Chiefs schedule release 2015: Breaking down every matchup

Week 11: San Diego Chargers

Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) sacks San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Think the Chargers might be out for revenge? Last year, the Chiefs knocked the Chargers out of playoff contention with a Week 17 victory at Arrowhead Stadium behind Chase Daniel. You might remember this as the day when Justin Houston put together a performance for the ages, sacking Philip Rivers four times to become the franchise’s single-season sack leader with 22.

San Diego does not look all that different from when the teams played on that cold December day. General manager Tom Telesco did add guard Orlando Franklin on a five-year deal and inked Stevie Johnson who will be replacing the departed Eddie Royal. The Chargers still have a suspect front seven defensively but should be stellar in the secondary with Jason Verrett, Brandon Flowers and Eric Weddle.

It will be interesting to see if Kansas City can take a step in duplicating last year’s success against the Chargers and earn a victory here. The Chiefs always have eventual games with San Diego, even when one team is clearly superior. Both teams are expected to battle for the playoffs and perhaps a division title, so these matchups are crucial.

Next: Buffalo comes to town