Film Study: How the Chiefs can clinch the division against the Chargers

Offensive Public Enemy #1:

Keenan Allen, WR

As aforementioned, Keenan Allen is the pulse of the offense. If he is playing well, the offense is playing well. With good speed and quick feet, the Chiefs will need to have something up their sleeve to stop Allen from destroying the defense.

Offensive Public Enemy #2:

Whoever is playing Running Back

I know that Melvin Gordon is likely out for this game and Austin Ekeler may not be able to go either. I also know that the Chiefs have not looked good against the run all season. No matter who is running the ball, the Chiefs will need to make stops.

Offensive Public Enemy #3:

Mike Williams, WR

Mike Williams is one of Philip Rivers “big play” and red zone targets. If Allen can’t get open, Rivers will likely look for Williams. If the Chiefs can’t keep up with Williams, they may give up a lot of red zone touchdowns.

Defensive Public Enemy:

Joey Bosa, EDGE

This is simple. The offense is at its best when Patrick Mahomes is at his best. In order for Mahomes to be at his best, he cannot get hit a hundred times. The Chiefs will need to do their very best to contain Bosa, who is quickly becoming one of the NFL’s premier pass-rushers.

Offensive Scheming Player #1:

Tyreek Hill, WR

Tyreek Hill will need to step up again with Sammy Watkins likely out and Kelvin Benjamin not quite ready to be a regular contributor. Hill will need to provide spark against the Chargers corners and challenge the safeties deep. I expect Hill to be a big part of the game.

Offensive Scheming Player #2:

The RB Committee

The Chargers will be expecting the Patrick Mahomes show at Arrowhead. This is precisely why the Chiefs need to hit them with some draw plays and quick pitches. Whether it be Spencer Ware, Damien Williams, Darrel Williams or even Charcandrick West, the Chiefs will need to be at their best running the football.

Offensive Scheming Player #3:

Travis Kelce, TE

Travis Kelce has been on a tear in the past couple of weeks. Given the Chiefs mounting injuries, it seems that the team has no choice but to make Kelce one of the biggest parts of the gameplan. Last time these two teams met, however, Kelce was held to a single reception for six yards.

Defensive Player that needs to step up:

Kendall Fuller, CB

I have mentioned Allen a TON in this article and it would be a bad decision not to mention who will be tasked with covering him. Fuller has shown ups and downs all season long, but the Chiefs will be hoping for his best ever against the Chargers on Thursday night. Fuller and the other cornerbacks will need to be at their best as a unit, as well.

Final Analysis:

There is a lot to this game. Playoff implications are huge, injuries are rampant and both teams are playing for their Super Bowl futures. I fully expect the atmosphere at Arrowhead to be electric and for the players on the field to be playing as if it is the playoffs already. The Chiefs control their own destiny and a victory here would go a long way to ensure that the Super Bowl runs through Arrowhead Stadium.

I think that the Chiefs come out on top for their tenth consecutive victory over the Chargers; However, I expect this one to be closer than many of their previous matchups. Ultimately, when both teams are at their best, the Chiefs are better. If the defense can step up at all, the Chiefs are in great shape for the playoffs and beyond. In a close game, I believe the Chiefs edge the Chargers 38-35.