Los Angeles Chargers Vs Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) Vs Kansas City Chiefs (11-1)
Kansas City (-4.0)
T42.5
The Kansas City Chiefs have the opportunity to clinch the AFC West title with a victory on Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams secured narrow wins in Week 13, with the Chiefs, favored by 13.5 points, narrowly defeating the Raiders after a last-second fumble by Las Vegas, improving their record to 11-1. Meanwhile, the Chargers faced a significant rest disadvantage against the Atlanta Falcons but managed to pull off a 17-13 win, thanks in part to their defense, which intercepted Kirk Cousins four times. This matchup promises to be crucial for both teams' playoff aspirations.
Things to look out for
Pacheco working on getting back
Pacheco returned to the lineup on Friday after missing most of the season due to a serious leg injury. Limited to just eight carries, fantasy managers may have been disappointed with his overall performance. However, his efficiency during those carries offered encouraging signs for his future contributions.
Travis Kelce hasn’t been right
Travis Kelce has been a consistent performer, recording at least 60 receiving yards in five of his last six games. However, he has recently been overshadowed in the touchdown category by fellow Chiefs tight end Noah Gray, who has emerged as a surprising contributor in the red zone.
Is Patrick Mahomes still elite?
The Chiefs narrowly defeated the Raiders on Friday, with Mahomes playing a pivotal role in the victory. He threw for over 300 yards and scored one touchdown while ensuring ball security with zero turnovers. His strong performance was crucial for Kansas City as they secured the hard-fought win.
Justin Herbert is sliding down
Since Week 8, Herbert has excelled among 36 qualifying quarterbacks, ranking eighth in yards per attempt, 13th in passer rating, and completion percentage over expected (CPOE), while placing seventh in highly accurate throw rate. He should find success this week against a Chiefs pass defense that has recently struggled.
Ladd Mcconkey is here to stay
McConkey was the standout performer for the Chargers in their low-scoring victory, catching eight passes for 105 yards in the first half alone. However, he sustained a shoulder injury during the game, making his status for practice next week a point of concern as the team prepares for upcoming matchups.