KC Chiefs vs. Chargers: Writer predictions for AFC West showdown

As important as the other 16 games are this season for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, the truth is that the Week 15 showdown between the AFC West rivals is likely going to lock up the division for one or the other. One team will earn a playoff berth and potential field advantage. The other will fight for a Wild Card entry into the postseason.

With so much at stake on a short week before playing on a short week in primetime, this should be a very exciting game for fans on both sides. We’ve got our writers’ predictions here from Arrowhead Addict as we survey how things might turn out.

Max Cashio

The Chiefs are absolutely rolling right now, and the Chargers aren’t going to do anything offensively to cool down this Chiefs defense. However, I think this win is more of an offensive game than the sort of defensive heavy performance we saw last week against Las Vegas. Chiefs 38, Chargers 24

Matt Conner

The Chargers needed the Chiefs to surrender four turnovers last time out and still trailed in the fourth quarter. This one won’t be as close as most people believe it will. Chiefs 30, Chargers 13

Alex Givens

The Chiefs are right where they need to be heading into this crucial divisional matchup. The defense is flying high and the offense has been explosive when it needs to be.  While I do think this will be a close game, the Chargers defense has been rather suspect in such settings. They are currently giving up the same points that they average on offense. Look for the Chiefs to get after Herbert early and often and force the Chargers D to keep them in the game.  Chiefs 31, Chargers 27

Scott Loring

With the status of Derwin James and Keenan Allen still in doubt, I have to favor the Chiefs in this one. It looks like running back Austin Ekeler should be fine to play, but both Allen and James are key pieces to their respective units. This will be a good matchup, but it’s really hard to pick against the Chiefs with the way their defense (in particular the defensive line) is playing. Chiefs 27, Chargers 20

Ellen Mathis

The Chiefs know what they need to do and they know what is at stake on Thursday. That being said, this will be an epic showdown to determine (ultimately) the one seed in the AFC. Chiefs right the wrongs of the last matchup with only one turnover and hand the Chargers a loss. Chiefs 32, Chargers 24

Evan Mead

This game is going to be a shootout. The Chiefs’ defense has played really well of late, but that’s not to take away just how well Mike Williams does against us. On the other hand, the Chiefs are coming off a great offensive showing against the Raiders are going to look to keep that going. These in-division games are usually pretty well fought; however, this game has a different feeling. Whoever ends up walking away with the win, more than likely will take the division. That makes this game even more important. It should be a very good game. Chiefs 45, Chargers 38

KC Proctor

Daniel Jones, Jordan Love, Dak Prescott, Teddy Bridgewater, and Derek Carr are the QBs our defense has gotten hot against. Justin Herbert is in a different league. The main boost for the Chiefs in this one is their health. Rashad Fenton reassuming a full-time role paired with a hopeful L’Jarius Sneed return will play a huge part in keeping Herbert in check. Expect the dogs upfront to stay hungry, and the offense to continue to improve. Chiefs 31, Chargers 27

Grant Tuttle

The Chiefs are coming off a game in which they dominated from start to finish and have now won 6 straight. While Las Vegas is not on the same level as Los Angeles, I would expect the Chiefs to roll again. Mahomes should be able to give the ball to any running back and hit someone deep all game long. Chiefs 28, Chargers 14

Farzin Vousoughian

The Chiefs will have a tough one on their hands during a short week. But coming off a blowout win, they’re coming into this game with confidence. They’ll avenge their loss from earlier in the year. Chiefs 24, Chargers 21