The Chargers are on the road to take on the Chiefs in the first division matchup of the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 10:00 am PT.
Here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the Week 3 bout:
Looking to avoid a losing record
The Chiefs are coming off of a shocking loss to the Ravens last Sunday night, a game in which they led by double digits in the fourth quarter and even had the ball on a game-winning drive. Instead, a fumble by running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire turned the tides, and quarterback Lamar Jackson’s touchdown put the game to bed. If Kansas City loses this weekend, they will be 1-2 and at the bottom of the barrel in the AFC West. Who could’ve seen this scenario?
Sizzling in September
Last Sunday’s loss marked the first one in Patrick Mahomes’ professional career in the month of September. Despite that, he is still managing to play his best football this time of the year. Here’s a look at Mahomes’ numbers in the month of September, dating back to his rookie season: 4,075 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, one interception and a completion percentage of 71.78.
Top targets
Mahomes’ favorite pass-catching options and ones who are prone to give opposing defenses the most problems, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, sit atop the statistical leaderboard at their perspective positions. Hill, the speedy wideout, has 14 receptions for 211 yards and a touchdown, while Kelce has 13 receptions, 175 yards and three touchdowns through two contests.
Rough run defense
If the Chargers want to establish a successful rushing attack, this is the game to do so. Entering Week 3, the Chiefs have the worst run defense in the league, as they’ve allowed 202 yards per game. Their woes could attribute to moving All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones from defensive tackle to edge defender.
Playmaker in the secondary is back
After missing the season opener because of COVID-19, safety Tyrann Mathieu made his presence felt in his 2021 season debut against the Ravens with six tackles, three passes defensed, two interceptions, including one for a touchdown. Mathieu will be integral to slowing the Chargers’ passing attack.