Chiefs vs. Chargers 2014 picks and predictions: Philip Rivers expected to keep winning

When the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers have gotten together in recent years, anything and everything seems to happen. Last year, the Chargers won both contests, once with a last-minute 41-38 comeback at Arrowhead Stadium. San Diego also won in Week 17 over Kansas City to earn a postseason berth, albeit needing overtime against the Chiefs' backups with most of the starters sitting out.

At 5-1, the Chargers lead the AFC West by a half-game over the Denver Broncos and two-and-a-half over the Chiefs, who can close to a game behind in the loss column with a win. Kansas City will look to run the ball behind Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis. Behind this duo, the Chiefs average 4.7 yards per carry, the same amount that the Chargers surrender. Alex Smith has also been excellent in recent weeks, throwing seven touchdowns against one interception.

Antonio Gates has been Philip Rivers' main red zone target, scoring six touchdowns. Malcom Floyd, Eddie Royal and Keenan Allen have also been solid weapons, combining for 983 yards. Rivers is in the midst of a superb season, third in the NFL with 1,756 yards and leading the league with a 117.6 passer rating. The passing attack has needed to be excellent, with running backs Danny Woodhead out for the season and Ryan Mathews still working his way back from injury. San Diego is averaging 2.9 yards per carry, ranking 32nd.