NFL games are always decided by a few plays, give or take. It’s a game of inches, as they say, and while the final score of the Chargers’ Week 10 matchup against the Steelers was 25-10, there were still a few plays that ultimately decided the result.
Let’s go through the most impactful plays from the Bolts’ primetime victory.
Khalil Mack’s first-quarter safety
This was an ugly game on both sides of the ball, most notably in the first quarter. The Chargers’ offense struggled to get going, and the defense picked them up and kept them in the game.
After a great punt from JK Scott, the Chargers were able to pin the Steelers deep in the first quarter. On the third play of the drive, Khalil Mack brought down Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the end zone for the safety. That was a huge momentum shift, bringing the Bolts within a point.
🙏 SAFETY 🙏
📺 | @snfonnbcpic.twitter.com/o9IwN9JjoI
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 10, 2025
RJ Mickens’ interception
In terms of momentum-swinging plays, this may be No. 1. In a defensive battle with the score at 5-3, the rookie Mickens snagged a critical interception late in the second quarter. Perhaps most importantly, his return already put the Chargers in field-goal range.
The offense ultimately put the ball in the endzone, which pushed the score to 12-3 just before halftime. This moment is where the tide really swung in Los Angeles’ favor for the remainder of the game.
mickens was alllllll over it
📺 | @snfonnbcpic.twitter.com/RYfESrBvjw
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 10, 2025
Tuli Tuipulotu’s sack on third down
The Chargers rode into their second half with all of the momentum, but had to punt it away on their opening drive of the third quarter after a stalled drive. The Steelers got to their own 30-yard line to set up a crucial 3rd-and-2. Tuipulotu sacked Rodgers to force a punt, a huge play early in the second half.
tuli on third down 😤
📺 | @snfonnbcpic.twitter.com/5OL5wBFJSR
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 10, 2025
Ladd McConkey’s 58-yard gain to seal the deal
Third downs are where teams win and lose close contests, and the Chargers won that battle over the Steelers. While the Bolts didn’t convert third downs as effectively as usual, they still were able to convert some big ones in the second half.
With 11 minutes left and still a two-possession contest, Ladd McConkey had a huge 58-yard gain to get the Chargers into the red zone. The Bolts ultimately scored a touchdown two plays later, putting the game out of hand.
he’s a mad ladd
📺 | @snfonnbcpic.twitter.com/61bgZsKAin
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 10, 2025
Keenan Allen’s record-setting reception
Allen wrote his name in the record books in the final minutes of the game as he surpassed Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates for the most receptions in franchise history.
Quarterback Justin Herbert received the snap in shotgun formation and immediately flipped the ball forward to Allen, who was in motion across the formation. Allen was the one who proposed the play to essentially guarantee a catch, his 956th of his career.
chargers history made 👑
📺 | @snfonnbcpic.twitter.com/KjMN09KMVq
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 10, 2025
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: What plays contributed the most to the Chargers’ Week 10 victory?
