While the Los Angeles Chargers (then playing in San Diego) struggled to the finish line last season, the Kansas City Chiefs were winning the AFC West division and priming themselves for a deep playoff run.
How much of that was dictated by the momentum of the season opener last year?
In that game, played at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chargers took a 21-3 lead into the half after dominating the Chiefs for 30 minutes. The second half was a completely different story.
The Chiefs managed to send the game into overtime where they won it on an Alex Smith touchdown run. The Chiefs then rode that momentum the rest of the year.
These teams meet in Week 3 this season and then again in Week 15. The first meeting will take place at the StubHub Center.
All-Time Series Record
Chiefs lead 58-55-1. Kansas City has won six games in a row against the Chargers, with the last win for the Chargers coming in overtime in a game in December 2013.
Kansas City Chiefs 2017 Draft
Round 1– Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas TechRound 2- Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE, VillanovaRound 3 – Kareem Hunt, RB, ToledoRound 4 – Jehu Chesson, WR, MichiganRound 5-Ukeme Eligwe, OLB, Ga. SouthernRound 6 – Leon McQuay III, S, USC
The Chiefs made some questionable draft picks, most notably the selection of the quarterback Mahomes in the first round. However, the Chargers should be prepared for Smith, especially in Week 3. If the Chiefs suffer through a tough season, then there’s a chance that Mahomes could be under center when the teams meet again in Week 15.
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Key Losses
Jeremy Maclin, WR: (Released, sign with Baltimore)
Jamaal Charles, RB: Signed with Denver
Dontari Poe, DT: Signed with Atlanta
Nick Foles, QB: Signed with Philadelphia
Jaye Howard, DT: Signed with Chicago
Knile Davis, RB: Signed with Pittsburgh
Key Additions
Bennie Logan, DT
C.J. Spiller, RB
Cam Thomas, DE
Gavin Escobar, TE
Kickoff
Week 3 (September 24, 2017): 1:25 p.m. PST in Los Angeles
Week 15 (December 16, 2017): 5:25 p.m. PST in Kansas City
The second game played between the two teams will be held as part of a double-header on a Saturday night.
Predictions
Can the Chargers snap their losing streak against the Chiefs this year? Let us know in the comment section below how you think the two games against Kansas City will go this year.