Around the AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs regain stranglehold on division

Los Angeles Chargers

I cannot be the only one that isn’t enjoying the complete and total meltdown of the Los Angeles Chargers this year, right? I mean, come on! If this wasn’t the Charger-iest Chargering of all time, then I’m not a lawyer. The Bolts took on the (very bad) Tennessee Titans in Tennessee. These are the same Titans that the Broncos held scoreless the week before and that just benched quarterback Marcus Mariota in favor of Ryan Tannehill.

Regardless, the Chargers will find a way to lose. Let’s fast forward to the end of the game. The Chargers sat in the red zone with just 44 seconds left in the game, down just three points. Philip Rivers tossed a 16-yard pass to Austin Ekeler that was initially ruled a touchdown, but on review, was overturned and ruled down at the one. After a series of flags, with 34 seconds left, Melvin Gordon took a run into the end zone. On review, again, short. With just 19 seconds left, Gordon got the handoff again and fumbled with a clear recovery by Tennessee in the end zone resulting in a touchback and the end of the game.

The Chargers lost this one in the only way they knew how and it was hilarious. With a final score of 23-20, the Chargers fell to 2-5 on the season. They also beaome the first team this season to lose more games than they lost last season. Congratulations on your accomplishment.

To add insult to injury (definitely pun intended), the Chargers lost Forrest Lamp to a season ending fibula break. With Mike Pouncey already out for the season and Russell Okung struggling with injuries, the offensive line is in shambles. If they cannot figure out a solution and quickly, they may as well call the season and just go home.

Next week, the Chargers travel to Chicago to take on the Bears. If there is a sadder story in the NFL than the Chargers, it might just be the Bears. Having selected Mitchell Trubisky before both Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson, the Bears are looking like the biggest losers in football. Trubisky, now known as the Midwest Blake Bortles, has looked absolutely horrible this year. Even with a break to deal with a dislocated shoulder, he came back and somehow looked worse.

The Bears defense, while still good, struggles to stop the run and they just aren’t as good as last year. Last year’s defense could cover a lot of offensive struggles, but this year just isn’t cutting it. It is a must win game for the Bears if they have any hopes of a playoff spot given how hot their division is. I anticipate the Chargers lose this game, but it isn’t one I am excited to watch.

Opening line odds for the Chargers in Week 8: +4.0.

Game time is 12:00 p.m.