Week 1 vs. Kansas City
What a way to start the season. The Chargers open against the team that has stood in its way of success for some time now and certainly last season.
The Chiefs have beaten the Chargers eight straight times, including two embarrassing defeats last year that really hampered the Chargers’ chances of a postseason appearance even more than a poor kicking game.
The last time the Chargers beat the Chiefs was way back in December 2013, and they needed overtime to do that.
This might be the first game of the season, but no game on the schedule stands to define the Chargers’ season more than this one. This is their chance to make a statement, and they need to seize it.
The Chargers will be at home and though that may not be seen as a huge advantage by many, this game comes down to quarterback play.
While Patrick Mahomes may very well do great things for the Chiefs, is he ready to begin his career on the road against this defense? Meanwhile, the Chargers have a veteran in Philip Rivers who will no doubt recognize the opportunity the team has in this game.
If the Chiefs still had Alex Smith, it might be a different story as he has had his way with the Chargers. Instead, a predict a rough debut for Mahomes and the Chargers finally end the drought against their divisional rivals.
This win could set the tone for the rest of the year.
Prediction: Chargers 24, Chiefs 13