KC Chiefs vs. Chargers preview and top non-Chiefs games of the week

Week 3 Preview: Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Justin Herbert makes his first return to Kansas City since he defeated the reserves at the end of the 2020-2021 season. Herbert has flashed and made some question whether he should be in the conversation as a top-five quarterback. With weapons like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in the passing game, Herbert might test the Kansas City passing defense. Austin Ekeler has been one of the top dual-threat running backs in football. Needless to say, the defense will have its hands full yet again.

The Chargers are 1-1 after losing a close in a close matchup with the Dallas Cowboys last week. Dak Prescott threw for 237 yards but was held out of the end zone. Patrick Mahomes will not make it easy for the Charger defense. While they have been solid thus far, the Chiefs make it uniquely difficult for defenses to slow them down.

I would expect a bit of a shootout in this one as the Chiefs continue to dominate offensively and cannot slow down opposing offenses. The Chiefs and Andy Reid have owned the AFC West in the past and I would expect more of the same, especially after losing in a close one.

Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers: 31 Kansas City Chiefs: 42

While I would like to say that I am confident that the Chiefs’ defense will bounce back, it has shown very little to provide that kind of optimism. That said, it seems incredibly unlikely that the offense will be slowed down by the Chargers. Mahomes and Reid will certainly come out swinging to deliver a message to the NFL.

I believe that Kansas City could have a comfortable lead throughout if the defense could hold Los Angeles for just a couple of drives. While I expect Austin Ekeler to pile up yards, I believe that if there was ever a time for Kansas City to show some defensive strength, it is now.

Player of the Game: Clyde Edwards-Helaire

I am less confident in this pick than the previous two. That being said, in week 1, I said Tyreek Hill would be the player of the game and he had a massive game. In Week 2, I said Tyrann Mathieu would be and he finished with two picks. Perhaps it is wishful thinking and the hope that Edwards-Helaire will bounce back in a big way.

The logical side of me says that a team will have to leave huge running lanes open in the hopes of slowing Patrick Mahomes down. Why not the Chargers? Edwards-Helaire is explosive and it would not be all that surprising to see the Chiefs try to build his confidence by giving him plenty of opportunity.