" I assume it was done so the Offense could get the ball back and take a few knees. If "the game is essentially over" is a valid argument for the Chargers kicking off normally and not doing the "unsportsmanlike" onside kick, then the Chiefs shouldn’t be trying to score when the "game is essentially over", instead just take a few knees and not run plays like they have a chance to come back and win. When it’s in the closing minutes of the 4th quarter and a team is up by 3 or more scores and the game is "essentially over", it’s a silly argument against the winning team going for it on 4th down or passing to extend a drive or attempting a surprise onside kick to be criticized. Why does the losing team have more of a right to keep running plays and trying to score when the game is almost over? Shouldn't the "sportsmanlike" thing be to take knees and accept the defeat? It’s only logical. But then, logic is sometimes overlooked in Football…"