At the start of the season, this week's matchup between the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs seemed as if it would be a key matchup in the AFC Wild Card race. But now, it looks to be nothing more than a tune up for the Chiefs, winners of six straight.
Chargers vs. Chiefs 2015 picks and predictions: Kansas City expected to run away with the win
Judging by the last time these two teams met, this game shouldn’t even be close.
Kansas City is coming off a decisive 34-20 victory over the Oakland Raiders, intercepting Derek Carr three times in the second half to put the game away. The Chiefs are currently second in the NFL with a plus-13 turnover differential, as Alex Smith hasn't thrown an interception since Week 2.
The Chiefs' offense hasn't been flashy without Jamaal Charles, but it's been effective and mistake free. That formula certainly applied the last time these clubs met on Nov. 22, in what was a 33-3 Chiefs routing.
Running back Spencer Ware rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns and defensive end Justin Houston intercepted Philip Rivers for a pick-six. The Chiefs' defense smothered San Diego, holding the Chargers to only 201 yards of offense. The Chargers have scored a mere 10 points in their last two meetings against the Chiefs combined.
This streak of ineptitude is likely to continue Sunday, as the Chargers have lost five consecutive games and aren’t succeeding on either side of the ball. Last week against Denver, San Diego only mustered 272 yards. Rivers was hit 11 times and sacked on four occasions.
In his last two games against the Chiefs, Rivers has thrown three interceptions and been sacked 10 times. Even if the Chargers were playing well, this would be considered a tough matchup. But now that they’re circling the drain, a win seems to be impossible.
All eight of our experts at SB Nation are picking the Chiefs to be victorious this one. CBS Sports’ eight experts and the entire 11-man panel at ESPN are all betting on the Chiefs as well.
| Week 14 | Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark |
| SD vs KC | KC | KC | KC | KC | KC | KC | KC | KC |
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SB Nation presents: 3 reasons why the Chiefs are going to the playoffs
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