You can call the Kansas City Chiefs the comeback kids. After starting the season with a horrible 1-5 slate, the Chiefs stormed into playoff contention winning six straight games. They could further extend their win streak in a Week 14 home game against the San Diego Chargers, who they already beat 33-3 in Week 11. The Chargers went back to their losing ways with a 17-3 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
It’s going to be a big showdown between these AFC West rivals. If you’re into the biggest games of Week 14, check out our complete previews for the Steelers vs. Bengals and Vikings vs. Cardinals.
[sc:Football ]San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs Preview
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
When: Sunday, December 13, 1:00 PM ET
Line: San Diego Chargers (+10) at Kansas City Chiefs (-10); total: 45.0 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the San Diego Chargers (3-9)
The San Diego Chargers fell to 3-9 with a 17-3 loss to Denver on Sunday afternoon. The Chargers have now lost five straight games against AFC West opposition, scoring just a combined six points in the last two of such matchups.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Quarterback Philip Rivers has struggled in his last two games against AFC West opponents, Kansas City and Denver. Rivers passed for just 202 yards on 18 of 35 passing with a pick-six against the Broncos. He was even worse against Kansas City in Week 11, passing for just 178 yards with a pick-six. Rivers will need to step up his game as the Chargers don’t have a running game to speak of to balance their offense.
The Chargers are ranked 30th in rushing offense this year, averaging just 81.7 yards per game and two total touchdowns. It doesn’t help that Kansas City has one of the league’s top rushing defenses, allowing just 95.9 yards per game (eighth in the NFL).
Rivers will need to be wary of the Chiefs’ defense, which has nine interceptions during their six game win streak. With an injury-ravaged receiving corps, he’ll likely look to connect with tight end Antonio Gates, who led the team with six catches for 50 yards against Denver. But Gates was held to just one catch for six yards against Kansas City in Week 11.
Wide receiver Stevie Johnson could return to boost the receiving corps. He didn’t play against Denver due to a groin injury, but should have enough rest to come back against Kansas City. He led the team with seven catches for 54 yards in their 33-3 loss in Week 11.
The Chargers are 3-0 ATS in their last three on the road.
Betting on the Kansas City Chiefs (7-5)
The Kansas City Chiefs rolled into their sixth straight win, but not without a little help from Oakland’s Derek Carr. The Raiders quarterback threw three fourth quarter interceptions against the Raiders, while sporting a six-point lead. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin caught two touchdown passes from Alex Smith after two of the interceptions. Defensive back Tyvon Branch took the third to the house to ice the game, a 34-20 victory.
Maclin led the Chiefs with nine catches and 95 yards, including his two scores. He now has 255 yards and three touchdowns in his last two games alone. Smith added a score with his legs to give some life to Kansas City’s offense. He finished with 162 yards passing and two touchdowns, adding 23 yards on the ground and a score.
The dynamic duo of Smith and Maclin didn’t amount to much against the Chargers though. Smith threw for 253 yards but no touchdowns or interceptions, while Maclin had just three catches for 29 yards. Instead, the Chiefs may be able to rely on their running game with the duo of Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware.
West was injured in the game against the Chargers, finishing with 16 yards on 11 carries. His injury gave way for Spencer Ware to shine, who ran for 96 yards on 11 carries, including a long 52-yarder and two scores. Either West or Ware could get past a pretty horrible San Diego rushing defense, allowing 123.7 yards per game.
The Chiefs could also make it a miserable day for the Chargers’ Philip Rivers. They sacked the San Diego quarterback three times in Week 11, courtesy of Tamba Hali (two) and Josh Mauga (one). The Chiefs also had a pick-six against Rivers in that contest.
The Chiefs are 4-0 ATS in their last four against San Diego.
Writer’s Prediction
The Chiefs are hitting their stride. They beat the Chargers by at least two touchdowns to extend their win streak to seven. Create a betting account now and win big on the tail end of the NFL regular season.
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