Game Preview: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (Thursday - 8:20 ET)

Everything is on the line in late-season divisional rivalry matchups where both teams sit atop the division standings. If the Chiefs win, they will have a 2-game cushion with 3 games remaining, but if the Chargers win they will draw even in the standings and have the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Chargers won the first game between these teams at Arrowhead stadium all the way back in week 3, but the Chiefs have come a long way from their early-season slump. Surprisingly, the Chiefs' resurgence has come on the back of their defense, which has only given up 48 points over their past five games, with 13 sacks and 15 turnovers in that span. Since trading for Steelers pass rusher Melvin Ingram, the Chiefs have not lost a game. Ingram hasn't been incredibly productive from a statistical standpoint, but he does disrupt offensive plays. However, Ingram's presence has allowed DT Chris Jones to go back to playing on the interior of the defensive line where Jones is a wrecking ball, leading the team in sacks (7). However, Jones will be inactive this week as he was placed on the COVID-19 protocol list, so Chargers QB Justin Herbert will have a cleaner pocket. The Chargers will likely be able to put up points, as they've scored 37 points or more in three of their last four games. The Chargers are 5th in passing yards per game (280.3) while the Chiefs are 6th (277.9), so if this game turns into a Herbert vs. Patrick Mahomes wild west shootout, we will be in for some excitement.

While the Chiefs have risen back to Super Bowl favorite status (they currently have +550 odds, the 2nd highest behind the Buccaneers), The Chargers look like they could be a dark horse contender (+2500). This season, the only two games where they looked outmatched (against the Ravens and Broncos) were against teams that prioritize defense and rushing offense, as the Chargers have the second-worst rushing defense in the league (140.7). As we have seen in recent years, the teams that advance deep into the playoffs usually have great passing offenses, and the Chargers are well-equipped to handle those types of teams (like the Chiefs) as they have the 4th best passing defense in the NFL, giving up only 207.3 passing yards per game. Safety Derwin James is the heart of the Chargers secondary, and he was out last week with a hamstring injury but could be ready to play this week. The Chargers' offense also heavily depends on good injury luck this week, as two of their top playmakers, RB Austin Ekeler and WR Mike Williams, are questionable to play. However, given that this game could decide whether or not they make the playoffs and could turn into a shootout, the Chargers trainers will do whatever they can to ensure they will be on the field. This game will be the most important in the young Mahomes vs. Herbert rivalry, which will probably define the AFC West for the next decade. Both of the last two games between them came down to the last minute, so we can expect an exciting game tonight.

Spread: Chiefs favored by 3

Over/under: 49.5

Preview Question: Which running back will score a touchdown in this game?

Pro tip: Clyde Edwards-Helaire is back in good shape after dealing with an MCL sprain earlier in the season and scored 2 TDs last week against the Raiders. Against the Chargers' lackluster run defense, it's a good bet that he will get some red-zone touches. Chiefs backup RB Darrel Williams will be a threat for receptions out of the backfield, and he scored a receiving TD last week, which would count for this question (rushing and receiving TDs both count). Austin Ekeler will receive the majority of the touches if he can play in this game and isn't hampered by his ankle, but if he can only play in a limited role, backup RB Justin Jackson could see a heavy workload.

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