Arrowhead Report

Where Chiefs Defense Must Step Up Against Chargers

The Kansas City Chiefs have a chance to keep their slim playoff chances alive today against their AFC West rival, the Los Angeles Chargers.
Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-Imagn Images | Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

In this story:


If the Kansas City Chiefs want to keep their slim playoff chances alive this season, they are going to have to pull off this game today against their AFC West rival, the Los Angeles Chargers.

It is not going to be easy, and these games are always the hardest ones because this division is always battling it out with each other. The Chiefs come into this game under .500 and looking to win and at least spoil the Chargers' good season. The Chiefs are looking to end their losing streak.

The Chargers got the best of the Chiefs in Week 1, when they played in Brazil. That one was a close battle as well, and do not expect anything different in this one. The Chiefs will have their chance to win this game, but if they want to do that, they will need to execute more on both sides of the ball and limit the turnovers.

They will also have to come up with key plays and make the plays when they have the chance to. Last week, we saw a lot of plays that usually get made, not being made.

v
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Corinthians Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images | Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images

Chiefs Defense Must Step UP Against Chargers

The Chiefs will win this game if the defense plays the way we are used to seeing at this time of the season. It is not going to be easy because of the quarterback they are facing in Justin Herbert, but he is a little banged up, and the Chiefs could get to him and make him feel uncomfortable all game long. The Chiefs' defense has to make him feel the pressure and keep the pressure on him. Do not let him settle in and make sure when he does go down, that it is not easy.

The front four of the Chiefs will play a major role. We know what star defensive tackle Chris Jones is going to give this Chiefs defense. Another defensive player on the line must step up and get after the Chargers' offense as well. It cannot be a one-man show or blitzing by sending more than five at a time. If they could mix it up and pressure with four, then that opens more for Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

k
Nov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo on the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Settling up the offense would be something this Chiefs would want to do today. Causing turnovers will give them a great chance to win this game. And we seen over the last few weeks, that the Charger are turning over the ball.

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Kansas City Chiefs when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news.  SIGN UP HERE NOW.

Chiefs Kingdom, OnSI welcomes you to the Internet’s No. 1 destination for in-depth info, always free; the best way to get it is to follow @KCChiefsOnSI@ZakSGilbert and @Domminchellaon X (Twitter). And join the conversation by visiting our Facebook page (here)


Published
Michael Canelo
MICHAEL CANELO

Michael Canel is a breaking news beat writer for various team sites across the On SI platform, focusing on both college and professional sports. A graduate of Fresno State University, he has transformed his passion for sports into a career, covering the latest breaking news with years of expertise and the enthusiasm of a devoted fan.