Chiefs at Chargers: Preview, prediction, odds and pick
By Brad Weiss
The Los Angeles Chargers will play host to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, as they play their first home division game inside the StubHub Center.
In 2016, the Los Angeles Chargers lost a bunch of games late, and ended up in the cellar of the AFC West. Fast forward to this season, and they are doing the same thing in 2017, as they head into their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at 0-2. They could have won both of their first two games, but bad kicking by a rookie has cost them in both contests.
That kicker is Younghoe Koo, who missed a game-tying field goal in Week 1, and then a game-winner in Week 2. The Chargers are hoping to be within a field goal on Sunday, as they welcome one of the best teams in the NFL to town. The Chiefs are coming off two victories against potential playoff teams, including a road win in New England in Week 1 of the season.
For Kansas City, they have seen a new quarterback in Alex Smith this season. Smith has been chucking the ball downfield, and it has really added a new dimension to what they do. In addition, rookie running back Kareem Hunt is the early favorite for Rookie of the Year honors, after becoming a touchdown machine through the first two weeks of the season.
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Los Angeles is not without their weapons either, as quarterback Philip Rivers can still fling it with the best of them. Wide receiver Keenan Allen appears recovered from his torn ACL from a year ago, and will be going up against the team he injured his knee against in Week 1. This offense can put up points in bunch, but they will be going against an elite defense for the second time in three weeks.
Odds
Line: Kansas City (-3.0)
Over/Under: 46.0
The Chiefs are road favorites, despite the fact they are heading West to play the Chargers on Sunday. Both teams should score at least three touchdowns in this one, so look for the over/under to go over. This line and over/under has changed a bit over the past week or so, so head on over to sportsbookreview.com for any changes up until kickoff.
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Prediction
The Chiefs are on a mission this season, and they will start their division schedule with a win on Sunday. They have been a juggernaut in the AFC West over the last two seasons, and could find themselves atop the division for the second straight season in 2017. The Chargers always play until the final whistle, but will fall at home against a Chiefs team that is firing on all cylinders.
Final Score: Chiefs 27, Chargers 21