Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers Battle for the AFC West

The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Los Angeles Chargers on an epic Thursday Night Football showdown inside SoFi stadium in Inglewood, California. The game has playoff-seeding implications while also could swing the AFC West. The Chiefs are looking to win their six straight AFC Championship. A Chargers victory could rattle those hopes and dreams.

Something to pay attention to heading into the game is the number of players who have tested positive or have been in close contact with those players.

Chiefs Expected to Be without Key Players

The Kansas City Chiefs are expecting to be without some significant players. Wide receiver Josh Gordon, defensive tackle Chris Jones, and linebacker Willie Gay have been affected by the pandemic. According to NFL policy, a vaccinated player who tests positive and remains asymptomatic can return after two negative tests. Unvaccinated players must isolate for ten days. They can only return if they’re asymptomatic.

Josh Gordon is vaccinated and could play in the game. Chris Jones has not been officially ruled out of the game either. Willie Gay will be out due to him testing positive on Wednesday.  The Chiefs will also be without starting cornerback L’Jarius Sneed due to the unfortunate circumstances with his brother.

Chiefs Look To Use Week 3 as a Blueprint

Kansas City played Los Angeles in Week 3 inside Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs would fall to the Chargers 30-24. A noticeable note from that game is the four turnovers KC handed over. Patrick Mahomes would throw two interceptions, Tyreek Hill would fumble along with Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Even though the Chiefs will be without some players, they are much more prepared on the depth chart than they were in Week 3.

Chiefs Look to Play Well on Offense

KC will need a stellar game from their offense. As stated above, turnovers cost them the win in the first showdown. If the offense can perform at an elite level, this team should defeat the Chargers. LA currently allows 348 yards per game. They average 207 yards passing 141yards rushing and 26 points per game.

Chiefs versus Chargers Thursday Night Football

In the end, this is going to be one of the best Thursday Night Football games of the season. Both of these teams are fighting to not only win the AFC West but also gain a higher seed in the playoff picture. The game will kick off at 7:20 PM CT and will be aired on FOX/NFL Network.