Chiefs Vs Chargers TNF Preview: Battle For First

First place in the AFC West will be on the line Thursday night when the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers. Kansas City enters the contest at 9-4, winners of six consecutive games. Meanwhile, the Chargers are 8-5 and have won two games in a row. The Chiefs (3-1) have a slightly better division record than Los Angeles (2-1) does. However, the Chargers have of course already beaten the Chiefs this season in Kansas City.

While this game presents two of the more dangerous teams in the AFC, the depth on each team could be heavily tested on Thursday. Defensive tackle Chris Jones and wide receiver Josh Gordon are in COVID protocol for the Chiefs. Both could possibly miss the game, despite being vaccinated. Each would need two negative tests 24 hours apart to return and play.

Update: linebacker Willie Gay has been placed on the COVID list on Wednesday afternoon and will not play for the Chiefs.

On the other side, the Chargers have two offensive linemen in COVID protocol (Rashawn Slater, Scott Quessenberry). Slater has been one of the best rookie offensive linemen in the NFL this year. Finally, Los Angeles has many star names dealing with injuries, including Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams, Asante Samuel Jr. and Derwin James, just to name a few.

What are the top headlines to watch for entering round two of this year’s rivalry? We will list a few of those, as well as some key player matchups to keep in mind. Let’s kick it off.

Top Three Headlines

Can Chiefs Continue Offensive Improvement?

The Kansas City offense was not necessarily perfect last week against the Raiders. Nevertheless, they began to hit on some plays that they were not having success with in recent games. The Chiefs used the passing game to test the opposition down the field much more often, rather than forcing Vegas to strictly stop the short to intermediate passing game. Moreover, Kansas City’s rushing attack has begun to wear down opponents more quickly.

This week, the Chargers defense presents a mixed bag. LA ranks fourth best in passing defense, but second worst in rushing defense. Where the Chargers really need to see some improvements comes via the pass rush and points allowed areas. The Chargers are tied for the ninth lowest sack figure in the league (29 sacks). Additionally, Los Angeles is 26th in the league in points allowed.

In order to continue a steady incline, Kansas City will have to continue to do a few things offensively. This starts with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. During recent games, he has appeared more comfortable when navigating in the pocket, knowing when to step up or out of the pocket or when reading the defense. On top of that, seeing receivers stack defensive backs and challenge to push the field deep will be key against a smart, instinctive and fast Charger secondary. Finally, continued resilience and dominance up front by the offensive line will leave Los Angeles shell shocked. It has certainly been a year to forget for a usually strong Chargers defensive line.

Which Version Of Chargers Will Show Up?

With this being a game with first place implications on the line, let alone playoff implications, it will be fascinating to watch how the Chargers handle certain moments. Their aggressiveness and fast start obviously translated to a major win in Kansas City early in the year. For the most part, the Chargers have largely been missing that same juice early in games over the last two months. Sure, it has not always led to downfalls. This team cannot expect to catch lightning at the right time in every game, though. That is especially true when you take the recent play of the Chiefs’ defense into account.

The latter part of the game will also be heavily monitored. If it is indeed close, can Los Angeles force and avoid mistakes? Or, will the Bolts be struck by their long history of blowing it in crucial moments? The recent history has been much kinder to them, thanks to a new, younger core that includes Justin Herbert, Ekeler, and others. At the same time, the Chargers have lived dangerously in crucial games this season. You know if they struggle late in a tight one again, people will be quick to fire up the “Chargers gonna Charger” tweets on Twitter.

Turnovers

A monumental part of the Chiefs winning streak has been an improved turnover differential. They are now back to even on the season, ironically the first time since Week Three. That was the first time they faced these Chargers. Just a few days ago, Kansas City made it look easy to get takeaways. The Chiefs got a takeaway on their first defensive snap and their last defensive snap in the Raider game. That helped to cap off a day in which Kansas City finished with five takeaways and zero turnovers.

In the first meeting against the Chargers this year, it was LA who produced all the takeaways. Four to zero was the difference on that sunny, September Sunday. To boot, the Chargers managed to get into the head of the Chiefs most important players on offense. On that day, Mahomes, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill were all thrown off when the turnovers began to unravel. Kansas City somehow still managed to stay in it until the end, however.

Certainly, there is always a bit of luck involved with turnovers. This game will feature two of the quickest learners among young quarterbacks in the league. On top of that, both defenses are working hard to play the ball and get it out, rather than the man itself. Whichever group is more opportunistic and more forceful with their tackling could help their team achieve a vital victory.

Key Matchups

Chargers Offensive Line Vs Chiefs Pass Rush

We mentioned it briefly at the top. Slater has been a menace at left tackle. Truthfully, the rookie has been the lone bright spot on a declining Chargers offensive line. His power at the point of attack, athleticism and quick hands have given many opponents fits. If he is unable to go, all hands will be on deck for those protecting Herbert.

The Chiefs may be without Jones in the middle. Yet, the rest of this group is not lacking in their recent play. Frank Clark may arguably be playing his best stretch as a member of the Chiefs. Kansas City has been rewarded with an improved array of hand counters and disengagement of blocks from Clark. On top of that, his explosiveness in his get off and pass rush, as well as his awareness to play flow and determination to get home are all at an all time level. Melvin Ingram has added his own power and short area quickness as well. Let’s not forget that Steve Spagnuolo could bring extra pressure or blitzes from all angles, especially against a weaker opposing offensive line.

Chargers Wide Receivers Vs Chiefs Secondary

This matchup will not feature Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who is still taking time to grieve following the passing of his older brother. Kansas City will again lean on names like Charvarius Ward, Rashad Fenton, Mike Hughes and Deandre Baker at cornerback. Meanwhile, we could very well see more of Tyrann Mathieu in the slot, like he was last week. Kansas City has done well lately to throw opposing receivers off balance during their routes. The Chiefs have also been rather physical and aggressive at the catch point.

Those last two sentences will be important against this Chargers wide receiver corps. They present ample size, large catch radiuses and savvy route running skills. Los Angeles should get Keenan Allen back, who did not play last week. He was activated off the COVID list on Tuesday. Furthermore, Williams is enjoying a breakout season on the outside. The Chargers also have depth options like Josh Palmer and Jalen Guyton who can threaten defenses after the catch with strength and speed.

Travis Kelce Vs Chargers Safeties

Last week was another up and down week for Travis Kelce. He made a couple of catches in tight spaces. Yet, the tight end struggled to get open or fight through contact consistently. It has definitely been a more challenging year for Kelce. Teams have begun to play him differently. Opponents are starting to get inside leverage on him, while also forcing Kelce to alter his fakes or counters on routes.

No matter who is covering Kelce, the Chargers will look to continue his recent trends. At safety, Derwin James has the length, quickness and hitting power to challenge the Chiefs tight end physically. Mentally speaking, Kansas City must be careful when testing the likes of Nasir Adderley, Tevaughn Campbell or Trey Marshall. None are necessarily household names. But, the Chargers have used this trio to hang in the intermediate areas and play on top of routes. Those three have become pests among a loaded Chargers secondary.

Be on the lookout for our game reaction article on Friday following the game. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.