I imagine Chargers will try to establish run with Matthews early and he'll have early yards but not TDs. They will get bogged down near redzone and settle for FGs. Then they start to get pummeled by the Chefs by end of second quarter. They will use Woodhead most the the third/fourth quarter in a desperate fight to catch up.
Not likely. The Chiefs haven't been running away with games. They average a very middle-of-the-road 23.2 pts/gm, including four defensive scores and one kickoff return. They have 18 offensive TDs in 10 games. So long as Rivers doesn't throw a pick 6, I don't foresee KC running away with this one.
I agree with DanFouts.
OFFENSE
- most of SD success comes from Rivers audibles and KC is not a friendly place for opposing QB's trying to audilbe.
- the OL is in disarray(as always?) and the front 7 should get a lot of pressure on Rivers, especially if he can't change plays when he sees where the blitz is coming from. In particular I think Poe disrupts the pocket most of the day and Rivers isn't exactly $ outside the pocket.
DEFENSE
- SD has problems with mobile QB's and Smith is very mobile.
- if SD tackles like they did last week in MIA none of this matters, you might only get one shot on Charles and if you miss him he's gone
- In the secondary the thought of Wright chasing Avery 5 yards behind, Cox trying to tackle Bowe, or Marshall trying to keep up with the quickness of McCluster has me thinking SD is going to give up nearly as many points as the 31 KC dropped on the NYG at home.
Biggest problem of all, KC should win the TO battle by two which would more or less seal the fate of the Chargers. I predicted a win vs den but I don't see SD having much chance to win this game. This week may even be the low point of the entire season, which is saying something when you consider they lost in oak by double digits. I hope I'm wrong.