Chiefs Vs Chargers: Key Personnel Matchups

For the second straight week, the Kansas City Chiefs will host an AFC West division rival. After defeating the Denver Broncos on a Thursday night last week, the Chiefs will now take on the Los Angeles Chargers. Currently, Kansas City sits atop the AFC West at 5-1. Meanwhile, the Chargers are 2-3 entering Sunday. LA just lost at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, coming off of their bye week.

The last of the two meetings between these two rivals will take place in the regular season finale in Week 18. Certainly, that could be a matchup with major implications on the line. But for now, this is an incredibly important division game for both teams. Based on how the Chiefs have started out offensively, KC is looking to find answers quickly on that side of the ball. Elsewhere, the Chargers have yet to play a complete game, and have struggled mightily in the most of their showings in the second half of games.

What are some key personnel matchups to watch for entering Sunday afternoon? We will list three personnel matchups that could make a major difference in the game between the Chiefs and the Chargers. Let’s kick it off.

Kelce Vs James

The matchup between Travis Kelce and Derwin James is always highly anticipated entering a Chiefs vs Chargers contest. Overall, Kelce has still got his plenty of times in this one-on-one matchup, so to speak. Yet, there may be no defender that has kept the tight end in check more than James. We have seen some big hits laid on Kelce courtesy of the Chargers safety. In other moments, the Chiefs pass catcher has been able to shake free against James while the defender is in man coverage, leading to some key explosive plays or scoring plays.

Given the slow start of the Kansas City offense, here and there, Kelce has become even more crucial to Patrick Mahomes than ever before. We did not necessarily think that was possible. But until more wide receivers besides Rashee Rice step up, Kelce will get the bulk of the targets. Can James prevent Kelce from adding yards after the catch, unlike recent showings between KC and LA? Or, will the Chargers safety be able to limit the Chiefs tight end throughout much of the day?

Pacheco Vs Chargers Front Seven

Isiah Pacheco has had a pretty steady stretch over the last five games. In all of those outings, he finished with double-digit carries and 55 rushing yards or more. Time after time, Pacheco has been able to find some extra hidden yards against opposing defenses. That has been especially vital in the last few weeks. With his ability to win against contact and surprise with his quickness, it is challenging to bring someone like him down.

On the other hand, the Chargers’ run defense has usually been a laughingstock. That stretches back to the better part of three years. Upfront, Los Angeles has usually failed to provide much resistance and has failed to get off of blocks consistently against opposing offensive lines. That is especially true in the interior battle of the trenches. Then at linebacker, poor angles, missed tackles and failure to fill run fits has hindered growth for names like Kenneth Murray.

While Los Angeles has shown slight improvements at times this season on run defense, Pacheco is a much different style of runner than anything they have faced so far this season. The Chargers generally give up a fair amount of yards before contact. It is just so obvious to see when watching live. Add in the physical style of Pacheco, and it will be intriguing to see if LA can provide any resistance on running plays.

Allen Vs Chiefs Secondary

It is likely no surprise that Keenan Allen currently leads the Chargers in targets (55), receptions (42), receiving yards (519) and receiving touchdowns (four). But with Mike Williams out with an injury and the dual-threat Austin Ekeler missing time earlier, Allen has garnered even clearer targets, compared to usual. He and Justin Herbert can put defenses on their heels in a variety of ways. With Allen’s savvy route running and smooth separation skills, Herbert can often have a wide-open target to throw to. Allen is also nimble after the catch, whether in the quick passing game or down the field.

Kansas City has enjoyed a tremendous start from their entire defense. Yet, no group may be playing more sound than the Chiefs secondary. Having faced Allen a multitude of times, they know what tricks can be used and pulled out of his hat. Kansas City cannot get lost in space against him, though. L’Jarius Sneed may matchup against Allen the most, as he has been handling the opponents’ top wide receivers this season. Sneed has been noticeably tenacious on the outside against elite weapons. Will he and the rest of the Chiefs secondary continue to go that route against Allen?