Chiefs Week 11 Game Preview

The Chargers revitalized run game will be a huge factor in this game. The Chiefs run defense ranks 30th in yards per carry and 31st in yards per game. The defense has given up 100 yards to five different rushers.

The Passing Attack

Patrick Mahomes will need another 300+ yard day for the team to win. The Chargers are among the league’s worst against quarterbacks in completion percentage (31st), passer rating (25th), and yards per attempt (25th). The issue with the passing game as a whole the last couple of weeks has been their inability to get the ball in the end zone. Last week, they were forced to attempt five field goals. That has to change. Mahomes and the receivers have to carry this team and settling for field goals won’t do it.

The Runningback Committee

LeSean McCoy returns this week, so the committee with Damien Williams will be back in full force. The Chargers have given up the eighth-most rushing yards and the sixth-most receiving yards to opposing runningbacks. Andy Reid needs to use that to his advantage. The Chargers have a fierce pass rush, so by running the ball, the Chiefs could help neutralize Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Damien Williams will remain the main back while McCoy comes in as a change of pace back. Together, they need to have 25 touches to help slow down the pass rush and to help keep their own defense fresh.

The Receiving Threats

Tyreek Hill continues to be a dominant wide receiver. Since his return from injury, Hill ranks in the top two in yards and touchdowns. This week will be no different for him as he faces a weak secondary. Sammy Watkins is deadly over the middle of the field and is among the best in contested catches. Demarcus Robinson likely won’t be a big factor in the game but will receive a few targets. Mecole Hardman is one of the biggest boom or bust players in the league. He has a floor of zero catches, but with his blazing speed, it only takes one catch for him to have 50+ yards and a touchdown. The Chargers defense is middle of the pack against tight ends. Travis Kelce won’t take the game over, but he won’t be shut down either.

Defensively

Philip Rivers leads the league in passing, but the Chiefs are sneaky good against the pass. The Chargers will focus on the run game, so Rivers shouldn’t do too much damage. Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler, on the other hand, are in line for a big day. The Chargers have rushed for over 145 yards in their previous two games. It looks like that streak will continue. Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi have to fill up run lanes with their size. If the front seven gives up another big performance to a runningback, the Chargers will be able to wear down the defense and grind clock. The Chiefs cannot allow another opponent to run all over them and give up the upset.

Keys to Victory

1. Slow down Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler
2. Don’t settle for FGs
3. Get out to an early lead and force the Chargers to throw the ball

X-Factor: Chris Jones

The Chargers have a weak offensive line, so if Chris Jones can take advantage of that and wreak havoc not only in the passing game but the run game as well, the defense will have a chance.

Predictions

• Chiefs -4
• Over 58
• Chiefs 31-Chargers 27

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