LA Chargers: 3 matchups that will determine Week 3 outcome vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The LA Chargers are on the road to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3 of the 2021 NFL season. After a disappointing loss against the Dallas Cowboys, the Chargers need to pick up wins over the next few weeks to avoid a big hole that they cannot dig themselves out of.

There is no bigger test for a team with a new coaching staff than the Kansas City Chiefs. A win here would be a massive statement win for the Bolts, proving that they are here to compete with Kansas City.

While the overall keys to winning the game will be posted on Friday, today, we look at the particular matchups that can swing the game in favor of the Bolts. If the Bolts can win all three of these matchups then there is a good chance of them winning.

3 players matchups that will determine the Week 3 outcome between the LA Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs:

1. Derwin James vs. Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce is the best tight end in the league and is making his marks of being one of the greatest of all time. He is extremely important in this Chiefs offense and he is already putting up huge numbers this season with three touchdowns in two games.

While Kelce is impossible to outright stop, the LA Chargers have one of the best weapons they could possibly have in being able to slow Kelce down. That weapon is the versatile Derwin James, who can play all over the field and will likely be manned up against Kelce for most of this game.

We have seen Derwin man up tight ends before and he has been put on Kelce before. This new defense with Brandon Staley is all predicated on versatility and matchups and this is a matchup that the team is definitely circling.

If James can do what we know he is capable of then the Chargers will be able to take away the Chiefs most important passing target, particularly in the red-zone. Stopping Kelce is no easy feat but if there is anyone who can do it it is James.