Ladd McConkey a ‘true game-time decision’ for Week 14 vs. Chiefs

The Chargers hope to give Ladd McConkey right up to 90 minutes before kickoff to determine his status

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Ladd McConkey is a “true game-time decision” for the Chargers’ Week 14 game against the Chiefs on Sunday night.

Rapoport added that the team hopes to give McConkey right up to 90 minutes before kickoff to determine his status, which is when the inactive list is released.

McConkey, who is currently dealing with an AC joint in his shoulder and a sprained knee, is listed as questionable on the injury report.

McConkey logged three limited practices this past week.

If McConkey can’t play, Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer and Jalen Reagor will likely see an uptick in targets.

Los Angeles and Kansas City kickoff at 5:20 pm PT.

Chargers list Denzel Perryman as doubtful, 3 as questionable for Week 14

The Chargers will be without their starting linebacker for the third straight week.

The Chargers will likely be without linebacker Denzel Perryman, as he was listed as doubtful on the final injury report ahead of the Week 14 game against the Chiefs.

Perryman has missed the last two games with a groin injury.

Heading into Sunday night, three players are questionable: Wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee/shoulder), safety Tony Jefferson (hamstring) and linebacker Junior Colson (hamstring).

The Bolts are hopeful that McConkey can play this weekend.

“Shoot, if I can play, I’m gonna play. At the end of the day, I’m gonna do whatever I need to do to get out there,” McConkey said when asked if he expects to play against Kansas City.

After being limited on Wednesday and Thursday, Colson was a full participant on Friday.

Colson, the rookie out of Michigan, was designated to return from injured reserve. He has been sidelined for the last four games due to an ankle injury he suffered in Week 9 against the Browns.

Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Chiefs stack up before Week 14 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Chiefs stack up statistically on offense and defense ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Chiefs are set to square off this upcoming Sunday night.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Kansas City stack up statistically on both sides of the ball ahead of the Week 14 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Chiefs
Points per game 21.7 ppg (18th) 24.1 ppg (11th)
Passing offense 198.4 ypg (24th) 229.8 ypg (12th)
Rushing offense 112.9 ypg (18th) 111.8 ypg (19th)
Total offense 311.3 ypg (24th) 341.6 ypg (15th)
3rd down conversions 37.74% (18th) 51.83% (1st)
Red zone scoring 53.33% (21st) 52.08% (24th)
Sacks allowed 35 (23rd) 32 (20th)
Turnovers 6 (1st) 14 (14th)

Defense

Category Chargers Chiefs
Points allowed 15.7 ppg (1st) 19.6 ppg (8th)
Passing defense 206.4 ypg (10th) 224.1 ypg (23rd)
Rushing defense 119.4 ypg (14th) 87.3 ypg (3rd)
Total defense 325.8 ypg (14th) 311.9 ypg (8th)
3rd down conversions 33.33% (2nd) 39.46% (18th)
Red zone defense 42.86% (2nd) 51.28% (10th)
Sacks 36 (6th) 24 (27th)
Takeaways 17 (10th) 10 (27th)

Who are the experts taking in Chargers vs. Chiefs?

Find out who experts are picking between the Chargers and Chiefs.

The Los Angeles Chargers are 4-point road underdogs to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14 of the 2024 regular season. The over/under is 43 points, per BetMGM Sportsbook.

That means oddsmakers are taking bets on whether the two teams will combine to score more than or fewer than 43 points.

My score prediction for the game is a 20-17 win for the Chiefs, with a total of 37 points. So, if I were putting money based on my prediction, I’d bet the under.

As for game picks, analysts believe Kansas City will sweep Los Angeles.

Expert Pick
Nate Davis (USA Today) Chiefs
Jarrett Bell (USA Today) Chiefs
Mike Clay (ESPN) Chiefs
Matt Bowen (ESPN) Chiefs
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Chiefs
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Chiefs
NFL.com Staff Chargers (4-1)
Bleacher Report Falcons

Sunday’s game will begin at 10:00 a.m. PT and be televised on CBS.

Staff predictions for Chargers vs. Chiefs in Week 4

Find out who the Chargers Wire staff is picking between Los Angeles and Kansas City.

The Los Angeles Chargers kick off Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Who is going to come out victorious?

Here is a look at the predictions from each of our writers at Chargers Wire:

Gavino:

The Chargers got bit by the injury bug at the worst time, right before they face the reigning Super Bowl champs. I’ve said it for awhile, but as long as Justin Herbert is under center then Los Angeles has a chance. Unfortunately, he’s dealing with a high ankle sprain and I can’t see him being at full strength in just one week, that’s even if he plays. Whether it’s Herbert or Taylor Heinicke, they will be without their starting offensive tackles. Expect a lot of pressure sent from Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Los Angeles’ defense will be without safety Derwin James. There’s just not a lot in their favor. Chiefs 21, Chargers 14

Alex K:

With either a limited Justin Herbert or Taylor Heinicke under center behind at least one backup offensive lineman, I wouldn’t expect much from the Chargers offense on Sunday. JK Dobbins could get rolling against a weak Kansas City rushing defense, but the lack of threat through the air for the Chargers will allow the Chiefs to pack the box and make life difficult. While the Chiefs haven’t been the sharpest on offense to start the year, they should be able to find enough plays to comfortably beat a banged-up Chargers squad. Chiefs 24, Chargers 13

Who are the experts taking in Chargers vs. Chiefs?

Find out who experts are picking between the Chargers and Chiefs.

The Los Angeles Chargers are 7-point underdogs to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 of the 2024 regular season. The over/under is 39.5 points, per BetMGM Sportsbook.

That means oddsmakers are taking bets on whether the two teams will combine to score more than or fewer than 39.5 points.

My score prediction for the game is a 21-17 win for the Chiefs, with a combined total of 38 points. So, if I were putting money based on my prediction, I’d bet the under.

As for game picks, analysts believe Kansas City is going to win.

Expert Pick
Nate Davis (USA Today) Chiefs
Jarrett Bell (USA Today) Chiefs
Mike Clay (ESPN) Chiefs
Matt Bowen (ESPN) Chiefs
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Chiefs
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Chiefs
NFL.com Staff Chiefs (5-0)
Bleacher Report Chiefs

Sunday’s game will begin at 1:25 p.m. PT and will be televised on CBS.

Announcers set for Chargers vs. Chiefs Week 4 game

Find out who will be calling the Week 4 game between the Chargers and Chiefs.

The Chargers are back at SoFi Stadium to host the Chiefs on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1:25 p.m. PT.

The Week 4 game will be televised on CBS and Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will have the call.

After suffering their first loss of the season, Los Angeles will look to knock off the reigning Super Bowl champs for the first time since Sep. 26, 2021. It will be a tall task as they’re entering this game without Derwin James and potentially both starting offensive tackles and Justin Herbert.

Kansas City is seeking to stay undefeated. Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been at his best, but he’s done enough to guide them to their three wins. Mahomes has had some help from his top weapon. No, not Travis Kelce. Rashee Rice, who has the second-most receiving yards in the NFL.

The last time the two teams met was on Jan. 7, 2024. The Chiefs won, 13-12. Kansas City leads the overall series, 69-58-1.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 4 opponent: Chiefs

Here are some important things to know about the Chiefs ahead of the Week 4 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are back at home to face the Chiefs on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1:25 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 4 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

Patrick hasn’t been perfect

It’s safe to say that it’s been a disappointing start for the best player in the NFL. Despite the 3-0 start for the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been as much of a factor. Through three games, Mahomes has thrown for 659 yards with five touchdowns to four interceptions. He’s also rushed for 49 yards.

Rice is nice

Rashee Rice has established himself as Mahomes’ top target. The second-year player has 24 catches for 288 yards and two scores. He currently has the second-most receiving yards in the NFL. In two of three games, Rice surpassed the 100-yard mark.

What’s going on with Kelce?

After asserting himself as one of the league’s premier tight ends, Travis Kelce hasn’t played to that level so far this season. In three games, Kelce has eight receptions for 69 yards. He has yet to find the end zone. Most of Kelce’s production has gone to Rice and first-round pick Xavier Worthy.

Checking in on Spags

The numbers don’t truly reflect how defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolu’s defense has played. While the Chiefs’ defense is 15th in points per game and 25th in yards per game, Spagnuolu has put his guys in position to make timely plays to succeed. Kansas City has done a good job limiting their opponents’ top running backs. Derrick Henry averaged 3.5 yards per carry. Zack Moss had 2.8 YPC. Bijan Robinson only rushed for 1.9 YPC.

Look out for…

Chris Jones. Jones will present a problem for the Chargers’ interior offensive line. Arguably one of the best defensive tackles, Jones has 13 quarterback pressures, nine hurries and two sacks.

4 takeaways from Chargers’ 13-12 loss to Chiefs

The Chargers closed out the regular season with five consecutive losses.

Los Angeles ended the season with their fifth consecutive loss, dropping them to 5-12 at the hands of a skeleton crew Chiefs unit.

Here’s what to take away from the game.

Chargers final Week 18 injury report: Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa out vs. Chiefs

Keenan Allen and Joey Bosa have been ruled out.

The Chargers had their final practice on Friday ahead of the Week 18 game against the Chiefs.

Wide receiver Keenan Allen, edge defender Joey Bosa, EDGE Justin Hollins and defensive tackle Nick Williams have been ruled out.

Allen finishes the season with 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns.

Guard Zion Johnson and linebacker Kenneth Murray are doubtful.

Cornerback Deane Leonard, LB Tanner Muse, tight end Stone Smartt and EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu are questionable.

As for the Chiefs, WR Rashee Rice, CB L’Jarius Sneed, WR Kadarius Toney, and offensive tackle Donovan Smith are out.