SPOILER: Predictions for Chargers’ rivalry game vs. Chiefs
By Anthony Totri
All that can be said about the Chargers’ Week 2 performance is … yikes. This team continues to move in the wrong direction with an 0-2 start. Despite two heart-crushing losses, it’s still time to make some predictions. Total on the year: 0-8.
This week the Chargers remain at home to play the Kansas City Chiefs (2-0). Although this matchup is always a good fight, this time around could be a complete meltdown for the Bolts. Let me tell you why:
Prediction One: Younghoe Koo will miss two more field goals
Nothing against Koo, but when you get paid to kick a football and can’t do it, it’s time to be fired.
The Chargers will likely have a tough time moving up and down the field against a stingy Chiefs’ defense. As a unit, the Chiefs have only given up two passing touchdowns, mind you they’ve played Tom Brady and Carson Wentz.
Therefore, Koo will be put in more situations where he’ll have to do his job, but fans have seen over the last few weeks that he isn’t capable.
After Koo misses two more kicks this week, he should be on his way out of the Chargers’ locker room for good.
Prediction Two: Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt rushes for 125+ yds and 2 TDs
This Hunt kid has come out of nowhere and absolutely shocked NFL fans everywhere.
His speed and ability to keep his feet chopping while defenders pile on his back is incredible for a tailback of his size and pro experience.
So far he’s rushed for 229 yards and three touchdowns and has two receiving touchdowns to go with that. Despite giving up only one rushing score in two weeks, the Chargers are surrendering 125.5 rush yards per game.
Hunt has put his name on the map, and this week he faces a relatively weak Chargers’ run defense. Bolts fans might want to close their eyes when the Chiefs’ leading back has the ball.
Prediction Three: Chargers’ defense sacks Alex Smith at least four times
The whole Melvin Ingram sack prediction clearly didn’t work out last week. However, I was taught to never quit.
Joey Bosa and Ingram present a pass-rush duo unlike any in the league. Two dynamic playmakers that can lineup anywhere on the defensive line and get to the quarterback.
If there is one aspect of the Chiefs’ offense that can be exploited, it’s their offensive line’s pass protection. They’ve given up seven sacks in two games to teams that don’t even compare to the Bolts when it comes to pass rushing.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley should let Bosa and Ingram feast on the Chiefs’ weakest offensive piece.
Prediction Four: Hunter Henry has 80+ receiving yards and two touchdowns
The legendary Antonio Gates just passed Tony Gonzalez for most touchdown catches by a tight end in NFL history.
Now it’s time for him to play a very small role in this offense–a red-zone threat. At this point, he isn’t fast enough to beat a safety or corner, as Gates is strictly a big target to hit for a touchdown.
The youngster Henry is the fast and efficient guy ready to takeover for Gates. This week he should do just that with the Chiefs giving up on average 300 passing yards to their opponents. Expect a big day for Henry. It may mark the start of the next great Charger tight end.