3 key things to know about Chargers vs. Chiefs

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lists three key things to know about the matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs.

The Los Angeles Chargers close out their 2019 regular season on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Dec. 29.

Here are three key things to know about the Week 17 matchup:

Playing to win

With the AFC West already locked up, you would think that the Chiefs would be resting their starters, but Kansas City still has something on the line — a first-round bye. With a victory and a New England Patriots loss, the Chiefs would clinch the No. 2 seed. Coach Andy Reid said that the starters will be playing, so we will see quarterback Patrick Mahomes, wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce among others.

Won’t be easy for Philip Rivers

All eyes will be on Rivers, as this could mark the last game for him in the blue and gold. If that’s the case, you would like the veteran quarterback to go out on a good note, but that may not be the case. The Chiefs’ pass defense is one of the best in the league, allowing a rating of 80.9 to opposing quarterbacks (4th) and 219 yards per game (8th). The last time Rivers played Kansas City earlier this season, he threw four interceptions and only one touchdown.

Perfect game to make a final case

Another player that might not be back in 2020 is running back Melvin Gordon. Since returning from his holdout, it’s been an up-and-down season for the 26-year old. Gordon has 566 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns in 11 games. There’s a good chance that he could put out a solid audition tape for the Chargers or his new team this weekend facing a Chiefs defense that is allowing 5.0 yards per carry (30th) and 129.5 yards per game (27th).

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