CHARGERS (11-6 last season) vs. CHIEFS (15-2 last season)
When: Friday, 5 p.m.
Where: Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo, Brazil
TV/Radio: Ch. 4/YouTube; 640 AM/94.3 FM (Spanish)
Line: Chiefs by 3
Notable injury designations: Chargers: None. Chiefs: OUT: WR Jalen Royals (knee). QUESTIONABLE: DL Omarr Norman-Lott (ankle).
What’s at stake: The Chargers have lost seven consecutive to the Chiefs, including six by one score. Each team is coming off a humbling conclusion to its 2024 season. The Chargers were beaten by the Houston Texans in an AFC wild-card game and the Chiefs were routed by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. So, in addition to setting a tone for the 2025 season with a victory, each team would like to put its playoff disappointment behind it.
Who’s better: Until the Chargers prove otherwise, the Chiefs are the better team. Kansas City has won the Super Bowl three times in the past five seasons and claimed nine consecutive AFC West titles. So, it’s up to the Chargers and others to knock the Chiefs from their lofty perch this season. The Eagles proved that Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was human after all during a 40-22 victory, sacking him six times, forcing him into two interceptions and generally making him look uncomfortable, a rare feat. The Chargers improved their NFL-leading defense during the offseason, so it’s likely a pattern of close, low-scoring games will continue.
Matchup to watch: The Chargers had to adjust their offensive line on the fly after left tackle Rashawn Slater’s season-ending knee injury. They flipped Joe Alt from right tackle to left tackle to replace Slater and inserted backup Trey Pipkins III into Alt’s spot at right tackle. The Chargers also signed free agent right guard Mekhi Becton after his breakout season with the Eagles. Will it be enough to get the Chargers’ ground game moving against the Chiefs’ formidable defensive front while also providing quarterback Justin Herbert with sufficient protection?
Chargers win if: Everything has to go according to plan for the Chargers to end their losing streak to the Chiefs. Herbert must be accurate, Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton must establish an effective running game, Khalil Mack and the defense must contain Mahomes and new long snapper Rick Lovato and the special teams must be flawless. Tall order? You better believe it.
Fantasy sleeper: Herbert rarely reveals too much about himself, but one thing he said not long ago was that he agonizes over misfires from years gone by. So, it would be difficult to imagine him not stewing for nine months over his career-high four interceptions during a 32-12 playoff loss to the Texans back on Jan. 11. Redemption day could be at hand for him. Yes, it’s just one of 17 regular-season games for him this season. No, it’s not just another game.
Prediction: The Chiefs are a slight favorite over the Chargers, which stands to reason given recent results. The only one-sided score during Kansas City’s winning streak over the Chargers was a 31-17 victory Oct. 22, 2023. The other six were decided by seven points or less. Expect the tight games and the streak to continue for another day. Chiefs 20, Chargers 17.