Ranking the toughest games left on the Kansas City Chiefs schedule
By Matt Conner
5. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have found a pulse since the Kansas City Chiefs first faced them in Week 3 of the regular season. In those days, the Chiefs were flying high from two immediate wins that placed them atop any Power Rankings list from here to Sacramento—thanks to big wins over the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.
The Chiefs struck early against the Chargers with a Terrance Mitchell interception and quick touchdown strike from Alex Smith to Tyreek Hill in the Chiefs’ first match-up with the Chargers this year. They scored again early and managed to hold on despite the Chargers keeping it closer near the end than it should have been. It also didn’t hurt to have Kareem Hunt rush for over 170 yards.
Since then, however, the Chargers have won three of their last four—the only loss coming last week against the Patriots. They’ve put away the Raiders and Broncos in two of those games and look ready to stare down the AFC West in the process. Mike Williams is now playing on offense, the team’s first round rookie wide receiver. They’re also remembering how to use Hunter Henry, making the passing game that much more potent.
In addition, the Chargers are looking better and better on defense, led by Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram who form the single best pass rushing combination in the NFL. Not only this but linebacker Denzen Perryman will return for the second half of the year soon, which will add another important player to the mix.
The Chiefs can take heart that the rematch will be at Arrowhead, but the Chiefs should expect a tougher and more spirited team than the first version they saw in Week 3.