Chiefs at Chargers
THE STORY: The Kansas City Chiefs have lost three key players in three consecutive weeks – all with season-ending left ACL injuries. Don’t expect the San Diego Chargers to feel sorry for them, though. The Chargers, coming off a four-turnover performance against the New England Patriots, host the Chiefs on Sunday. The absence of tight end Tony Moeaki and a pair of pro bowlers – safety Eric Berry and running back Jamaal Charles – will make for a difficult season in Kansas City. Thanks in part to the Chiefs’ woes, the Chargers should have a clear path to regaining their perch atop the AFC West.
TV: CBS, 4:05 p.m. ET. LINE: Chargers -14.5, O/U 45
ABOUT THE CHARGERS (1-1): Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates did not have a reception for the first time in 34 games in San Diego’s 35-21 loss at New England last week. Philip Rivers threw in his direction only twice as the Patriots employed one or two defensive backs on him for most of the game. Gates did not practice Wednesday (foot) and neither did wide receiver Malcom Floyd (groin). Rivers is 33-8 as a starter at home with 66 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. In his past six games overall against the Chiefs, Rivers has completed 68.3 of his passes with 13 TDs and four interceptions en route to a 5-1 record. The Chargers won four straight West titles before the Chiefs dethroned them in 2010.
ABOUT THE CHIEFS (0-2): The poor play of quarterback Matt Cassel, and growing tension between general manager Scott Pioli and coach Todd Haley, are two more big problems in Kansas City. Thomas Jones, arguably the best backup running back in the NFL, will take over for Charles. But at age 33, the Chiefs must be careful not to overwork him. Dexter McCluster will also see more time in the backfield. Cassel has throw for 256 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions this season. Cassel averaged 207.7 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2010.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. The Chiefs have lost four straight and have been outscored 130-27 in those games, including 89-10 this season. They have suffered their worst season-opening loss (41-7 to Buffalo) and matched the worst loss in franchise history (48-3 at Detroit) in 2011.
2. The Chargers have started their last four seasons 2-3, but with Miami coming to town in Week 4, that streak appears in jeopardy.
3. Gates needs five catches to surpass Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow (541) for second-most in team history (Charlie Joiner, 586).