The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, and have a chance to take over first place in the AFC West with a win in Week 15. They will hit the road for a critical showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in a game that could help one of these teams make the playoffs and could make it tough for the other to reach the postseason.
Both teams are 7-6 on the year but Los Angeles has looked like the better team of late. Kansas City has the benefit of the home field advantage and this is setting up to be an intriguing matchup. The Chargers seem like the best team in the division but a loss in this one will put them on their heels once again.
The Chiefs looked like one of the best teams in football during the first month of the season but could be in real danger of missing the postseason if they can’t defend their home turf in this one.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 15 game is set for Saturday, September 16, 2016, at 8:25 p.m. ET at Arrowhead Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Los Angeles Chargers +1
Kansas City Chiefs -1
Over/Under 46
Odds Analysis
The Chargers are slight underdogs because of the location, and it’s understandable why the Chiefs would indeed be the favorites. However, Los Angeles is playing really well and more than 59 percent of the money is on it to cover this spread.
The scoring total is higher than most games as there are some big-time playmakers in this game that can score quickly. Each side has taken about half of the money early on, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the “over” start getting more action.
Key Stat
4. That’s how many games the Chargers have made up on the Chiefs in the past eight games of the season. Los Angeles has been really impressive over that timespan, winning six games. Kansas City, meanwhile, has fallen back with six losses in eight games.
The Chiefs looked like they were going to run away and hide with this division because everyone else was underachieving early on. The Chargers were at the top of that list because of an 0-4 start that made it seem like they were headed toward another season of watching the playoffs from home.
While the Broncos and Raiders have continued to underwhelm, Los Angeles has been able to turn it up. This is a critical game on the schedule because Kansas City won the first matchup, which basically means another win would be the equivalent of a two-game advantage with only two to play.
Injury Report
Tamba Hali — The Kansas City linebacker was active in Sunday’s win over the Raiders. He had missed two of the previous three games with a chronic knee injury, and it is something to watch heading into this one. He is no longer the same standout he used to be, but Hali can be useful in doses.
Russell Okung — The Chargers’ offensive tackle injured his knee on Sunday against the Redskins and left the game but did return. He is an important piece of the puzzle in keeping quarterback Philip Rivers upright, so keep an eye on the injury. But it does seem likely he plays in this matchup.
Free ATS Pick
The Chiefs are a solid team playing at home, so it is hard to dismiss their chances in this one. However, the Chargers have found a fantastic groove and are the more well-rounded team. Rivers has the offense moving along while Joey Bosa and Casey Hayward lead a defense that has really improved.
The Chiefs don’t have enough firepower on offense to keep up in this matchup. The Chargers are the pick to both win this game and cover the spread. They will gain sole possession of the divisional lead and not look back the rest of the way.
NFL Odds: Chargers 27, Chiefs 23
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
