After an 0-2 start to the season and two difficult losses, it may be a little harder to pick the Los Angeles Chargers on a weekly basis.
To this point, the staff at Bolt Beat has picked the Chargers in almost across the board, but confidence in this team went way downhill after Younghoe Koo missed a game-winning field goal against the Miami Dolphins last week.
The schedule now brings the Kansas City Chiefs to town, the same team that is just over two weeks removed from upsetting the defending champions in the season opener.
So, how does the staff see it this week? How do you as a fan see it? Be sure to let us know in the comment section below.
Note: The numbers in parenthesis are that writer’s win-loss record in picking games on the season.
Mike Murray (0-2): “The Chiefs manhandle the Chargers. On offense the Chiefs run the ball at will and Kelce dominates our linebackers for 10 reception and 114 yards. The Chargers offensive line is exposed by the KC pass rush this week and Philip gets less than 2 seconds to throw every down. But being Phil he still gets the Chargers in FG range every drive. Younghoe Koo goes 8 for 8 on the day and the Chargers lose 24 to 31.”
Alexander Insdorf (0-2): “This is a tough one for me. I think it’s a fairly even matchup from what I’ve seen the last two weeks. I’ve also picked the Bolts the last two games and that hasn’t quite panned out. This is a crucial home win the Chargers need. I hesitate on calling week 3 games “must wins”, but if the Chargers want to get in the discussion for playoff time, they’ve got to start moving now. Only 3 of the last 132 teams that have started the season 0-3 have gone on to make the playoffs. I think this will be a game similar to both Miami and Denver-a gritty game that comes down to the final minutes and/or seconds. At that point, it all comes down to our kicker-Younghoe Koo. He’s had a field goal blocked, and missed two crucial ones against the Dolphins. I have to believe he’ll step up. But I don’t necessarily feel confident in that. I’ll give the Chiefs a slight edge, 23-20. But I really think it’s a dead even game, and wouldn’t be surprised either way.”
FINAL SCORE:
KC 23-LA 20
Tyler Schoon (0-2):“The Chargers might have a shot to score enough points on offense, but they’ll be let down by a suffering run defense. Kansas City rookie Kareem Hunt will look to make it three straight strong games and limit the Chargers’ time of possession. Even if both teams move the ball well, I believe in the Kansas City defense to come up with key turnovers more than ours.”
Final: Chargers 17, Chiefs 28
Scott Iger (0-2): “Well, I guess nobody ever said that being a Chargers’ fan was easy. After a devastating loss to Miami, the Bolts are now in an almost do or die situation against the Chiefs. While the Chiefs are undoubtedly one of the hottest teams in the league right now, the Chargers need this game. Perhaps I’m being overly optimistic here, but I think the Chargers have a legitimate chance, similarly to how they could have won both of their last two games. Chargers pull it off in an extremely close one, with Koo making the game-winning kick to set everything right in the universe. Chargers win 17-14.”
Anthony Totri (0-2): “Chiefs 27 – Chargers 21”
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Kade Dohmen (0-2): “The Chargers are due for a game against the Chiefs where they come in and win. The Chiefs look like one of the better teams in football, but I’m still not sold on their first two games. Chargers finally break loose of the old regime and win a close one, 28-24.”
Matt Pagels (0-2): “The Chargers had a chance to be 2-0 coming into this game. The Chiefs are 2-0 and have looked dominant. This is a must-win game for the Chargers, and while this is a game I can see the Chargers winning because that’s what they do, I think the Chiefs are a better team overall. I have to go with KC, but I hope I’m wrong.”