Chargers in deja-vu rematch against struggling Chiefs for a chance at the playoffs
The (9-6) San Diego Chargers, who at one point looked dead in the water after two crushing defeats, will be playing for their postseason lives when they enter the loudest stadium in the league Sunday to take on the (8-7) Kansas City Chiefs.
They’ll face an Alex Smith-less Chiefs team fading so far from the playoff picture they need the Cleveland Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ help, along with their own victory, to see January football.
The Chargers will have a their own hurdles to overcome. From Philip Rivers‘ (left) achy ribs and back, to Keenan Allen’s and Ryan Mathews’ ankles.
Hey, what San Diego injury report would be complete without a Mathews sighting?
When the dust settles here’s how the Chargers can beat the Chiefs.
1) Rivers Hot Out of the Gate
Over the last five games against the Chiefs, Rivers has a 112.1 passer rating, 12 passing touchdowns and four interceptions. He will need to get everyone involved early and that includes some screens to Branden Oliver.
Antonio Gates, Malcolm Floyd and Eddie Royal need to get separation and move the chains efficiently because the Chargers ground game is in absentia and largely has been all year.
2) Don’t Underestimate Chase Daniel
Sounds easy enough considering the Chiefs wideouts haven’t amounted to much in the end-zone all season. Smith is known for his check-downs, but Daniels is a mystery. His lone NFL start was in a week 17 loss to these Chargers last season.
Expect Chiefs head coach Andy Reid to call a conservative game but allow Daniels a few downfield shots if the defensive backs bite on the play action.
3) Contain Jamaal Charles and Kniles Davis
The Chargers are 26th against the run, so expect Charles (right) and Davis to see a lot of touches in Reid’s close to the vest offense. It’s the big gains Chargers must contain, or else.
Oh, and keep an eye on the options as Daniel is lighter on his feet than Smith.
The Chiefs are just as dubious against the run (28th), but that won’t matter because San Diego (29th in rushing) gives up on the running game way too early.
4) Locate Justin Houston
Every offensive play someone needs to be on Houston. He’s at 18 sacks, only two shy of the Chiefs’ franchise record held by Derrick Thomas. So expect him to be attacking from a hefty mix of coverages and reads.
5) Break 30 Points
The Chiefs haven’t allowed an opponent to score over 29 points this season and rank third in the league in points allowed. The weather is going to be a factor and that means there will be blown coverages and poor tackling.
If the Chargers can manage three touchdowns and three field goals they should have this game in the bag.
The Chargers find themselves back where they were this time last season. Win and you’re in. And against the same opponent no less.
If fans see Rivers to Gates a couple times in the end-zone, then January football will commence.
But be wary Bolts fans. There won’t be the same wiggle room as there was against the San Francisco 49ers last week. The Chiefs may be fading but they’re not inept.
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