The Kansas City Chiefs are trying to climb out of a slow start, and their 6-5 record indicates there is little room for error in the AFC playoff race.
The Chiefs are currently one game behind the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Los Angeles Chargers, who all own a 7-4 record, for a Wild Card spot in the AFC. But their deficit is effectively two games, with all three teams owning the tiebreaker by virtue of wins over Kansas City earlier this year.
While Kansas City dropped its only chance to gain the advantage over the Jaguars and Bills, they still have a chance to make things interesting with the Chargers, who they’ll face at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 14. Although that matchup is still two games away, Los Angeles is already bracing for that matchup after Jim Harbaugh announced that the Chargers are opening the practice window for running back Omarion Hampton via ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Chargers have 21 days to decide if Hampton, who suffered an ankle injury in October, is able to return this season. If he doesn’t need the entire window, he could return for the matchup in Kansas City, making the Chiefs’ playoff climb that much steeper.
Omarion Hampton’s Potential Return Heats Up Chiefs-Chargers Rematch in Week 15
The Chiefs' run defense has been adequate but far from impenetrable as they enter Week 13 tied for 18th with 4.2 yards allowed per carry this season. While Kansas City has been better as of late, holding current NFL rushing leader Jonathan Taylor to 58 rushing yards in last week’s win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Kansas City was also able to hold Hampton in check in Week 1, limiting the rookie to 48 yards on 15 carries. But his stock was pointing up before his injury, after Najee Harris suffered a torn Achilles tendon, and Hampton ran for a career-high 128 yards and a touchdown in a Sept. 28 win over the New York Giants.
There are a couple of things working in Kansas City’s favor as the Chargers are still without tackles Rashawn Slater, who suffered a season-ending patellar tendon tear during training camp, and Joe Alt, who underwent season-ending ankle surgery earlier this month. Los Angeles also has a game against the Las Vegas Raiders between now and then, but will also host the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 8, which could help the Chiefs gain ground if they can beat the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving and the Houston Texans on Dec. 7.
With the Chiefs dealing with their own backfield dilemma, Hampton’s potential return could make the rematch with the Chargers interesting and add some spice to a game that should have playoff implications.