Chiefs aim to stay unbeaten against winless Chargers in Week 6
Kansas City will rely on its young receivers and increased pass rush to secure a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, who enter the game winless at 0-5.
Kansas City (4-0) hosts the Los Angeles Chargers (0-5) on Sunday in a divisional matchup. The Chiefs will be without wide receivers Rashee Rice, who missed two practices with hamstring and knee issues, and Tyquan Thornton, who is out after an ankle dislocation. The injuries increase the responsibility of younger pass-catchers Xavier Worthy, Jalen Royals and Cyrus Allen.
Offensively, quarterback Patrick Mahomes will need reliable targets as the Chargers are expected to focus on pressuring the quarterback and limiting the run of Kenneth Walker III. Tight end Travis Kelce, who saw limited usage in the previous game, is projected to play a larger role, especially with Chargers safety Derwin James sidelined.
Defensively, the Chiefs have recorded only four sacks, the fewest in the league, and aim to improve that figure against a Chargers offensive line dealing with injuries to starters Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt and Kayode Awosika. Defensive linemen Chris Jones and George Karlaftis are expected to increase pressure on quarterback Justin Herbert, who has already been sacked 17 times this season.
Coaches are emphasizing the need for consistent aggression throughout the game, warning against complacency despite the Chiefs' unbeaten record and home-field advantage. The outcome will hinge on the performance of the Chiefs' young receivers, Kelce's involvement in the middle of the field, and the defensive front's ability to convert pressures into sacks.