Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (11-1)
As the 2024 NFL season reaches Week 14, fans are gearing up for an exciting Sunday Night Football matchup at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. This week, the Los Angeles Chargers will challenge the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
The two teams previously clashed in Week 4, where Kansas City edged out Los Angeles with a score of 17-10, serving as a 7-point road favorite. This time, the Chiefs enter as 3.5-point home favorites. Let’s analyze this AFC West showdown to provide the best insights for the Chargers vs. Chiefs prediction.
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Chargers Regain Their Momentum
The Los Angeles Chargers (8-4; 8-3-1 ATS) ended a four-game winning streak in Week 12 after falling 30-23 to the Baltimore Ravens. However, they quickly bounced back by defeating the Atlanta Falcons 17-13 as 1-point road favorites in their most recent game.
In the victory against Atlanta, the Chargers were outgained 350-187 in total yards, yet they effectively capitalized on turnovers, winning that battle 4-1. A highlight was Tarheeb Still’s pick-six, which provided a crucial lead late in the match. Kirk Cousins, the Falcons’ quarterback, threw four interceptions, including a game-ending pick with just 47 seconds left.
Despite their victory, the Chargers faced challenges moving the ball. They managed only 56 rushing yards on 17 attempts, while quarterback Justin Herbert completed 16 of 23 passes for 147 yards. The team struggled on third downs, converting just 3 of 11 attempts, resulting in a possession time of 24:05.
“Obviously not the way we want to play,” Herbert remarked. “Today, we won because of the defense. We need to improve as an offense.”
Herbert has shown consistency this season, amassing 2,551 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and only one interception. The Chargers average 21.7 points per game (18th in the league), with 112.9 rushing yards (18th) and 198.4 passing yards (24th).
Defensively, Los Angeles is the best in the league, allowing only 15.7 points per game. They rank 14th in rushing yards allowed (119.4) and 10th in passing yards (206.4). They excel in red-zone defense as well, ranking third in the NFL (42.9%).
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Chiefs Aim for Consistency
The Kansas City Chiefs (11-1; 4-7-1 ATS) are on a winning path, having secured victories in their last two games following a 30-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. They narrowly defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 19-17 after a previous 30-27 win against the Carolina Panthers.
In the tight game against Las Vegas, the Raiders almost pulled off a significant upset as 13.5-point road underdogs. A critical moment occurred when they mishandled a snap on a 3rd down with just 15 seconds remaining. The Raiders outgained Kansas City 434-329, but a single turnover proved decisive.
Kansas City struggled to establish a ground game, managing only 63 yards on 16 carries. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was busy, throwing 46 passes and completing 26 for 306 yards and a touchdown. DeAndre Hopkins contributed with four receptions for 90 yards, while tight end Travis Kelce caught seven passes for 68 yards.
“We hold ourselves to a high standard. We don’t feel like we’re playing our best football,” Mahomes stated. “It’s great that we’re finding ways to win, but our ultimate goal is the Super Bowl.”
Kansas City’s offense has been inconsistent, averaging 24.1 points per game (11th in the NFL). They achieve 111.8 rushing yards (19th) and 229.8 passing yards (12th) per game. Mahomes has thrown for 2,979 yards, with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.
On defense, Kansas City allows 19.6 points per game (8th) and ranks third in rushing yards allowed (87.8). They stand at 23rd in passing yards allowed (224.1), showing room for improvement.
Analyzing the Best Bets for Chargers vs. Chiefs
