Chiefs at Chargers: Game preview, odds, prediction

The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot on the line when they travel to San Diego on Sunday for what is likely the Chargers last home game at Qualcomm Stadium.

There will be plenty of emotion inside Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, as the San Diego Chargers may be playing their last home game in San Diego. Many expect the Chargers to bolt San Diego for Los Angeles this offseason, marking the end of an era for the team in their long-time home. It has been a pretty disappointing season for a Chargers team that has played much better than their 5-10 record.

For Kansas City, Sunday is an opportunity for them to lock up the No. 2 seed in the AFC, though they will need some help from the hated Denver Broncos. With a win against San Diego, coupled with a win by the Broncos against the Oakland Raiders, the Chiefs would be guaranteed a home game in the divisional round and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The Chiefs have been one of the more consistent teams in football in 2016, and will be very dangerous if they can get a home game inside Arrowhead Stadium.

Last week, the team got a great game from Alex Smith, who has played well below par in the weeks prior. Star wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been one of the better surprises of the 2016 season, as he has become a touchdown machine for the Chiefs. He has stepped up big in every big game for the Chiefs this season, and Sunday should be no different.

Odds

Line: Kansas City (-5.5)

Over/Under: 45.0

San Diego has a ton of good young talent on both sides of the ball, but they may be without running back Melvin Gordon once again on Sunday. Gordon sat out practice on Wednesday, and the team may choose to allow him to finish the season on the shelf and get ready for next season. He has had a terrific sophomore season, but will likely finish the year just three yards short of 1,000 for the season.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best QB of All-Time

Kansas City is going to take care of business in this one, as they have so much more to play for than the Chargers. Kansas City beat the division leading Oakland Raiders twice this season, and with Derek Carr done for the year, they are more likely to give the likes of the New England Patriots a run for their money come January. Smith should find star tight end Travis Kelce for at least one score, with Tyreek Hill making some kind of electric play to turn the game on its head.

Prediction: Chiefs 30 Chargers 17