The 8-4 Los Angeles Chargers visit their AFC West rivals, the 11-1 Kansas City Chiefs. Our Chargers vs Chiefs prediction is for underdog Los Angeles to win the game outright.
Los Angeles has won five of six and is jockeying with Baltimore and Denver for a higher playoff seed.
Kansas City’s record has masked their struggles. They have been anything but dominant with their experience and Patrick Mahomes’ clutch play carrying them through. They could have — and perhaps should have — lost their last four victories.
Head-to-head, Kansas City leads with a record of 70-58-1. They won the Week 4 matchup in LA, 17-10.
Offshore Odds: KC is Favored by 4
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chargers | +4 (-110) | +175 | O 43 (-107) |
| Chiefs | -4 (-110) | -205 | U 43 (-113) |
The Chargers Rely on Defense and Opportunism
In Jim Harbaugh’s first year back in the NFL, Los Angeles has won in a vastly different way than how the roster was initially constructed. Instead of relying on Justin Herbert’s strong and accurate arm, they have used high-percentage passing plays, a diverse running attack, forcing turnovers while avoiding their own, and a hard-hitting defense to win eight of its first 12 games.
In 2023, former head coach Brandon Staley’s blind adherence to analytics and his self-destructive decisions undid them. But Harbaugh has brought his signature aggressive and tough style to LA.
Still, LA is dealing with several injuries. Running back J.K. Dobbins may be lost for the season with a knee injury. Herbert’s top target, wide receiver Ladd McConkey was limited in practice with a knee issue.
Can an 11-1 Team be “Reeling?”
Kansas City, the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, holds the number one seed in the AFC. They have overcome every challenge they have faced in 2024 from injuries to key players, off-field issues, and the target that comes with being a champion.
Despite that, there are glowing red flags that they will either overcome late in the season, hit their stride, and rampage to another title, or get picked off early in the playoffs.
They were lucky to defeat the 2-10 Raiders and the 3-9 Panthers. Only a botched snap against Las Vegas and a Patrick Mahomes scramble against Carolina saved them. They were about to lose to Denver, but a blocked game-winning field goal attempt secured their victory.
Can this continue against the better teams in the league? The 11-1 start has accorded them wiggle room to get healthy. But even Mahomes has struggled at times and the offensive line has been porous.
They desperately need an easy win against a good team to shore up belief in their chances for another Super Bowl.
Chargers vs Chiefs Prediction: LA Covers the 4-Point Spread
Los Angeles is leading the league allowing the fewest points per game. Kansas City’s secondary has been vulnerable to the pass all season. With their running game compromised, expect Herbert to come out firing.
The Chargers will beat the Chiefs.
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