Here is who national experts predict will win LA Chargers at KC Chiefs game
Chargers defensive lineman Khalil Mack told reporters this week he was pleased with how the defense played against Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes when the teams met in September.
Well, initially.
“There’s a few things we took away from that but ultimately you want to do more to affect him,” Mack said. “Yeah, there’s a lot of things that we did that were pretty solid. Just not knowing who is going to be a part of that O-line group this week. I know you got 64 (Wanya Morris) and then I heard something about the Humphries guy. Just not really knowing what the plan is for them. ... I’m just looking forward to the challenge.”
That’s D.J. Humphries, who signed with the Chiefs last month. He might make his first start in the “Sunday Night Football” game. If so, it’ll be his first action since last year when he suffered an ACL injury.
“I think I played against him probably a few times but not a lot,” Mack said. “I know he’s coming off a big injury from last year, but I’m not sure what I’m going to get.”
Stopping Mack and his defensive comrades will be something to watch Sunday. Here is who 70 experts are picking in the game, which starts at 7:20 p.m. and is being broadcast on KHSB (Ch. 41).
A 20-18 Chiefs victory is the prediction from the Denver Post’s Matt Schubert. This is from his story: “How long can Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs keep dodging bullets? A week ago, it was the Raiders’ turn to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, with Las Vegas botching a snap well within range of a game-winning field goal attempt in the closing moments of their Black Friday showdown at Arrowhead. Now it’s the Chargers’ turn to find a way to squander a sure-fire win. And if there’s any franchise that knows how to do that, it’s the Bolts.”
A 21-20 Chargers win is the prediction from Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times. Here is what he wrote: “The Chiefs haven’t looked like the Chiefs lately, and could easily have lost any of the last four games they won. The Chargers have been sharp on defense and tend to play tough at Kansas City.”
The Chiefs will prevail 23-17, says the Sporting News’ Bill Bender. Here is part of what he wrote: “The Chiefs’ charmed season continues no matter how many injuries or officiating controversies pop up. Kansas City beat Los Angeles 17-10 by limiting the Chargers to 55 rushing yards. Gus Edwards and Kimani Vidal must have success on the ground for Los Angeles against Kansas City’s third-ranked run defense. Isiah Pacheco is settling back in for Kansas City, and he is the X-factor in this against the Chargers.”
A 23-22 Chiefs victory is the prediction from the Associated Press’ Rob Maaddi. Here is an excerpt from his story: “Jim Harbaugh has built a tough, physical team that’s in position to make the playoffs. The two-time defending champion Chiefs are barely winning games, with five going down to the final play. They should’ve lost last week but the Raiders botched the clock. Justin Herbert and the rest of Los Angeles’ offense need to get on track after winning a game without an offensive TD.”
The Chiefs are the pick for six of seven writers at the Athletic: Chad Graf, Larry Holder, Josiah Turner, Josh Kendall, Tashan Reed and Ben Standig. Picking the Chargers: Nick Kosmider. This is a snippet of Adam Gretz’s story: “The Chiefs are clearly good. There is also a definite element of luck in some of those games. They are only 2-4 against the spread at home this season and 5-7 overall. The Chargers are going to pose a serious challenge on Sunday with a defense coming off a four-interception performance a week ago. The Chargers D ranks first in the NFL in points allowed per game (just 15.7 this season). The defensive turnaround in one year under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh is one of the most stunning developments in the league this season.”
Picking the Chiefs are the six of seven USA Today writers: Jarrett Bell (27-24 final score), Chris Bumbaca (23-20), Nate Davis (23-20), Tyler Dragon (25-20), Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (17-10) and Richard Morin (23-20). Going with LA: Lorenzo Reyes (25-23). This is what Morin wrote: “This is undoubtedly the best matchup of the week. I think it stays close, but we all know how the Chiefs perform in prime time.”
Taking the Chiefs are five writers at NFL.com: Ali Bhanpuri (23-18 final score), Brooke Cersosimo (27-24), Dan Parr (25-18), Gennaro Filice (24-17) and Tom Blair (22-20). Here is part of what Cersosimo wrote: “The loss of J.K. Dobbins feels huge, as the veteran back has a 15.2 explosive run rate (runs of 10-plus yards) this season, second to only Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs (17.8), per Next Gen Stats. Without him, the Chargers need their offensive playmakers to show up; they can’t afford a repeat of last week because, well, the Chiefs are not the Falcons. Yes, even though the back-to-back reigning champs are flirting with Ls on a regular basis this season — a weird feeling in the Mahomes era — with nine comeback wins and nine one-possession wins.”
The Chiefs are the pick for all eight writers at CBS Sports: Pete Prisco, Will Brinson, Ryan Wilson, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, John Breech, Jared Dubin and Tyler Sullivan. Prisco predicts a 27-21 score. Here is part of what he wrote: “The Chargers are playing consecutive road games against a team with added rest. Advantage to the Chiefs. The Chiefs have won a lot of close games and I think they will win another here as Patrick Mahomes gets the best of the Chargers defense.”
The Chiefs are the pick for eight of 11 ESPN writers: Stephania Bell, Mike Clay, Kimberly Martin, Jason Reid, Lindsey Thiry, Matt Bowen, Dan Graziano and Seth Wickersham. Taking the Chargers are Jeremy Fowler, Kalyn Kahler and Moses Moody.
The Chargers are the choice for three of four ESPN broadcasters.
Picking the Chiefs are three of the six Sports Illustrated writers: Gilberto Manzano, John Pluym and Matt Verderame. Going with the Chargers: Albert Breer, Mitch Goldich and Conor Orr.
It’s a split decision from the Pro Football Talk writers, too. Mike Florio picked the Chiefs (17-16 final score), while Chris Simms is going with the Bolts (24-20).
Also split are the six SB Nation writers. Taking the Chiefs are James Dator, Brandon Lee Bowton and Jared Mueller. Going with LA are J.P. Acosta, Mark Schofield and Matt Warren
The Chiefs will win, say nine of 10 Dallas Morning-News members: Joey Hayden, Kevin Sherrington, Abraham Nudelstejer, Craig Miller, Calvin Watkins, David Moore, Dana Larson, Damon Marx and Newy Scruggs. Picking the Chargers is Tim Cowlishaw.
This story was originally published December 8, 2024 at 6:04 AM.
