“Who’s Hot—Who’s Not—Who Wins”

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CHARGERS-CHIEFS..How much fun will this Thursday night game be? Justin Herbert, much like Philip Rivers, has no fear of playing at Arrowhead Stadium. Herbert is (2-0) there and has not made mistakes, self destructed, or gotten rattled

Coach Brandon Staley is so refreshing to be around. Answers questions, expands on philosophies, gives you great comparison answers. A truly breath of fresh air compared to virtually every other control freak football coach I have dealt with.

Challenging time now, for one of the young Bolts receivers to step up to replace the injured Keenan Allen. It likely might be Josh Palmer, in his second year, or could be third year guy Jaylon Guyton. Will DeAndre Carter produced again this week like the 3-catches he made last week?

A big need to get more out of the run game, from both Austin Ekeler and Sony Michel. Being able to power the ball means they will get more 1-on-1 matchups on pass routes.

We saw Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack crush offensive tackles last week against a subpar front the Raiders had, but now they face a mobile Patrick Mahomes, meaning they may have to spy him in the backfield. Will be interested to see how Chiefs OT-Orlando Brown holds up with the fierce pass rush.

Linebackers face an enormous challenge, having to deal with Travis Kelce and the horde of running backs Mahomes can throw too.

A young secondary, likely still without hi priced CB-JC Jackson will have its hands full, not just with Kelce but with JuJu Schuster-Smith and Marquez Scantling and young veteran Mecole Hardman.. KC may not have Tyreek Hill but they have alot of guys who can run

Like playing ‘Where’s Waldo’…this is what it’s going to be for S-Derwin James. He may have had 5-different roles last weekend against the Raiders, but his job is Travis Kelce-here-there-everywhere. This will be fun to watch.

CHIEFS….Pick a stat, and they are impressive. Patrick Mahomes coming off a 360-yard-5TD pass day in Arizona.

Mahomes is (6-1) against the Chargers in his career.

The Chiefs QB is (32-8) in games at Arrowhead.

His career record is (59-16) as a starter.

Andy Reid, architect of all this, is (104-42) as head coach in Kansas City.

In 10-years, the Chiefs, he has put the team in the playoffs 8-times. They have won the AFC West 6-time;s. They have played in 4-AFC-championship games. Been to the Super Bowl twice, Won the ring once.

It may be as loud at Arrowhead as it was in Seattle for the Monday Night war between the Seahawks and Broncos.

KEYS TO THE GAME: Herbert needs to spray the ball to Mike Williams and DeAngre Carter and Josh Palmer.

Throw the ball to Ekeler out of the backfield.

Go hurry up to keep the Chiefs defense on the field

The Bolts defensive front needs o crush the run game inside and allow Bosa-Mack to explode off the edge.

The huge issue will be a young Chargers secondary having to defend all the KC-firepower. Last week all they had to deal with was Davante Adams and they gave up 10-catches to him. They have to hold up against the size and speed KC has coming off the line of scrimmage, and cope with Kelce too. Add in Mahomes ability to move the pocket and throw on the run..

An unsung hero could be Dustin Hopkins, who has been gold kicking for the Bolts. The Chiefs won’t have Harrison Butker, out with an ankle injury, so there is a Bolts edge there.

Who wins. a shotout likely, but Bolts cannot afford to fall behind Kansas City. The Chiefs have a luxury, even if trailing on the scoreboard. They are at home and that is worth alot if they get momentum rolling.

Final score: Chiefs 31-Chargers 29.

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