Los Angeles and Kansas City will both be looking to build on impressive season-opening victories when they square off in an important AFC West matchup on Thursday night. The Chargers took care of business at home against the Raiders on Sunday, while the Chiefs blew out the Cardinals on the road. These teams split their regular-season series last year.
Los Angeles is hoping to be a sneaky Super Bowl contender this season, which could start with a statement win on Thursday night. The Chargers lost three of their final four games last season, narrowly missing the playoffs with a 9-8 record. They are expected to have one of the league’s top offenses this year, though, led by quarterback Justin Herbert. He led the team to a 24-19 win over the Raiders on Sunday, helping the Chargers get off to a 1-0 start to the season. Los Angeles ranked fourth in the NFL in yards per game last year (390.2). They jumped out to a 17-3 lead and held a 24-10 advantage in the third quarter before hanging on down the stretch.
there are only 52 men safe from joey bosa pic.twitter.com/RYZKt2qCbS
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 12, 2022
Herbert completed 26 of 34 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns, and he also avoided throwing an interception. Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen was his top target, catching four passes for 66 yards. Wide receiver DeAndre Carter raised eyebrows with three receptions for 64 yards, while tight end Gerald Everett had three catches for 54 yards—Carter and Everett both caught touchdowns. Running back Austin Ekeler got off to a disappointing start, rushing 14 times for just 36 yards. He was one of the first players selected in most fantasy football drafts, so he should have a better effort on Thursday. Ekeler and the Chargers are facing a Kansas City defense that ranked No. 27 in the NFL last year, allowing 251.4 yards per game. The Chiefs ranked sixth in the league in Week 1 heading into Monday’s game.