KC Chiefs vs. LA Chargers: NFL Week 7 Preview and Predictions
The Kansas City Chiefs are back for their second home game in a row, and it just so happens to be their second straight outing against an AFC West opponent as well.
Coming into town are the Los Angeles Chargers, losers in Week 6 and owners of a 2-3 record on the year. Brandon Staley's squad has done the opposite of taking a step forward this season, instead continuing to get into close games and not finishing the job on numerous occasions. With that said, the struggles have been more on defense. Offensively, quarterback Justin Herbert remains one of the better signal-callers in the league and is always a threat to turn in a terrific performance.
For the Chiefs, a win on Sunday would mark their fourth consecutive victory over the Chargers and their sixth consecutive win of the 2023 campaign. A Week 7 triumph would also expand what's already a notable lead within the division. There's plenty to play for on both sides, which sets the table for an exciting afternoon matchup.
How will today's game unfold? The Arrowhead Report crew makes their predictions.
Joshua Brisco: The Chiefs and Chargers always keep it stressful, and I have no reason to believe that changes today. The Chiefs are the better team — especially with their defense continually proving to be legitimate — but LA’s pass-rushers vs. the Chiefs’ up-and-down tackle experience could be the edge the Chargers need. I’ll still take the Chiefs with a strong game from Travis Kelce and a few positive touches for Mecole Hardman in his return to KC.
Prediction: Chiefs 23, Chargers 20
Jordan Foote: As long as Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert make up the quarterback matchup, you can just about pencil in the Chiefs and Chargers for a relatively close game. The home team is facing a squad that is playing for the majority of its AFC West hopes in this one, which will make it a tough outing. Kansas City's defense provides a higher floor than in the past so even if Mahomes and company don't light the world on fire, they should be able to do enough to snag another win. The Chiefs secure No. 6 in a row and send the rest of the division a message on Sunday.
Prediction: Chiefs 27, Chargers 24
Mark Van Sickle: The games always seem to be close between the Chiefs and Chargers. Each game between Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert has been decided by less than a touchdown. Common sense would tell you to take the Chargers +5.5 in this matchup. However, it’s National Tight End Day and Travis Kelce is going to make his presence felt early and often, much like last week in a Chiefs win over the Broncos. It feels like it’s time for the Chiefs to turn some of those red zone trips into touchdowns, or just avert the red zone altogether and score on some big chunk plays against a Chargers defense that has not played well against the pass this season. Give me the Chiefs with their top five defense at home today!
Prediction: Chiefs 27, Chargers 17
Zack Eisen: After 10 days off, the Chiefs are finally back on the field, taking on the Chargers in Arrowhead. Los Angeles is pretty much playing for their season as they enter this week with a 2-3 record. Kansas City has to be prepared for the Chargers to do whatever it takes to win this game. The time off should have benefitted the Chiefs as time to self-scout. Hopefully, it will lead to some changes and improvements on the offensive side of the ball. The Chiefs' defense gets Charles Omenihu back, which should boost the pass rush, especially when he kicks inside next to Chris Jones. In all, Kansas City gets division wins in back-to-back weeks.
Prediction: Chiefs 31, Chargers 21
Conner Christopherson: The Chiefs' offense has been in the eye of scrutiny so far this season, and the reasons for it remain pretty palpable. Mahomes and the wide receivers are just not in sync. It is so bad the Chiefs made sure to trade for Mecole Hardman to reunite with the team. The issue this week for the Chiefs is that the Chargers' defense has, generally, played them tough. What will a game against the Chargers look like with the 2023 Chiefs offense? Isiah Pacheco probably has to be involved a good bit if the offense wants to move the ball today. The good news is the Chiefs' defense has been incredible to start the year and that should be enough to secure the win.
Prediction: Chiefs 26, Chargers 20
Marlow Ferguson Jr.: Rolling into this season, the Chargers would’ve been the team most equipped to challenge Kansas City atop the AFC West. With a win Sunday, the Chiefs could put an all-but-insurmountable four-and-a-half game cushion between them. The Chiefs, needless to say, are more talented, more healthy, and should benefit from the home-field advantage. These games tend to be close, but the Chargers’ secondary and run game provide one too many weaknesses to be trusted. Kansas City takes the win, but in competitive fashion.
Prediction: Chiefs 29, Chargers 21
