4 ways the Chiefs can exploit the Chargers' weaknesses and remain undefeated

A game that encapsulates two very different seasons; no one could have predicted the L.A. Chargers versus Kansas City Chiefs Week 6 game would look like this. The undefeated (4-0) Chiefs will host the winless (0-5) Chargers in a division rivalry that will be more entertaining than their records suggest.

Entering the 2026 season, the Chiefs were favorites to win the AFC West, but the Chargers were right on their heels. Many analysts thought this could be the year the Chargers put it all together and finally overcome their playoff struggles. But now, their season outlook is quite bleak as the Chargers look to keep any playoff hopes alive in Kansas City this weekend.

The Chiefs are coming off a bye week, and their season couldn't have started much better. They are 4-0, Kenneth Walker leads the NFL in rushing yards per game, Mahomes is top 10 in passing yards per game, and they have closed out one-score games. Andy Reid is 22-5 in his NFL career after a bye week, giving the Chiefs a lot of leverage to keep their success rolling.

But as we all know, the Chargers won't just roll over. This is a divisional game, and the Chargers know they're better than their record suggests. Kansas City can't let this be a trap game, and they will need to be ready for the Chargers to throw everything they have at this game. So how can the Chiefs attack this game to remain undefeated after Week 6?

Target Deane Leonard in the passing game

The Chargers' secondary is one of the youngest units, with guys like Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart quickly becoming standout corners. But with Donte Jackson injured and Derwin James likely out, Kansas City will have flexibility in whom they target on the Chargers' defense. Because of the injuries, Deane Leonard was recently pushed into a starting role, and going after him early in the game seems like the Chiefs' best option.

Now, the Chargers rarely run man coverage, and almost 75 percent of the time, they're happy to stay in zone and force the quarterback to decide. But with the scheme the Chargers run, Mahomes will likely face a heavy dose of Cover 3, with Leonard covering the outside third of the field. I like how Rashee Rice will match up with Leonard, and the Chiefs should exploit that matchup in the passing game.

Keep Kenneth Walker rolling

The Chargers' run defense ranks in the bottom third of the league and has been a consistent problem for almost a decade. Now the Chiefs have a rushing attack to take advantage of. Kenneth Walker leads the NFL in broken tackles and ranks second in rushing yards, with one fewer game played than the rest of the field. The Chiefs should keep the ground game rolling and let Kenneth Walker continue his dominant start to the season.

Challenge the right side of the Chargers offensive line

Another issue that has plagued the Chargers' offense over the last decade is injuries, especially on the offensive line. On Sunday, the Chargers will start sixth-round draft pick Alex Harkey at right tackle in his second career start. He will be playing next to former Patriots first-round pick Cole Strange, who has struggled mightily to start the season.

The Chiefs have a good matchup on this side, and they should load their pass rush on the left to isolate Harkey/Strange on the right. Felix Anudike-Uzomah should have a favorable matchup against Harkey because of his arm length and ability to turn speed into power. Chris Jones and Peter Woods should also have a good matchup against Strange, and generating a pass rush will be key to the Chiefs' success.

Do not be afraid to drop back into coverage early

The Chiefs need to get a four-man pass rush, and they should be willing to drop back into zone coverage early in the game. Omarion Hampton has struggled to start the season, and the Chiefs should start the game daring the Chargers to take the ball out of Justin Herbert's hands. Herbert also has 7 interceptions, often from trying to push the ball downfield unnecessarily. The Chiefs should be willing to let the Chargers play slow at the start and ramp up their aggressiveness as the game goes on.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow