Chargers vs Chiefs TNF preview

Story posted September 15, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Sam Kirk

The Chargers and Chiefs clash this Thursday to kick off Week 2 of the NFL season. The Chargers are coming off a big win against the Raiders last week, while Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense proved they can still be dangerous without Tyreek Hill in a dominant victory.

Like the Raiders matchup, Thursday’s divisional game will be huge for Los Angeles. Kansas City will get its first home game against what is arguably its toughest opponent this season. This has all the makings of the game of the week.

Star pass rusher Khalil Mack had a terrific three sack debut for Los Angeles last week and looks to build on it Thursday. The Charger secondary also forced three interceptions without their best cornerback and key free agency signing, J.C. Jackson.

Playing in such a high-powered division like the AFC West, the Bolts knew they needed more elite talent to play alongside Joey Bosa. They got exactly that this offseason, making them one of the Super Bowl favorites in 2022.

Quarterback Justin Herbert will be without his top wideout in Kansas City, as the Chargers lost receiver Keenan Allen to a hamstring injury last week. The Bolts still have enough talent on offense to win this game, though. Herbert threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns while targeting 11 different receivers against the Raiders.

If the Chargers continue to get production from so many players on offense, they will be one of the hardest offenses to prepare for in the NFL. Herbert can elevate those around him, which is part of the reason why his team is favored heading into Arrowhead Stadium.

The Kansas City Chief team that was on the field in Arizona Sunday might have looked better than any offensive performance the team had last season, save for their historic shootout against the Bills. After the departure of their most explosive weapon in Hill, many expected this team to struggle. The offense on Sunday looked as smooth as it can get,  dominating a potential playoff team on the road.

Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has had ups and downs early in his career, hauled in two touchdown passes from Mahomes. Tight end Travis Kelce, after a “down year” last year,  looked dominant Sunday, surpassing 100 yards and scoring a touchdown on eight catches.

The Chiefs defense was record-breakingly bad last season, which led to regular season struggles. The Cardinal offense, with the elusive Kyler Murray leading the way, was no doubt a test for Kansas City and they answered the bell. Steve Spagnuolo’s experience as a defensive coordinator had this young unit ready on Sunday.

Free agent signee Carlos Dunlap and rookie George Karlaftis give this unit more talent than it had last year. This defense isn’t worth raving about, but unlike last year’s, it won’t break as much as it did. Without Allen on offense for the Chargers, look for the Chiefs to keep it close and steal a home game late in this matchup.


Sam Kirk is a broadcast journalism major at Penn State. To contact Sam, email sjk6325@psu.edu.