Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers, Estadio Azteca – Mexico City, 8:15 PM, ESPN (Chargers +6.5, O/U: 52.5)
Patrick Mahomes showed up in his first game back from a dislocated knee cap, with a 400+ yard performance. Despite his big performance, the defense couldn’t hold up their end of the bargain and they gave up well over 200 yards of rushing, which has been a huge weak spot for the defense. Henry is good but Melvin Gordon is better. The Chiefs managed to survive those 2 weeks while Mahomes was missing and walked away with a 1-1 record, nearly beating the Packers but beating the Vikings, 2 quality opponents. The Chiefs will get back some key offensive lineman for the game so expect them to utilize the running game a bit even without McCoy being held from making the trip for some load management reason Andy Reid gave but most likely due to his fumbling issues.
Melvin Gordon paired with Austin Ekeler who has similar numbers as Gordon, will be the Chargers key offensively, to putting points on the board and keeping drives long which will in turn keep Mahomes on the sideline. The Chargers spent the week in the Rockies to get ready to play in the elevation of Mexico City, something the Belichick had done in the past to get ready for a game in Mexico’s high altitude. Rookie Justin Jackson adds a speed back change of pace as he is averaging over 7 yards per carry when he gets touches. Phillip Rivers has to overcome the 3 picks he threw last week (to move to 3rd in the league in interceptions) to get a gritty win over the Chiefs this week. Rivers however, is third in the league in passing yards and has nearly 2,300 yards spread between Allen, Williams, Ekeler and Henry (who missed 4 weeks due to injury). Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram must keep their eyes on Mahomes at all times as he’s squirrely and can run and since he’s stated that he feels like he felt in week 1, he’s not hampered by the sprained ankle or the knee.
Take the Chiefs to win but the Chargers to cover in the over, Chiefs 31-27.
Don’t forget, Colin Cowherd took the Chargers in his Blazin’ 5.
Necessary Roughness 