Embed from Getty Photos
For the second straight week, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs will host an AFC West division rival. After defeating the Denver Broncos on a Thursday evening final week, the Chiefs will now tackle the Los Angeles Chargers. Presently, Kansas Metropolis sits atop the AFC West at 5-1. In the meantime, the Chargers are 2-3 getting into Sunday. LA simply misplaced at dwelling in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night time Soccer, coming off of their bye week.
The final of the 2 conferences between these two rivals will happen within the common season finale in Week 18. Actually, that could possibly be a matchup with main implications on the road. However for now, that is an extremely essential division recreation for each groups. Based mostly on how the Chiefs have began out offensively, KC is seeking to discover solutions shortly on that facet of the ball. Elsewhere, the Chargers have but to play a whole recreation, and have struggled mightily in probably the most of their showings within the second half of video games.
What are some key personnel matchups to observe for getting into Sunday afternoon? We’ll listing three personnel matchups that might make a significant distinction within the recreation between the Chiefs and the Chargers. Let’s kick it off.
Kelce Vs James
The matchup between Travis Kelce and Derwin James is at all times extremely anticipated getting into a Chiefs vs Chargers contest. General, Kelce has nonetheless received his loads of occasions on this one-on-one matchup, so to talk. But, there could also be no defender that has saved the tight finish in examine greater than James. We now have seen some large hits laid on Kelce courtesy of the Chargers security. In different moments, the Chiefs cross catcher has been capable of shake free in opposition to James whereas the defender is in man protection, resulting in some key explosive performs or scoring performs.
Given the sluggish begin of the Kansas Metropolis offense, right here and there, Kelce has grow to be much more essential to Patrick Mahomes than ever earlier than. We didn’t essentially assume that was attainable. However till extra large receivers moreover Rashee Rice step up, Kelce will get the majority of the targets. Can James stop Kelce from including yards after the catch, not like current showings between KC and LA? Or, will the Chargers security have the ability to restrict the Chiefs tight finish all through a lot of the day?
Pacheco Vs Chargers Entrance Seven
Isiah Pacheco has had a fairly regular stretch during the last 5 video games. In all of these outings, he completed with double-digit carries and 55 speeding yards or extra. Time after time, Pacheco has been capable of finding some further hidden yards in opposition to opposing defenses. That has been particularly important in the previous couple of weeks. Along with his capacity to win in opposition to contact and shock along with his quickness, it’s difficult to convey somebody like him down.
Alternatively, the Chargers’ run protection has normally been a laughingstock. That stretches again to the higher a part of three years. Upfront, Los Angeles has normally failed to offer a lot resistance and has did not get off of blocks persistently in opposition to opposing offensive strains. That’s very true within the inside battle of the trenches. Then at linebacker, poor angles, missed tackles and failure to fill run suits has hindered development for names like Kenneth Murray.
Whereas Los Angeles has proven slight enhancements at occasions this season on run protection, Pacheco is a a lot completely different type of runner than something they’ve confronted thus far this season. The Chargers typically hand over a good quantity of yards earlier than contact. It’s simply so apparent to see when watching reside. Add within the bodily type of Pacheco, and will probably be intriguing to see if LA can present any resistance on operating performs.
Allen Vs Chiefs Secondary
Embed from Getty Photos
It’s possible no shock that Keenan Allen at the moment leads the Chargers in targets (55), receptions (42), receiving yards (519) and receiving touchdowns (4). However with Mike Williams out with an damage and the dual-threat Austin Ekeler lacking time earlier, Allen has garnered even clearer targets, in comparison with traditional. He and Justin Herbert can put defenses on their heels in quite a lot of methods. With Allen’s savvy route operating and easy separation abilities, Herbert can usually have a wide-open goal to throw to. Allen can be nimble after the catch, whether or not within the fast passing recreation or down the sector.
Kansas Metropolis has loved an incredible begin from their total protection. But, no group could also be enjoying extra sound than the Chiefs secondary. Having confronted Allen a mess of occasions, they know what methods can be utilized and pulled out of his hat. Kansas Metropolis can’t get misplaced in house in opposition to him, although. L’Jarius Sneed might matchup in opposition to Allen probably the most, as he has been dealing with the opponents’ high large receivers this season. Sneed has been noticeably tenacious on the skin in opposition to elite weapons. Will he and the remainder of the Chiefs secondary proceed to go that route in opposition to Allen?
Be looking out for extra FPC Chiefs articles and evaluation all through the approaching days. For extra nice sports activities and NFL content material, keep tuned to Full Press Protection.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Protection. He covers the NFL. Like and comply with on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Fb.
