multiple outlets): Mahomes sharp, Bears rally late.
- Local live blog: Kansas City outlet with drive updates and fourth-quarter surge notes.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs starters play more than expected vs Bears https://t.co/UbKVplFay8
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) August 23, 2025
The Mahomes report
Kansas City approached this like a tune-up, and Mahomes delivered: tempo control, pocket command, and the full route tree with Rashee Rice featured on timing throws. The Chiefs’ official clips captured a 58-yard completion and the back-shoulder TD, the kind of high-precision pitch-and-catch that translates directly into September.
National outlets framed it similarly: “exclamation point” for the starters, regardless of the final scoreline.
Bears’ quarterback picture
While the focus is on top pick Caleb Williams long term, this night belonged to the depth chart. The local recap emphasized starter inconsistency early, but Tyson Bagent’s second-half command and red-zone finishing tilted the result. That gives Chicago leverage on roster slots and practice-squad sequencing as cutdown approaches.
Roster battles & depth chart implications
- Chiefs WR/TE rotation: Rice’s chemistry with Mahomes looks sticky; the down-roster battle remains about WR4-WR6 roles, special-teams value, and in-week elevation flexibility. (Fan/beat discussions flagged reserve OL and backup center play as review items.)
- Chiefs defensive front: With the late collapse coming against reserves, staff will comb through stunts, rush-lane fits, and two-minute communication. Expect at least one trench move before Week 1.
- Bears offensive depth: Swift’s spark and Bagent’s poise add clarity. Chicago’s decisions at RB3, WR5/6, and swing OL now have fresh tape from a top-tier opponent.
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