Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers Week 15 Pick

In creating our Thursday Night Football Kansas City vs LA Chargers prediction, we’re coming off a week where we went 8-3. Of course, each pick is focused on a specific, independent event and last week’s success has no influence on this week’s hits and misses.

Like last Thursday’s Pittsburgh vs Minnesota pick, this Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers prediction is tight and looks as if it can go either way. The Chiefs (9-4 Overall, 3-2 Away) are at -3.0 (-117), while the Chargers (8-5 Overall, 4-3 Home) are listed at +3.0 (+100). Note, those are your best odds. Most books are offering KC at -120 and LA at -107. The over/under is at 54.0.

After starting the season at 4-3, Kansas City has won seven straight games. In their first seven games, Los Angeles went 4-3. During that time, hey played and beat the Chiefs 30-24 on September 26. Over their past six games, the Chargers are 3-3. Thus, Kansas City comes to tonight’s game as the top team in the AFC West, while LA, which is second, is one game out. If they win tonight, the two teams would be tied for first place. Plus, LA would have an advantage, as they would have beaten the Chiefs twice this season.

This TNF game will be played on December 16, 2021 and will kick off at 8:20 pm ET. The game will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. This TNF game will be carried on FOX and the NFL Network.

Chiefs vs Chargers Pick – Key Stats

Both Kansas City and Los Angeles are averaging 27.0 PPG. Also, both teams are averaging 399 YPG in offense. However, on defense, the Chiefs are allowing 20.6 PPG, while the Chargers are giving up 25.8 PPG. During their six-game winning streak, KC is giving up just 9.6 PPG. On the other hand, over their last six games, the Chargers are permitting opponents 26.5 PPG. The Kansas City defense is giving up 263.7 passing yards per game and 109.7 rushing yards per game. The Chargers are holding teams to 222.5 air yards per game and allowing 140.7 ground yards per game.

Our Kansas City vs LA Chargers prediction notes that the Chiefs are top LA in PD (50-45), INTs (13-10), and FR (10-8). On the other hand, the Chargers are better on sacks (29-24), TFL (46-44), and FF (16-15). Note, KC has two pick sixes, while LA has none.

Kansas City vs LA Chargers Prediction – Players to Watch

Of the two quarterbacks, LA’s Justin Herbert’s numbers are a tad better than those of KC’s Patrick Mahomes. Herbert has tossed 30 TDs passes and 11 INTs, while completing 67.1% of his passes. He’s been sacked 27 times. Mahomes, who’s been sacked three fewer times than Herbert, has completed 65.5% of his passes, tossing 27 TDs and 12 INTs.

The chiefs have seven players who have caught 10 of more passes, with three of those players being running backs. The top two receivers are wideout Tyreek Hill (90 REC, 1.030 YDs, 11.4 AVG, 8 TDs) and tight end Travis Kelce (73 REC, 875 YDs, 12.0 AVG, 5 TDs). Dual-threat running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who’s missed five games, has been very effective since coming back. RB Darrel Williams, who’s played in all 13 games, is also a solid dual threat.

The Chargers have nine players with a minimum of 12 catches, and seven of those players have made 20 receptions or more. Two are running backs and three are tight ends. Wideouts Keenan Allen (86 REC, 915 YDs, 10.8 AVG, 4 TDs) and Mike Williams (61 REC, 926 YDs, 15.0 AVG, 7 TDs), running back Austin Ekeler (58 REC, 535 YDs, 9.2 AVG, 7 TDs), and tight end Jared Cook (38 REC, 408 YDs, 10.7 AV, 4 TDs) are LA’s top receivers. At running back, Ekeler is averaging 4.6 YPA and has scored nine times.

Defense

Although corner L'Jarius Sneed is out, the Kansas City secondary is still deep. Top performers include safeties Tyrann Mathieu, Juan Thornhill, and Daniel Sorensen and corners Charvarius Ward and Rashad Fenton. LB Nick Bolton leads the Chiefs with 11 TFL and 88 tackles.

For KC to succeed, they will have to neutralize linebacker Joey Bosa. Bosa has 8.5 sacks, four TFL, and five FF. LB Kyzir White leads the Chargers with 106 tackles and six TFL. He’s also recorded three PD, two picks, and two FF. Top corners include Asante Samuel Jr. (7 PD, 2 INTs) and Michael Davis (9 PD, 1 INT), while safety Derwin James Jr., who’s second in tackles with 100, is exceptionally productive having made two sacks, five TFL, five PD, two INTs, and three FF.

Kansas City vs LA Chargers Prediction - Spread & Totals

Our Kansas City vs LA Chargers prediction notes that a bit more than 57% of the betting public is taking the Chiefs, while various computer models show the Chargers beating the spread. As of late, both the Kansas City defense and offense has stepped up. At the same time, LA has been inconsistent. Our first pick is the over at 54.0. We think the Chiefs will score around 38 points. We project that the Chargers will put up around 21. Take KC at -3.0.

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Summary – Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers Pick:

• Point Spread Pick – Kansas City Chiefs at -3.0 (-120)

• Totals Pick - Over 54.0 (-110)