The Chargers are looking to get revenge on the Chiefs after losing to them back in Week 2.
Here are five storylines to watch for Sunday’s matchup.
Guess who’s back?
The Chargers could be getting some key contributors back at the right time. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are in line to play on Sunday, as the two were back at practice this past week.
Allen said he is “100%,” and it is now the coach’s decision whether he will play. Meanwhile, Williams said, “I’ll be out there.”
Allen sustained a hamstring injury, returned briefly, and played on a pitch count in Week 7 against the Seahawks, which was the same game Williams suffered a high ankle sprain.
Allen and Williams have been on the field at the same time for just 43 offensive plays this season. Their absences were a big reason the passing game was uneven.
Allen should aid in third-down and red zone situations, whereas Williams gives Justin Herbert a big-bodied target in the intermediate and deep areas of the field to open things up.
The Chiefs rank 22nd in pass defense DVOA.
Austin could be in for big performance
The Chargers are excited about the returns of Allen and Williams. But, while they would give the offense a big boost, Austin Ekeler might be the best option to tear apart the Chiefs.
Kansas City ranks 26th in DVOA allowed on running back targets while surrendering a league-high 8.6 running back targets per game and third-most yards per game (51.2).
Meanwhile, Ekeler has averaged nine receptions and has five total touchdowns in the past four games.
Herbert will be eager to distribute the wealth to his top weapons again, but Ekeler could ultimately be the one who gives the Chiefs problems on Sunday.
Containing the beast
The Chiefs rank No. 1 in offensive DVOA, and the primary reason for being the top dog is Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes is leading the league with 2,936 yards. He is on pace to throw for 5,545 yards, which would top Peyton Manning’s single-season passing yards record (5,545).
In Week 2, Los Angeles held Mahomes to 235 yards and two touchdowns. Aside from a couple of big throws, the defense compressed the pocket, kept contain, and got interior pressure to minimize him from working his magic. The coverage was tight down the field. Players rallied to the football.
They need to do the same thing to come out victorious this time, which might be a tall task without Joey Bosa, who played in the first matchup.
This time, Mahomes will be without some of his pass-catching options, JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion) and Mecole Hardman (injured reserve). Travis Kelce remains his top target. In the two team’s first meeting, Kelce caught five passes for 51 yards.
In addition, the Chargers will face the newest member of the Chiefs’ wide receiver corps, Kadarius Toney. Toney caught four passes for 57 yards and a touchdown and had two carries for 33 yards last weekend.
Protecting Herbert
Herbert’s fractured rib cartilage occurred against none other than the Chiefs in the second week of the season. And Kansas City will look to put Herbert under duress early and often again.
Over the past two weeks of play, the Chiefs’ defense has come up with a whopping total of eight sacks, including five in Week 10 against the Jaguars.
The Chargers’ pass protection has been inconsistent over the past few weeks. While it’s been a few things for this issue, Trey Pipkins playing with a sprained MCL and missing last weekend’s game due to it is one of them.
Pipkins was removed from the injury report and is slated to start, which is great news.
The new guys
The Chargers lost three interior defensive linemen for the remainder of the season in the past two weeks. First, it was Austin Johnson. Then, it was Otito Ogbonnia and Christian Covington. In addition, Jerry Tillery was waived.
Tyeler Davison was signed to the 53-man roster off the Browns’ practice squad. Joe Gaziano was signed from the practice squad to the active roster.
Davison brings plenty of experience, having appeared in 105 games and started 85 with the Saints and Falcons. He has the motor and hand usage to rush the passer and anchoring ability in the run game.
Gaziano made the most of his limited opportunities last season in both departments but will primarily be deployed as a pass rusher alongside Morgan Fox. He plays with quickness and good lateral movement.