5 Kansas City Chiefs who helped themselves most in the regular season finale

3. La'Mical Perine

Despite the Chiefs' offense running through the passing game with Patrick Mahomes, we've seen time after time that they are much more consistent on offense when the running game can hold its own. Starting back Isiah Pacheco has a history of getting banged up and Jerick McKinnon is already on IR. That has left KC very thin at the running back position, with their only experienced depth being Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and he has a long injury history as well.

The Chiefs really leaned on La'Mical Perine in this game and he took advantage of the opportunity. Perine carried the ball 21 times for 76 yards. That isn't a great yards-per-carry average at 3.6, but Perine consistently ground out positive yards despite the Chargers' defense not being worried about Blaine Gabbert and the passing game. That won't be the case if Perine were to see action with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback.

What was even a little more encouraging was how Perine responded to being involved in the passing game. He ended up with 3 receptions for 33 yards, including a nice 25-yard screen that he took off with. Perine will never be a starting feature back, but if K.C. were to have Pacheco or CEH miss time during their playoff run, I would be fine with Perine filling in as a contributor based on what I saw on Sunday. Also, if the Chiefs do part ways with Edwards-Helaire next season and bring in another young back to replace him, I would be fine with Perine playing behind Pacheco until the rookie is up to speed.

Now let's talk about the other player that flashed on offense.