The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Los Angeles Chargers in what will be the best Thursday Night Football game of the season. The Chiefs and Chargers are not only battling for the top spot in the AFC West Division, but also the number one seed in the AFC Playoffs. Kansas City beat the Chargers in week 1, by a score of 38-28.
Kansas City comes into this game with an 11-2 record, which is the best record in the entire conference. The Chargers have won three straight games to bring their record to 10-3, which is the second-best record in the AFC. Los Angeles is also trying to stop a long losing streak to the Chiefs in this game, as Kansas City has won nine straight games over the Chargers. The Chiefs are a 3.5 point favorite on Thursday night.
Mahomes, Hill Leading Chiefs Offense
The Chiefs offense was supposed to take a step back with the loss of Kareem Hunt, but instead Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill have just stepped up their games. Mahomes has been simply amazing this season, throwing for 4,300 yards and 43 touchdowns, while completing almost 67 percent of his passes. Hill has caught 74 passes for 1,258 yards this season and has found the end zone 11 times. Look for this dynamic duo to come up with some huge plays in this game.
Dee Ford and Chris Jones have led a resurgent Chiefs defense this season. The duo has combined for 21.5 of the team’s 42 sacks this season, and you can almost guarantee that the Chiefs will be coming after Philip Rivers in this game. Kansas City has given up 27 points per game on the season, but their defense has shown signs of improvement. Holding their opponent under 30 usually gives their team a chance to win.
Chargers Dealing With Injuries
The Chargers are dealing with significant injuries coming into this game, specifically at the running back position. Starting running back Melvin Gordon is listed as out for this game, and backup Austin Ekeler is also dealing with an injury. That duo has combined for 1,300 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. If Ekeler is unable to go, it will slow down an offense that is averaging 28.2 points per game.
Los Angeles will also face their toughest defensive challenge in weeks against the Chiefs. The Chargers are allowing just over 20 points per game this season but gave up 38 to the Chiefs in the first matchup of the season. Los Angeles has racked up 32 sacks this season and will need to get pressure on Mahomes in this game. If the Chargers are going to win, the defense must be outstanding.
Chiefs Don’t Lose At Arrowhead
This could very well be a preview of the AFC Championship Game, but both teams will have work to do. The Chargers are dealing with key injuries at a very important position, and that could give the Chiefs a huge edge. Kansas City has been nearly unstoppable on offense all season long, and they are impossible to beat at home. The Chargers will compete, but Kansas City will pull away with the win. Bet the Kansas City Chiefs -3.5 over the Los Angeles Chargers.
