The Chargers are facing off against the Chiefs on Sunday, Sept. 26.
In a divisional bout, there’s always bound to be some things that most people would not have seen coming.
With that being said, here are four bold predictions for Week 3’s matchup:
Jared Cook and Donald Parham have one touchdown apiece
The Chargers need to get the job done in the red zone if they want a shot at winning this game. Entering this game, the team is 3-of-10 inside of their opponent’s 20-yard line. However, I believe that will change facing a Chiefs team that’s near the bottom of the league in red zone defensive efficiency. Couple that with Kansas City allowing the second-most receiving yards to tight ends in the NFL through two weeks, and that leads me to believe that Cook and Parham will be finding the end zone on Sunday.
Austin Ekeler has over 150 yards from scrimmage
After a fairly quiet performance in the season opener, Ekeler had a productive outing against the Cowboys last Sunday, in which he secured all nine of his targets for 61 yards. Starting to be heavily involved in the offense, Ekeler is due for a monstrous game, and I believe that comes this weekend against a Chiefs’ defense that’s allowed 404 rushing yard and seven rushing scores, both league highs.
Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce are held to less than 125 receiving yards combined
The Chargers offense should be able to thrive against a struggling Chiefs defense, but in order to come away victorious the team must slow down Kansas City’s explosive offense.
Fortunately, Los Angeles has the recipe to make it happen. Head coach Brandon Staley’s scheme is focused on overlapping coverages with two-high safeties and lighter boxes to limit big plays through the air, which he has plenty of success with, only allowing 177 yards per game.
In three matchups since 2018, Derwin James has allowed three receptions to Kelce for just eight yards as the primary coverage defender.
Michael Davis, Asante Samuel Jr. and Nasir Adderley all have what it takes to ensure Hill doesn’t go off, and history shows they’ve had their fair share of success against him.
Chargers beat the Chiefs
The Ravens showed the world that Kansas City is indeed beatable. It’s clear that the Chiefs’ defense is the weak link, as they’re last in the NFL in yards allowed (469.0 per game) and fifth-worst in points allowed (32.5 per game).
As for the Chargers, they’re boasting the fourth-best offense in terms of total yardage per game (416.0). While the team is still trying to figure it all out in the red zone, I believe this is the game they do so, like I mentioned in my first prediction.
The strength of Staley’s defensive philosophy limits quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company to 24 points, while Justin Herbert engineers three passing touchdowns and Tristan Vizcaino’s three field goals ultimately puts the Bolts on top.