Sunday's Week 4 matchup with the Chargers represents a massive opportunity for the Chiefs to not only improve to 4-0, but to create significant distance between themselves and the rest of the AFC West.
Justin Herbert will be limited even if he does play, and Kansas City will once again see Kareem Hunt on the sidelines. It's an exciting time, and the Chiefs are in great shape to take control of the conference as they march toward a hopeful third straight Super Bowl.
As we get set for this Sunday afternoon tilt, let's look at three bold predictions for the contest.
3 Bold Predictions for Chiefs vs. Chargers
1. Kareem Hunt Scores a TD
While Kareem Hunt hasn't yet played in an NFL game this year, he was a proven red-zone weapon for the Browns in 2023. He scored nine TDs, and Andy Reid will likely want to give Hunt a chance to score in his first game back with the organization.
Carson Steele was effective as the lead running back in Week 3, notching 72 yards on 17 carries. He'll once again get the majority of the work, though Hunt gives the Chiefs a bit more variety from a playcalling perspective once they get near the end zone.
"I can't wait to put on the red again and go out there with these guys...Whatever I'm asked to do, I'm going to do it at the highest level."
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) September 25, 2024
- Kareem Hunt on being back with the Chiefs pic.twitter.com/mfpaQ9PM3F
Hunt sounded overjoyed to be back with the franchise who drafted him and helped him become an NFL star. Controversial circumstances aside, this is meant to be a feel-good moment for both the team and the player.
If the Chiefs get within the five-yard line against a tough Chargers defense, expect Hunt to get at least one opportunity to punch it in. His largest contributions likely won't come until Week 5 and beyond, but he'll get a few chances.
FanDuel Sportsbook has Hunt listed at +430 to score a TD on Sunday. Here's hoping he gets the opportunity.
2. Chiefs Win by Double-Digits
It doesn't look like Justin Herbert is going to play. Even if he does, he'll be severely limited and without both of his starting tackles. The Chargers' offense should be a disaster, and this game sets up perfectly for a dominant, double-digit victory for the Chiefs.
Star safety Derwin James is suspended for the contest, so Los Angeles is potentially missing four of the best players on the team. Kansas City has five straight wins in this rivalry, and it doesn't make much sense for the Chargers to push Herbert or other injured players to participate.
The Chiefs should comfortably control this one. It'll be a far bigger cause for concern, in fact, if Kansas City doesn't dominate.
Most QB wins in their first 100 games?
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) September 27, 2024
That goes to @patrickmahomes 💯 pic.twitter.com/Mb8f9FzVZh
This is Patrick Mahomes' 100th career regular-season start. He's off to the best start in NFL history. There's no better exclamation mark on his first 100 games than a blowout victory over a rival.
You can get the Chiefs to win by at least 10 at +112 odds at FanDuel. If this contest winds up close, it'll be because Kansas City faltered in some way. Mahomes almost never loses to the Chargers and he's not going to on Sunday.
3. Travis Kelce Notches 100 Receiving Yards and a TD
Travis Kelce is off to the slowest start of his career, with certain "analysts" offering nonsensical takes about his commitment. Kelce has a remarkable 100 catches for 1,223 yards and eight TDs against the Chargers in his career, making this a perfect time to finally have his breakout game of the young season.
He only has eight catches for 69 yards through three games. With no Derwin James and Rashee Rice likely commanding more of the defense's attention, Kelce will get his opportunity to shine.
This is still the best tight end to ever walk the planet. He's older now, but we saw in the playoffs that he's still fully capable of taking over a game.
Andy Reid talking about Travis Kelce's lack of production today: "He collects people," talking about how he can open up underneath throws
— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) September 25, 2024
Here's a good example Andy mentioned. Both safeties & the LB have eyes on Travis as he runs vertical, leaving Gray all by himself pic.twitter.com/P0OWwPknuk
Patrick Mahomes and the coaching staff have all talked about how defenses are focused on Kelce. Once opponents shift some of that attention to Rice, Kelce will feast just like he always has.
Week 4 against perhaps his favorite opponent is an ideal situation. Expect Mahomes to look Kelce's way early to get him going. If it works, Kelce can easily get over 100 yards and find the end zone for his first TD of the campaign.
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