Chiefs vs. Chargers: 3 key matchups to watch
By David Thomas
This week the Kansas City Chiefs face their first divisional opponent of the season, the San Di-the Los Angeles Chargers.
The L.A. Chargers began the season as my Super Bowl sleeper team, but have so far looked reminiscent of the 2010 Chargers. Special teams have killed the Chargers in their losses against the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile the Kansas City Chiefs have, for the first time, had back-to-back AFC Player of the Week awards for offense and defense.
Can the Chiefs continue to look like one of the top teams in the league? Can the Chargers rebound from a horrendous start to the season? Lets find out in these top matchups of the week.
Keenan Allen vs. Chiefs Secondary
Last season the Chargers started their season with one of their most devastating injuries to star wide receiver Keenan Allen. But before Allen was injured he toasted the Chiefs secondary to the tune of 6 receptions for 63 yards in just under 1 half of football. Most notably Allen was able to accumulate most of these yards while going against star Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters. It should be no surprise again if Allen is able to have a good day against the Chiefs. The Chiefs don’t typically do well against #1 WRs.
Where this match-up will matter the most in the second half. In the second half the Chief defense usually starts to control the game, and that’s Allen will be needed the most if the Chargers want to win. So far in 2017, Allen has 8 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown in the second half out of 14 receptions for 135 yards and 1 TD total production.
In week 1 against the Patriots, Peters recorded 40 total defensive snaps in coverage without allowing a single reception. In week 2 against the Eagles Peters was targeted 8 times allowing 6 catches for 71 yards. The defense as a whole so far this season has allowed the 4th most passing yards at 546 yards. Assuming Allen is able to stay healthy this time around he should be in for a good game. Look for Allen to have around 8 receptions for 96 yards.