NFL Predictions WK 17: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

The San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs are fighting for playoff hopes.  What do the NFL predictions say for their Week 17 tilt?

Subplots:

Which injuries will have the greater impact?

Both teams come in with a chance to make the playoffs and both teams also come in really banged up.  The Chargers could be without starting running back Ryan Mathews and receiver Keenan Allen, two key playmakers for Philip Rivers in that offense.  As for the Chiefs, their quarterback Alex Smith is expected to sit out with a lacerated spleen suffered in the loss to Pittsburgh a week ago.  Neither situation is ideal and it will be which team adjusts the best to the losses that decides the outcome.

Key Matchups:

D.J. Fluker vs. Justin Houston

Rivers is a master at getting the ball out fast but even he can’t work any magic if he’s constantly under fire.  That is what the Chiefs defense with their swarming pass rush hope to do, aided by the raucous Arrowhead Stadium crowd.  The big matchup to watch will be star linebacker Justin Houston going against massive right tackle D.J. Fluker.  Pass blocking hasn’t been easy for Fluker all season, and he’s going against the top pass rusher in the league in Houston, who has 19 sacks.

Chargers linebackers vs. Travis Kelce

Kansas City on the other hand must rely on backup quarterback Chase Daniel, who goes against a solid pass defense in the Chargers.  One way he must look to attack it is down the middle of the field with his running backs but also breakout tight end Travis Kelce.  Head coach Andy Reid must look to get Kelce in matchup with the San Diego linebackers who have struggled at times in coverage.

Pick:  SD 21, KC 22