3 trap games on the Chiefs schedule Kansas City can’t afford to lose
By John Buhler
2. Week 3: Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (Sept. 26)
Putting a pair of division games back-to-back on potential trap games for the Chiefs is a bold move, but keep in mind that these teams know the Chiefs better than just about anybody. After potentially getting to 2-0 on the season with wins over the Cleveland Browns at home and on the road over the Baltimore Ravens, the Chiefs must look out for the visiting Los Angeles Chargers.
The Bolts will have a new coaching staff this year with Brandon Staley coming over from the Los Angeles Rams. While it remains to be seen if they will be better than what Anthony Lynn’s staff was, one thing is for certain about the Chargers: Second-year quarterback Justin Herbert can ball. While Patrick Mahomes is undeniably sensational, he now has a worthy division rival in Herbert.
It should be noted that the Chargers split with the Chiefs in their season series a year ago. Kansas City won the first game of the two by a field goal in overtime. That was Herbert’s first career start. He did not know he was starting until five minutes before kickoff, thanks to the Chargers medical staff accidentally puncturing Tyrod Taylor’s lung with a needle. You cannot make this stuff up.
Even though the Chargers won the second meeting of the year vs. the Chiefs, that was in Week 17 when Kansas City was resting players. Regardless, there is a potential for a letdown performance from the Chiefs after they are riding high off owning Lamar Jackson and the Ravens once again. The Chargers may still do Charger-y things and find a way to lose the game, but Herbert is no joke.