NFL
Pregame Breakdown: Chiefs at Chargers
Two AFC Dark Horses Kickoff this Sunday at 4 pm EST
The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers will meet for the 118th time since September 10th, 1960. The Chargers will be looking to snap an eight-game winning streak that started in 2014. While the Chargers maintained divisional dominance in the 2000’s, the Denver Broncos began running the table thereafter. For the past two years, the Chief’s have been the team to beat in the AFC West with the Oakland Raiders close at their heals. This season, it’s anyone’s division which makes this game all the more important and could decide who hangs the banner.
Injury Report
The Chiefs will likely be missing four of their defenders this Sunday, three of which made it onto the IR (injury reserve) list: Daniel Sorensen (S), Keith Reaser (CB), Step Durham (CB). Starting strong safety Eric Berry has been listed as doubtful for this Sunday. The biggest loss for the Chiefs will be the potential absence of Berry and loss of Sorensen. None of the other players on IR should affect the outcome of this game.
In comparison, the Charger’s injury report is must shorter as they will only be missing defensive end Joey Bosa. Bosa, a former Buckeye, became a huge asset for the Chargers last season forcing 4 fumbles, 12.5 sacks, and 54 total tackles. Bosa was seen wearing a walking boot at practice leading up to Sunday’s game so is questionable status will likely not change to healthy.
Keys to the Game
Quarterback Shootout
This game has the most underrated quarterback matchup of the year. Philip Rivers, the 36-year-old Chargers QB, enters into his 15th season, a far cry from the Chief’s QB. Patrick Mahomes, just 22-years-old, was drafted 10th overall by the Chiefs in 2017. This season will be Mahomes first as a starter. Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid believes that Mahomes is more than ready for the job. Mahomes has yet to showcase his abilities in a meaningful game. While much is still unknown about the young QB, this game will be a good test as the Chargers had the 3rd overall pass defense in the league.
Rivers, who has been denied a Super Bowl championship thus far in his career, is ready for a ring. Both teams have a long list of different offensive weapons to utilize on Sunday perfectly mismatched with the opposing defense. While the Chargers have struggled the past few seasons, Rivers has consistently been strong. The 7x pro-bowler is 9th on the all-time passing yardage list and finished the 2017 season with a 96.0 QB rating. Kansas City’s weak pass defense could allow for a big night from Rivers this Sunday.
Offensive Arsenals
Both the Chargers and the Chiefs have a host of key players who have the ability to change a game. This will be a high scoring game with a strong passing performance from LAC while KC will try to win it on the ground.
Along with Philip Rivers, the Chargers have a strong offensive roster, including new addition Antonio Gates. The veteran tight end adds both a maturity and optionality for LAC. Wide receiver Keenan Allen, who is monstrous in gaining yards after the catch, comes into the season in full health. Allen can and will likely exploit Kansas City’s weak secondary. Look out for a long ball to WR Travis Benjamin at some point during the game. While they have struggled to involve Benjamin when he is targeted its normally for 30+ yards. Last but certainly not least, running back Melvin Gordon. The 25-year-old RB rushed for 1,105 yards last year on 284 attempts. If Gordon can develop a rhythm early, we can expect to see 4-4.5 yards a carry from him only further opening up LAC’s passing game.
Kansas City’s 9th overall running game last year is expected to only improve. Kareem Hunt, who averaged 4.9 yards a carry, will look to exploit LAC’s front 7. The Chargers allowed on average 131 rushing yards a game (2nd worst in the NFL) last year. Hunt may be an unstoppable force for the Chiefs which could be desperately needed if Mahomes has a hard time settling down and finding an open man. WR Tyreek Hill and TE Travis Kelce will be Mahomes biggest targets this Sunday. Mahomes may struggle to find Hill downfield so Kelce will likely be involved even more so than usual.
Defensive Stops
The Chargers have the 3rd best overall pass defense yet the 2nd worst overall run defense. The Chief’s most consistent strength has been their run game and with a young QB, they may be happy to exploit as week run defense. It will be important for LAC to contain Hunt as much as they can. The Chiefs, on the other hand, have the 8th best overall run defense yet the 4th worst overall pass defense. This flip-flop will work nicely for Rivers who is anxious to connect with Allen as well as Benjamin downfield. This game could come down to what defenses’ weaknesses are well, weakest.
Playoff Implications
This early matchup could make clear who the frontrunner will be in the AFC West. Whoever doesn’t win the division will be aiming for a wildcard spot; this game could decide if a second team from the AFC West makes it into the playoffs or not. With an improving Oakland, both teams need this win to get a headstart on the division.
Fantasy Implications
Chargers: While Gates only has three days of practice under his belt, he hasn’t been ruled out for Sunday and is likely to participate. If Gates is still available in your league, he’s a great pick up. Gordon may struggle on the ground this game, however, he burned the Chiefs last year in receiving yards. Allen and Rivers are likely to be the fantasy leaders this week for LAC.
Chiefs: Kareem Hunt. Be wary of starting Tyreek Hill this week if you have another strong WR on your bench. Kelce will be the main target Sunday.
Photo credit to Josh Adams via Flickr
