Chiefs-Chargers players to watch Sunday at Arrowhead: Running backs and safeties
There will be plenty of playmakers on both sides of the ball when the Chiefs meet the Chargers Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. Each team has a an impact safety and a running back who doubles as a pass receiver.
Chargers safety Derwin James
How might the Chargers’ season have unfolded had James been healthier? He missed the first 11 games with a broken foot, including the first meeting with the Chiefs. Since his return, James, an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection last season, has been terrific. The Chargers have lined him up in different positions and he’s come up with 26 tackles, including three for losses, and a pass defended.
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler
The Chargers’ most consistent performer on offense this season, Ekeler has posted 950 yards receiving and 511 rushing. His receiving yardage tops all NFL running backs. He has 11 touchdowns, eight receiving. Earlier this month against Jacksonville, Ekeler topped 100 yards rushing and 100 yards passing in a game. He’s had a game this season where he logged 18 rushing attempts and another in which he was targeted as a receiver 16 times.
Chiefs running back Damien Williams
It was this time a year ago that Williams took over as the team’s top running back, and he excelled down the stretch and into the postseason. Williams returned last weekend after a four-game absence and was productive, with 65 yards on 16 attempts and three receptions. He played 53 percent of the Chiefs’ snaps. He also caught a touchdown pass and is the team’s top running back in the screen game. The depth chart: Williams, LeSean McCoy and Darwin Thompson.
Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu
When isn’t he a defensive player to watch? Mathieu can put the finishing touch on a terrific first regular season with the Chiefs with a big game Sunday. In this year’s first meeting between these teams, Mathieu came up with an interception and 35-yard return to set up the Chiefs’ first touchdown. A case can be made for Mathieu as the Chiefs’ most valuable player.