The Kansas City Chiefs (8-7) lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 16. The Chiefs have a slim chance at making the playoffs and would need a lot of help. First, they would need to beat the Chargers, and then they would also need Baltimore and Houston to lose. The odds are not great, but the Chiefs still have something to play for.

The San Diego Chargers (9-6) had an amazing come from behind victory against the 49ers in week 16. The 49ers led by as many as 21 points on multiple occasions in the game before Phillip Rivers led an aerial assault against the 49ers defense. The Chargers never had a lead the entire game, but managed to force overtime in the last-minute of regulation. In overtime, a special-teams fumble by the 49ers return man resulted in a change of possession that set up the game winning field goal. It was a magnificent comeback by the Chargers. All they need now is a win this week to punch their playoff ticket.

Chiefs Vs Chargers Week 17 Odds

Here are the odds from Betonline.ag

Chargers pk (-110)
Chiefs pk (-110)

Over/Under 40.5

Team Breakdowns

Chiefs: The offense will be without starting quarterback Alex Smith. Earlier Friday afternoon the Chiefs revealed that Smith has a lacerated spleen. Back-up quarterback, Chase Daniel, will start in place of Smith. Daniel played last season in week 17, coincidentally, against the Chargers. He played well, however; he now has a short week to prepare. The Chiefs are just four quarters away from going an entire season without an offensive passing-touchdown to a wide-receiver. The Chiefs will need to rely heavily on their running game. Against the Steelers, Jamaal Charles rushed for 29 yards on only nine carries. Charles will need to see an increased workload this week to overcome the loss of Alex Smith.

Chargers: After last week’s heroic performance, Phillip Rivers is one win away from returning to the playoffs. He has battled a back injury for that last few weeks, but his performance on the field has not suffered. Last week, Rivers threw for 356 yards and four touchdowns. Rivers also threw three interceptions in the game. With a trip to the playoffs on the line, Rivers must take care of the football. The Chargers running game is still not reliable. Without a true number one running option, the weight of the offense again falls on Rivers’ shoulders. Against the 49ers, Rivers took advantage of the middle of the field and connected with Antonio Gates for two touchdowns. Rivers is going to have to rely on Gates for the rest of the season and into the playoffs. Gates is a true mismatch on the goal-line and down the middle of the field. Rivers excels at spreading the ball out to his outside receivers and he will need to continue this without an adequate rushing attack.

Free Pick

The Chiefs will be at a disadvantage without starting quarterback Alex Smith under center. The Chiefs have a great rushing attack, but their biggest weakness is Andy Reid’s refusal to hand Charles the ball. Expect Reid to call a heavy dose of runs early in the game. The Chargers need to sellout and stop the run. Their run defense is their biggest weakness and against the 49ers in week 16, the Chargers gave up 355 yards on the ground. The Chargers need to find a way to contain Charles on the ground. The biggest difference maker in this game is Phillip Rivers. If Rivers can protect the football and force the Chiefs into a shootout, then the Chargers will pull off the upset. Expect Rivers to have another gutsy performance and the Chargers to earn a playoff spot.

San Diego Chargers 33 Kansas City Chiefs 17

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