Sunday will mark the first division matchup of the season for the Kansas City Chiefs. Their opponent for this week, the Los Angeles Chargers, are currently in second place in the AFC West. Kansas City (3-0) sits one game ahead of Los Angeles (2-1) through three weeks. Meanwhile, the Chargers already have a win in the division after beating the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1.
The injury report is littered with many Chargers names, including some of their top players like Justin Herbert and Joey Bosa. It appears that both starting offensive tackles could be out as well. And defensively, LA safety Derwin James will miss Sunday's action due to a suspension. All of those factors make certain player matchups challenging to project, as a result.
Who are the key players worth highlighting entering Sunday? Here are three key matchups for Chiefs vs. Chargers.
Chargers Rushing Attack Vs. Chiefs Front Seven
When Jim Harbaugh was hired as Chargers head coach, Los Angeles was making it clear that running the football would be a key part of their attack. That should come as no surprise, given how Michigan worked their way to becoming a national champion at the collegiate level under the head coach. So far, so good for the new-look Chargers rushing attack. JK Dobbins appears to be a steal from free agency. With his injury history, he has made the most of this fresh opportunity in Los Angeles.
The Chargers are seventh in the NFL in rushing yards so far. They amassed 176 rushing yards in Week 1, following that up with 219 rushing yards in Carolina the following week. Dobbins has tallied 310 of the team's 456 total rushing yards to this point. With his ability to win decisively and with vision, the added strength that Dobbins has can make him challenging to bring down.
While LA has had success on the ground, the Chiefs have largely fared well as a run defense in the early going. Bijan Robinson was held to just 1.9 yards per carry last week. Additionally, the Chiefs held Atlanta to 82 rushing yards after they had walked all over the Philadelphia Eagles for 152 rushing yards the week prior. Kansas City is maintaining a steady effort of limiting the yards per carry. Can that continue against a relentless Chargers rushing attack?
Chiefs Offensive Tackles Vs. Chargers Outside Linebackers
The Chiefs offensive tackles have been a subject worth monitoring in the early going. Of course, a switch at left tackle was made late in the Bengals game, as Wanya Morris replaced Kingsley Suamataia after the rookie started the contest. Morris would end up starting in Atlanta last game. And while Jawaan Taylor is not committing as many penalties, there is still more room to improve when it comes to his technique.
Even if Joey Bosa does not play Sunday due to injury, the Chargers have a few other options that can quickly make life difficult for the KC offensive tackles. Veteran Khalil Mack may be in his 30s. Though, he can still get home as quick as anybody. He already has 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery this season.
Outside of his dominance, younger piece Tuli Tuipulotu has truly grown into an impressive secondary piece. He can reduce pass rush angles and work through traffic in ways that are similar to Mike Danna of the Chiefs. Elsewhere, the Chargers have the experienced Bud Dupree to tap into in obvious passing situations. This is easily the biggest strength of the Los Angeles defense. Giving Patrick Mahomes enough time will be crucial.
Quentin Johnston/Ladd McConkey Vs. Chiefs Cornerbacks
Wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey were both selected with high draft picks in the last couple years. Johnston had many documented struggles as a rookie, with drops being a main focal point. But early on, each wide receiver has created more positives than negatives within a Los Angeles wide receiver that lacks depth.
Johnston has made his presence felt as a vertical threat while hauling in three touchdowns in the last two games. As for McConkey, he has been sort of a security blanket on underneath routes. But after the catch, he has the ability to make defenders miss and look silly, as evidenced in his touchdown from Week 1.
Neither of these two wide receivers are going to be seen as world beaters. But if the Chiefs cornerbacks get lost in space like they did in Atlanta, it will allow explosive play opportunities for each young pass catcher. If Kansas City can stay over the top of Johnston and wrap up McConkey immediately, it will force the Chargers to make quick adjustments. Any damage that this pair can create may determine how close this game is at the end of regulation.