Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Put Up Points?
The Los Angeles Chargers will hit the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC West rivalry game. Can Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs put up points? NFL handicapper Matt MacKay is here to share his prediction and pick for the Chargers vs. Chiefs game.
Matt MacKay - October 22, 2023, 11:08 AM EDT
7 minLos Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Put Up Points?
Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers will hit the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC West rivalry game at Arrowhead Stadium. Patrick Mahomes has been finding ways to win despite relatively modest production compared to previous MVP campaigns, relying on a mixture of Isiah Pacheco in the rushing attack, with help from star tight end Travis Kelce and rookie Rashee Rice on offense.
The Chiefs defense has been the biggest asset early in the season thus far, allowing only 24.6 percent of drives to end in a score, which is second-best across the league. Los Angeles hosted the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, losing 20-17 after taking the lead late in the game, allowing the Cowboys to march down the field to kick the go-ahead field goal.
Now, the Chargers are 2-3, desperately trying to claw their way back to .500, but Mahomes and the Chiefs' defense have rattled off five consecutive wins following their Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions. NFL handicapper Matt MacKay is here to share his latest prediction and pick for Chargers vs. Chiefs during the late afternoon window of the NFL's Week 7 slate.
Chargers vs. Chiefs Date, Time, And Where To Watch
- Date: Sunday, October 22, 2023
- Game Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Chargers vs. Chiefs Odds
- Spread: Chargers +5.5 (-110), Chiefs -5.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: Under 47.5 (-105), Over 47.5 (-115)
- Moneyline Odds: Chargers (+190), Chiefs (-230)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs Injury Report
Chargers
Questionable: S Derwin James Jr. (Ankle)
Out: C Corey Linsley (Illness), WR Mike Williams (Knee)
Chiefs
Questionable: CB Jaylen Watson (Thigh)
Out: WR Justin Watson (Elbow), WR Richie James (Knee), TE Jody Fortson (Shoulder)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs Prediction
Kansas City's defense ranks third in hurry percentage (12.3%), second in pressure rate (29.7%), and fifth in quarterback knock down percentage (11.6%) through seven games. Los Angeles will continue to be without center Corey Linsley, but Justin Herbert has still received good protection thus far, which could be skewed a bit due to his mobility to extend plays outside of the pocket.
Keenan Allen has been Herbert's favorite weapon and primary target within the Chargers' offense under new OC Kellen Moore this season. Austin Ekeler returned in Week 6 but did little in terms of production. Now, Ekeler gets a better matchup against the Chiefs' defense, which surrenders 4.5 YPA, ranked eighth-most in the league, so we could see run-centric playcalling from Los Angeles to open up the passing attack against a stout Kansas City secondary.
Los Angeles has covered the spread as underdogs following a loss in five consecutive games. Kansas City's offense has looked pedestrian for much of the season, going up against a Chargers defense that ranks 11th in turnovers forced (13%) but 27th in scoring percentage (42.6%), demonstrating that its an opportunistic defense that tends to give up big plays.
The Chiefs have won 12 consecutive games against divisional opponents, but their moneyline odds are juiced too high at -230. Unders are 7-4 between these two teams this season, and the current point total line, set to 47.5, feels like it could be a bit high. The Chargers offense tends to sputter and stall, plus they face a tough Chiefs defense. Meanwhile, Kansas City's offense has only scored 27 or fewer points in five of six games. Let's wager a unit on under 47.5 total points at -105 odds.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs Pick
- Pick: Under 47.5 (-105) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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