2016 NFL Season: Picking The Week One Winners
By Erik Lambert
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
The AFC West is going to be one of the most hotly contested divisions in the NFL this year. All four of its teams are capable of making the playoffs, and there is no doubt each of them know it. So games like this mean a lot. At the heart of the matter are the running backs. Both Melvin Gordon and Jamaal Charles finished last season on IR. One is trying to regain his old form while the other is hoping he gets better blocking so he can live up to his draft billing. Expect that to be a huge factor in how this contest plays out.
Notable Injuries:
Justin Houston (KC) – This is an easy one. Though it was expected, it’s still important to note what the loss of the All-Pro pass rusher means for the Chiefs. Defensively they have a lot of talent to lean on, but Houston was one of their keys. Tamba Hali is getting older and Dee Ford hasn’t yet proven he was worth the 1st round pick the team spent on him. Can they establish a rush without Houston for six weeks?
Key Matchup:
Matt Slauson vs. Dontari Poe
San Diego went out and signed veteran guard Matt Slauson for the express purpose of playing center, which has become a real sore spot on their offensive line. It’s hope he can help open up the ground game for Melvin Gordon. It will be a tall task in his first game going against Pro Bowl nose tackle Dontari Poe. He’s probably going to need help.
Prediction: Chiefs win 23-20
Next: BUF @ BAL