The Chargers head to Arrowhead on Sunday in search of their first win in Kansas City since 2021.
Here’s a few storylines to track heading into the game.
Elimination potential
There is a mathematical way for the Chargers to fully eliminate the Chiefs from the playoffs with a win and three other outcomes this weekend, which would keep Kansas City out of the bracket for the first time since 2014. Los Angeles has won 5 of their last 6, including last week’s dramatic win over the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. Kansas City, meanwhile, has lost 4 of its last 5 and needed overtime to win the lone game in that stretch.
Man coverage rate
The Chargers broke out man coverage on 21 percent of their snaps in Week 1 against the Chiefs, but that number dipped to 13 percent after Week 12 as LA returned to their foundational coverages under coordinator Jesse Minter. After Week 12, the Chargers were running Cover 3 on 33 percent of their snaps and Cover 4 on 26 percent. But LA has run man coverage at their two highest rates of the season over the last two weeks, and Kansas City has struggled to keep the offense moving well against those looks this season.
Run splits
In Omarion Hampton’s first game back from injured reserve, the Chargers had an exactly 50-50 touch split between the first rounder and backup fill-in Kimani Vidal, who both had 15 touches. Hampton took 13 carries for 56 yards and 2 receptions for 11 yards and LA’s only touchdown of the game, while Vidal had 14 carries for 44 yards and 1 catch for 60 yards. In Week 1, Hampton out-touched Najee Harris 17 to 2, and although Harris was returning with limited practice reps, it seems clear that the Chargers at that time preferred to get the rookie going.
Justin Herbert’s hand
Herbert had additional X-rays done on his broken left hand after some swelling cropped up following some hits on Monday night, but also told the media that his hand is feeling better than before and that he’s regaining grip strength. Herbert was already able to go under center and stiff-arm defenders with the broken hand on Monday, one week after surgery, so his improving condition should create additional opportunities for the Chargers to execute offensively.
Cold weather
It’s expected to be in the low 20s in Kansas City on Sunday, the first time this season the Chargers have played a game colder than 45 degrees. That could lend itself to a more run-heavy game plan on both sides, where LA could have an advantage since Kansas City has struggled on the ground this season. The weather would also affect the kicking and punting game with a harder ball due to the cold, which could result in some high-impact special teams plays that could be the difference in what will likely be a tight matchup.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers vs. Chiefs: 5 biggest storylines ahead of Week 15 game
Reporting by Alex Katson, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
