Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs: 9/26/21 NFL Picks and Prediction
The Los Angeles Chargers will travel to GEHA Field at Arrowhead to take on the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday afternoon in NFL action.
The Los Angeles Chargers dropped to 1-1 on the season after being defeated by the Dallas Cowboys, 20-17, this past Sunday. Los Angeles was able to tie the game up late, however, Dallas was able to pick up the win after Greg Zuerlein hit a game-winning 56-yard FG as time expired. Los Angeles was outgained by Dallas by a 419-408 margin and lost the turnover battle by a 2-1 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Chargers was QB Justin Herbert who completed 31 of 41 passes for 338 yards, 1 TD, & 2 INT.
On the season, Los Angeles is averaging 18.5 ppg on 430.0 total yards per game (337.5 passing yds/g; 92.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Los Angeles has been led by QB Justin Herbert who has completed 70.5% of his passes for 675 yards, 2 TD, & 3 INT. The top receiving threats for Herbert and the Chargers have been Keenan Allen (13 rec, 208 yards), Mike Williams (15 rec, 173 yards, 2 TD), & Jared Cook (8 rec, 84 yards). Leading the way for the Chargers backfield has been Austin Ekeler who has 111 rushing yards & 1 TD on 24 carries while also hauling in 9 receptions for 61 yards.
Defensively, Los Angeles is holding their opponents to an average of 18.0 ppg on 348.0 total yards per game (186.0 passing yds/g; 162.0 rushing yds/g).
The Kansas City Chiefs dropped to 1-1 on the season after being defeated by the Baltimore Ravens, 36-35, this past Sunday. Kansas City held a 35-24 lead going into the 4th quarter, however, the Ravens had no answers for Lamar Jackson in the 4th quarter and couldn’t fight back after a 1-yard TD run by Jackson gave Baltimore the lead for good with 3:14 left in the 4th quarter. Kansas City was outgained by Baltimore by a 481-405 margin and committed 2 turnovers in the loss. Leading the way for the Chiefs was QB Patrick Mahomes who completed 24 of 31 passes of 343 yards, 3 TD, & 1 INT.
On the season, Kansas City is averaging 34.0 ppg on 407.5 total yards per game (340.0 passing yds/g; 67.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Kansas City has been led by QB Patrick Mahomes who has completed 76.1% of his passes for 680 yards, 6 TD, & 1 INT. The top receiving threats for the Chiefs have been Tyreek Hill (14 rec, 211 yards, TD), Travis Kelce (13 rec, 185 yards, 3 TD), Mecole Hardman (8 rec, 74 yards). Leading the way for the Chiefs backfield has been Clyde Edwards-Helaire who has 89 rushing yards on 27 carries.
Defensively, Kansas City is allowing their opponents to average 32.5 ppg on 482.0 total yards per game (280.0 passing yds/g; 202.0 rushing yds/g).
The Chargers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall and 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 road games. The Chiefs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss, however, just 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games as a favorite.
Kansas City has arguably the most explosive offensive in the NFL, however, the Chiefs have to be a bit concerned about their defense that had no answers for either the Browns or Ravens this season. Los Angeles hasn’t been able to put many points on the board this season, however, they have a talented QB in Justin Herbert to go with talent at the impact positions, and between the fact that the Chargers defense is above average and that I think they will be able to keep this game close, I think the play in this one is to take Los Angeles and the points. Good Luck!
AUTHOR: Brett Nault

Follow Brett Nault on Twitter @BrettCU05