Denver Broncos: AFC West Week Fifteen Picks
Chargers @ Chiefs
Graham Tiedtke
The first place Kansas City Chiefs host the second place Los Angeles Chargers in what should be, by all indications, a fantastic week fifteen matchup on Thursday Night Football.
The Chargers are banged up in the backfield, with Melvin Gordon putting in a limited participation and Austin Eckeler not practicing at all on Tuesday.
Sammy Watkins did not practice on Monday or Tuesday for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs are a 3.5-point favourite at home this week.
It is going to be tough for the Chargers if they cannot run the ball, despite Phillip Rivers having a great season.
Chiefs 42, Chargers 34
Baylor Bradac
The most important AFC West matchup of the year comes on a Thursday night. The LA Chargers will visit Arrowhead to take on the division leading Chiefs. The Chiefs are coming off a huge overtime win in Baltimore that saw their team get beat up. LA also won last week keeping the race tight for the division lead.
Everyone is aware of what these teams are capable of at this point in the season, so I’ll save my breath, let’s look at what’s on the line for each team coming into week 15.
The last time these two met, the final scare was 38-28 in favor of the Chiefs, but a lot has changed since then. The Chiefs have been in some close games lately and seem to be finally showing some weaknesses. Kansas City has a very difficult schedule the remainder of the year, and winning this game would give them the necessary cushion to win the division.
For the Chargers, they have a playoff spot all but locked up, barring something disastrous, but this is their last real shot to win the division. The Chargers have won 8 of their last 9 games including the last three straight.
Seeding in football playoffs is always huge, and I’m sure the Chargers would rather not go to Arrowhead again this season. Winning this game would give the Chargers confidence in their ability heading into the playoffs.
On top of all of this, there are some major bragging rights that go along with the game, and personally, I expect LA to be the ones bragging when the dust settles.
Chargers 34, Chiefs 31
Matt Geving
The battle of the two best teams in the AFC will be arguably the best divisional game of the season. Although the Chiefs won the first matchup, the Chargers are more than capable of beating the Chiefs in Arrowhead.
To do so, the Chargers will attempt to dominate the time of possession and keep Patrick Mahomes off the field. Los Angeles will have the early momentum.
However, a second quarter fumble by the Chargers will get the Chiefs back in the game.
From there, it will turn into a shootout between Rivers and Mahomes. In the fourth quarter, Derwin James will have a crucial interception that will give the Chargers the lead, and they won’t look back.
Chargers 38, Chiefs 31