L.a. Chargers Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs Picks and Predictions September 29th 2024

The Chargers are +320 on the money line as they host the Chiefs at 4:25 ET on Sunday, September 29th at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. The Chiefs are favored by -8 on the road in this AFC West matchup, with the over/under line set at 39 points. You can catch this one on CBS, and the Chiefs are -410 on the money line.

Kansas City vs. Los Angeles Key Information

Despite falling behind early, the Chiefs are now 3-0 after a 22-17 win over the Falcons. Atlanta led 7-0 after a Kirk Cousins touchdown to Drake London in the first quarter. However, Patrick Mahomes found Rashee Rice for a touchdown in the 2nd quarter, and a late field goal from Harrison Butker made the score 14-13 in favor of the Falcons at halftime.

In the 3rd quarter, Mahomes and Rice connected for another touchdown, and the Chiefs’ defense held the Falcons to just a field goal in the 4th. Kansas City closed as -3 point favorites, and the combined 39 points was below the over/under line of 46.5 points.

Patrick Mahomes completed 66% of his passes for 217 yards in the Chiefs’ 22-17 win over the Falcons, with two touchdowns and one interception. The offense picked up 22 first downs and gained 128 yards on the ground. Mahomes was not sacked in the game.

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Leading the way for the Chiefs was fullback Carson Steele, who rushed for 72 yards. Rashee Rice was the top receiver with 110 yards and a touchdown. Mahomes went 26/39 for 217 yards through the air.

In the Chiefs’ 22-17 win over the Falcons, their defense allowed just 82 yards on 25 rushing attempts, giving up only 229 yards passing. Atlanta did not complete a pass against them, and they held the Falcons to 22.2% on third down. The Chiefs’ defense also came up with one interception and two sacks in the game.Kansas City’s defense was tough against the pass, allowing just one touchdown and forcing Atlanta to attempt 42 passes to reach their 229 yards. The Chiefs also had a good day in the trenches, leading in both tackles for loss and quarterback hits.

The Chargers are now 2-1 after their 20-10 loss to the Steelers. Los Angeles took an early 7-0 lead after Justin Herbert found Quentin Johnston for a touchdown. However, the Chargers couldn’t hold on to their lead, as the Steelers tied the game in the 2nd quarter and took the lead just before halftime. The Chargers added a field goal from Cameron Dicker to make it 10-7 in their favor, but the Steelers answered with a touchdown just before halftime.The Chargers didn’t score at all in the 2nd half, and the Steelers took control in the 3rd quarter with two touchdowns and added another one in the 4th. The Chargers’ defense struggled to contain Justin Fields and the Steelers’ offense after the 2nd quarter, as Fields finished with multiple touchdown passes in the 2nd half. The Chargers lost straight-up and against the spread, as they were 2.5-point underdogs with a low-scoring over/under line of 36 points.

The Chargers’ offense struggled to sustain drives in their 20-10 loss to the Steelers, managing just 10 first downs and 107 yards through the air. Justin Herbert went 12/18 for 125 yards and one touchdown, but he was sacked five times. Herbert’s passer rating was 105.

Los Angeles couldn’t get much going on the ground either, with J.K. Dobbins leading the team with only 44 rushing yards. The Chargers’ only touchdown came on a 27-yard touchdown reception by Quentin Johnston, who finished with 44 yards receiving.

In their 20-10 loss to the Steelers, the Chargers’ defense allowed 232 passing yards and held Pittsburgh to 114 rushing yards on 31 attempts. The Chargers’ offense struggled, managing just 10 points, but the defense did not allow any big plays, as the Steelers’ longest play was just 18 yards.The Chargers’ defense also came up with two sacks and one interception, and they limited the Steelers to a 50% success rate on third down. Despite this effort, the Chargers still came out on the losing end.

Our pick vs. the spread in this Chiefs vs. Chargers matchup is to take the Chargers to cover as home underdogs. Currently, the point spread line is sitting at +8 in favor of the Chargers, and with our projected final score being 23-19 in favor of the Chiefs, the Chargers are our pick to cover.

For the over/under line, we really like the over, with the line sitting at just 39 points. Our projections have these teams combining for 42 points, making the over a great value pick right now.

Chiefs Chasing Sixth Straight Win Over Chargers as Jim Harbaugh Enters the Picture

Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes have become nightmares for many NFL teams due to the Kansas City Chiefs‘ success, which is approaching historic levels. Among the division rivals struggling to keep up are the Los Angeles Chargers, who have failed to match the Chiefs in recent years.

When the two teams meet Sunday in Los Angeles, Kansas City (3-0) will look to extend its dominance over the Chargers (2-1) by securing a sixth consecutive win. The game will also introduce first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh to the heated AFC West rivalry, where he faces the daunting task of turning the tide against Reid and Mahomes.

Harbaugh’s Challenge: Facing the Chiefs

Harbaugh acknowledges the tough challenge ahead, as the Chiefs boast a formidable offense, led by Mahomes.

“Multiple challenges,” Harbaugh said. “Really good run game, really good throwing game, explosive offense. I think everybody understands the challenge of playing a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes. His ability to move the ball with his legs, with his arm, within the offense is elite.”

Chiefs’ Offensive Production Under the Microscope

While the Chiefs are off to a perfect start, their offensive production has been a topic of discussion. Currently ranked 14th in the NFL in total offense, the team has not been as explosive as in previous seasons. Notably, tight end Travis Kelce has had a slow start, with just eight receptions for 69 yards and no touchdowns through three games. Kelce is on the brink of breaking several records, but questions about his form have arisen.

Head coach Andy Reid defended his star player, refuting claims that Kelce is “old” or “distracted.”

“Defenses don’t think that,” Reid said. “Travis is fine. He works his tail off. He hasn’t lost a step, and he’s not distracted. Defenses are just making sure they take care of him.”

Mahomes and the Chiefs’ Key Contributors

Wide receiver Rashee Rice has emerged as Mahomes’ featured target in September, despite dealing with an ankle injury. Rice leads the NFL with 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Mahomes himself has completed 69.6 percent of his passes, throwing for 659 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions over the first three games.

Chargers Bring Stout Defense Despite Key Injuries

The Chargers present a significant challenge on defense, ranking in the top 10 in multiple categories, including scoring defense (11 points per game, third) and yards allowed per game (267, sixth).

“It’s a physical football team, both sides of the ball,” said Reid, who boasts a 17-5 record against the Chargers since joining the Chiefs in 2013. “Their defenses are going to give you a variety of looks. One of the top defenses in the NFL right now.”

However, the Chargers will be missing key defensive players. Pass rusher Joey Bosa (hip) and linebacker Junior Colson (hamstring) missed practice, while safety Derwin James Jr. is suspended for Week 4. The Chargers will likely turn to Elijah Molden or A.J. Finley to start alongside Alohi Gilman in the secondary.

Herbert’s Injury Concerns Add to Chargers’ Woes

On offense, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has been nursing a right ankle injury. Herbert played through pain in Week 3, but the Chargers ultimately lost 20-10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite being limited in practice, Herbert says he is ahead of where he was physically last week, though his playing status remains uncertain.

The Chargers’ offensive line is also dealing with injuries, as tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (knee) missed practice. This adds further concern as they prepare to face Mahomes and the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Harbaugh’s Task: Meet the Chiefs’ Challenge

Harbaugh understands the importance of Sunday’s game and the opportunity it presents for the Chargers to prove themselves against a division powerhouse. Kansas City has claimed eight straight AFC West titles, and Harbaugh is keenly aware of the challenge they pose.

“In terms of opportunity, it’s how it feels,” Harbaugh said. “And we’re attacking it as such.”

Chiefs Eye Next Primetime Matchup

After Sunday’s clash with the Chargers, the Chiefs will return to Kansas City for their third primetime game of the season, where they will face the New Orleans Saints (2-1) on “Monday Night Football” in Week 5 before heading into their bye week.