AFC Game Of The Week
Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers
Chiefs: After that loss to the Buffalo Bills, I think everybody just about threw the towel in on them. I’ll admit that I was concerned about them because they hadn’t looked like the team that we’ve come to know over the last three years. Fast forward to now. They’ve been winners of six in a row and have inserted themselves back to the contention table. The worst thing you can do is give a team bulletin board material. That’s exactly what the Las Vegas Raiders did by having their team meet and huddle on the Chiefs logo before the game. Look how that ended for them. So, I see everyone saying that the Chiefs’ offense still isn’t what we’ve seen. There’s a reason for that. While the offense is beginning to warm up, it’s been the defense that’s picked up the team. The Kansas City defense has forced turnovers left and right, creating short-field situations and also scoring points of their own. With all of that, there is less pressure on Patrick Mahomes than ever. Quite frankly, he’s able to manage games and isn’t being forced to be the hero every time. This is one group I wouldn’t want to face come January because they will be a tough out. Tonight, they’ll battle at SoFi.
Chargers: After an awful loss to the Denver Broncos in week 12, they’ve regrouped nicely. When they beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Ohio, that was a major game that caught my eye in week 13 because they were able to get a big win on the road against a team who just won a big game themselves the week before. Basically, the Chargers are getting back to what has been their bread and butter this year and that’s the deep passing game down the field. This is one of the best teams in the league that can consistently stretch the football field with deep passes. Justin Herbert amazes me because he has such a strong arm and when the ball leaves his hand, it’s effortless to him. It’s almost as if the ball gets faster while it’s in the air way after he throws it. This offense is one of the best in the league and feels they can match anyone they face. I remember when some people referred to them as the best team in the AFC after some wins earlier in the year. Then, they would end up losing four of six games before this current two-game winning streak they’re on now. I was expecting more from their defense this year especially with Brandon Staley as their head coach and his defensive background. They’ve been up and down this year and when they’re down, they struggle. Tonight, they’re back home.
Chiefs X-Factor: Clyde Edwards Helaire– He’s finally healthy and looking like the guy that was expected to help the KC offense. Clyde is a counterattack to the passing game and helps Mahomes with the play-action. Watch how most defensive eyes will be all on Mahomes of course. The playmaking of Clyde will be a critical part of how they move the ball. When he’s productive, the Chiefs’ offense is tough to defend because they can attack from many angles.
Chargers X-Factor: Jalen Guyton– This is another weapon for Justin. When Keenan Allen was out, Jalen stepped up. This is what it’s about. One man out, the next man stepping up and he did just that. He’s the true number three option for this offense and the safety valve for the quarterback. When Justin’s first two reads are locked down, this is who he will target. Don’t let Jalen sneak behind your coverage because he will make you pay.
Final Thoughts: When these two met in week three, the Chargers went into Arrowhead and stunned the Chiefs. That’s when I started to notice the issues within Kansas City. Months later, the Chiefs are back on top of the AFC West and the Chargers are looking up to them though they own a head-to-head tiebreaker. L.A. has the offense to keep up with the Chiefs believe it or not. Back in September, the Chargers had their best defensive performance of the year when they forced a total of four Chiefs turnovers. The Chargers are 29th when it comes to stopping the run. Expect the Chiefs to come out with a ground attack to pound the ball. This is a much different Chiefs defense Herbert saw in the first meeting. I’d use a quick passing game and attack the Chiefs’ secondary. If there was ever a moment for the Chargers to make a statement, this is it tonight. The Chiefs will look to keep it moving and extend the winning streak.
Prediction: Chiefs 31. Chargers 23
