CHARGERS (9-4) at CHIEFS (6-7)
When: 10 a.m. PT Sunday
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.
TV/Radio: KCBS (Ch. 2)/640 AM, 94.3 FM (Spanish)
Line: Chiefs by 5.5
Notable injury designations
Chargers: OUT: WR Derius Davis (ankle); DOUBTFUL: S Elijah Molden (hamstring), OL Trey Pipkins III (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: LB Troy Dye (hip), WR Quentin Johnston (groin).
Chiefs: OUT: WR Hollywood Brown (personal), OL Wanya Morris (knee), G Trey Smith (knee), T Jawaan Taylor (biceps/knee); QUESTIONABLE: CB Trent McDuffie (knee).
What’s at stake? A victory wouldn’t clinch a playoff spot for the Chargers, but it would put them in a far better position to advance for the second consecutive season with Jim Harbaugh as their coach. The Chargers could drive a stake through the Chiefs’ playoff hopes if they complete a sweep of both games this season. They took a 27-21 victory from Kansas City in the season-opening game in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Sept. 5, on the heels of the Chiefs’ lopsided loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl denting their invincible aura.
Who’s better? The Chargers have won two in a row and five of their past six. The Chiefs have lost two in a row and four out of five. So, that should say something about where the teams stand going into Week 15. The Chiefs’ streak of nine consecutive AFC West titles is already history and their run of three straight Super Bowl appearances is in jeopardy, too. The Chargers showed how resilient and resourceful they could be in defeating the Eagles in overtime Monday night.
Matchup to watch: The Chargers failed to protect Justin Herbert while still managing to grind out a 22-19 victory over the Eagles. Herbert was sacked seven times and threw for only 139 yards while under near-constant pressure. The Eagles’ defense is one of the NFL’s best and the Chargers won’t get any breaks while facing a Chiefs defense that ranks among the top 10 in fewest points given up per game (19.4), net yards given up per game (303.7) and net rushing yards given up per game (99.5). Kansas City defensive end George Karlaftis has a team-leading six sacks and defensive tackle Chris Jones has four. The Chargers’ offensive line must keep those two, in particular, away from Herbert.
Chargers win if: See above. Herbert must have sufficient time to pick out his targets and connect with them. He was hurried and harassed throughout Monday’s game against the Eagles. The Chargers’ wide receivers must play their part, too. They failed to get open often enough and quickly enough for Herbert to find them. They can’t count on Herbert to improvise with scrambles and throws on the run and expect a repeat of Monday’s victory. Herbert can make magic on his own, but it’s too much to ask for it game after game and week after week.
Fantasy sleeper: How do you not go with kicker Cameron Dicker after he booted five field goals, including the winner in OT, against the Eagles? He is the most accurate kicker in NFL history with at least 100 attempts, making 122 of 130 tries (93.8%). He is 31 for 33 this season (93.9%). The Chargers rely on him in any and all circumstances inside 60 yards. In fact, he’s never missed a field-goal attempt inside 40 yards in his career. One of his two misses this season was from beyond 50 yards. The other was from 40, but struck the upright despite having plenty of distance.
Prediction: It’s tough to pick against the Chiefs on their home field, but given what’s happened in recent weeks and what’s on the line for the Chargers, it’s probably the best bet Sunday. The Chiefs are desperate but also vulnerable. Chargers 24, Chiefs 23.