KC Chiefs vs. LA Chargers: NFL Week 18 Preview and Predictions
The Kansas City Chiefs are back in action, capping off their 2023-24 regular season against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Things have changed a bit since the last time these two squads faced off. Los Angeles is down its starting quarterback and its now-former head coach, whereas Kansas City doesn't have quite the same rosy outlook it did earlier in the season. Nevertheless, the Chiefs are using this weekend as an opportunity to rest some key players and get a look at others in advance of the postseason. The Chargers' offseason can't get here soon enough, although they'll always embrace the chance to take down one of their rivals.
How will Sunday's game unfold? The Arrowhead Report crew makes their predictions.
Some predictions, published in the morning, were made in anticipation of Travis Kelce being active. He's since been ruled out for Week 18.
Joshua Brisco: This is essentially a preseason game for the Chiefs, so I’ll predict the thing that matters: I think Travis Kelce will get to 1,000 yards. But either way, the story of this game for the Chiefs will be across the defensive line. Can first-round rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah show growth at the end of his quiet debut season? Will Neil Farrell or BJ Thompson show promise in their first meaningful snaps of their Chiefs careers? A few young players could strengthen their case for playing time in 2024, but the score will be secondary.
Prediction: Chiefs 16, Chargers 14
Jordan Foote: At the end of the day, the Chiefs and Chargers simply don't have a ton to play for this afternoon. With that said, it would be foolish to expect either side to mail it in against a bitter division rival. Easton Stick and company have a chip on their shoulder late in the season, and Kansas City's young players will be looking to earn every rep possible entering the postseason. Don't expect there to be a ton to take away from this one, but the Chiefs should be able to get the job done on the road and finish with a respectable 11-6 record on the year. Chiefs and the points here.
Prediction: Chiefs 21, Chargers 17
Mark Van Sickle: In the last few years, we all knew 'Henne-thing' was possible. Now we go insane for Blaine. Blaine Gabbert, specifically. He’s been a veteran journeyman quarterback for years and many Chiefs fans remember him fondly from his time at the University of Missouri. Today, he tries to lead the Chiefs to their 11th win. I’ll be looking to see if Travis Kelce and Chris Jones hit their receiving and sack milestones early and then hopefully we can see a solid effort from the next men up.
Prediction: Chiefs 17, Chargers 13
Zack Eisen: It is a “meaningless” game against the Chargers regarding playoff seeding, however, it's an excellent opportunity for some young players to show out with increased opportunity. Instead of living and dying with the result of every play, it’ll be nice to see the talent on the field from an evaluation standpoint. Hopefully Travis Kelce can get his 16 yards on the game’s first play, then sit and rest for Wild Card Weekend. The best thing Kansas City can hope for is a clean bill of health for all this week. Get rested and ready to play against whoever the opponent may be next weekend.
Prediction: Chiefs 17, Chargers 14
Conner Christopherson: This is a glorified preseason game. I don’t have much to look out for in this one other than Kelce getting his 16 yards to extend the 1,000-yard season streak. Other than Kelce, the only real interesting part of this game is seeing how a few young players play (Felix Anudike-Uzmoah being the primary player to pique my interest). Other than that, the only reason to truly tune in is football is about to be over; you might as well.
Prediction: Chiefs 20, Chargers 17
