Chiefs Vs Chargers: Final Headlines, Key Matchups, X Factors

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Just like that, Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season is set to quickly kickoff. The Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers meet for yet another highly anticipated Thursday night contest. After Week 1, both teams sit tied atop the AFC West at 1-0, one game ahead of the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders. This is not just a major early test for both squads, as a result. In turn, the winner could create a tremendous start to their season by getting a leg up on the entire division.

Last season, each team got a win over each other. The Chiefs were aided by Travis Kelce‘s nifty moves and run after catch ability to win in Los Angeles. Whereas with the Chargers, they took advantage of four takeaways on the day to win in Kansas City early last year. Simply put, each of those games were tight last year. It would be shocking to not see the same thing this Thursday night.

What are the final headlines to watch for before Thursday’s kickoff? We will list those, as well as key matchups to monitor. Plus, under the radar x factor players for both the Chiefs and the Chargers will be listed as well. Let’s kick it off.

Final Headlines

Who Steps Up In Chargers Pass Catching Group?

It appears highly unlikely that wide receiver Keenan Allen plays on Thursday night. After suffering a hamstring injury in Week 1, the star wideout’s assumed absence will give someone else a major opportunity in the Chargers offense. Kansas City has to be thrilled to not have to see Allen. For instance, his route running, and savvy cuts make him virtually unguardable. This does not mean that Los Angeles is totally devoid of talent at wide receiver, however.

Mike Williams is of course the big name that will likely garner a great deal of targets. Though, it is the depth options that are highly intriguing. You have a vertical threat and dynamic speed in Joshua Palmer. Mainly, he is so subtle when getting in and out of breaks. Kansas City will have to work to stay on top of him at all times. Elsewhere, names like DeAndre Carter and Jalen Guyton provide versatile skill sets in the Chargers passing attack. They both can either act as security blankets against zone coverage, or they can push the pace down the field.

Finally, LA’s running back and tight end depth should not go unnoticed. The Chargers have many sure-handed running backs that are unmatched by other teams. On the flip side, these tight ends all provide toughness and size at the catch point. They are not incapable of stepping up, especially with Justin Herbert throwing them the football. But, that lack of reliability with Allen out will create necessary adjustments.

Can Chiefs Defensive Backs Find Their Footing Against Herbert?

Yesterday, the Chiefs placed rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. After suffering the ailment in Week 1, McDuffie will be forced to miss at least the next four games, starting with Thursday night. Kansas City was rewarded with stellar play from McDuffie before he went down. In fact, he did not even see a target come his way, as he was able to stick close to the hip of his opponent.

The Chiefs did not waste time in rebuilding the secondary this offseason. Certainly, the potential is there for this defensive back room to be dominant. There is still so much youth and more time on task needed to reach that potential, however. It will obviously not be an easy matchup against Herbert. But, there are many things that the Chiefs can do to keep their heads above water in the secondary.

First off, maintaining constant communication and staying true to their assignments will be something to watch. Kansas City did a fine job of that for most of last week against Arizona. On top of that, the Chiefs must continue to play smart on the backend. Taking unnecessary penalties and playing too aggressive at the catch point could put them in a bind. You know Herbert will take his chances deep. If the Chiefs secondary can continue to attack in a controlled way, similar to last week, they will have a fighting chance.

Does Either Team Increase Their Blitz Calls?

For some strange reason, the Cardinals blitzed Patrick Mahomes throughout most of the game last week. The book and recent history would tell you that attempting to pressure Mahomes is often fatal to your defensive chances. Mainly, the Chiefs quarterback displays a calmness and control when pressure is trying to aggressively get home. He is able to easily pick and choose his spots when defensive backs are left one-on-one, hoping to stay close to the receivers.

As for Herbert, his arm strength may be among the best in the NFL. The velocity that he creates on his passes are otherworldly. That is especially true, given Herbert’s wicked release and quick flick of the wrist. He has no issue in getting the ball out quickly if he has to. Though, Herbert seems extremely comfortable in getting added depth in the pocket. So, is it smart to increase your blitz calls against him?

Both of these defenses have increased speed at their disposal. For the Chargers, theirs is more proven and accentuates the further depth of the defense. As for Kansas City, the Chiefs added most of their defensive speed just this offseason. Names like Frank Clark and Chris Jones appear to be a lot more spry to start this season as well. Will both teams lean on that quickness to go all out with their blitzes? Or, do the Chiefs and Chargers stay more relaxed when it comes to creating pressure?

Key Matchups

Chiefs Wide Receivers Vs Chargers Defensive Backs

Out of the Chiefs wide receivers, JuJu Smith-Schuster led the position in catches in Week 1 with six. Marquez Valdes-Scantling had four. Mecole Hardman also notched three catches on the day. Overall, this Chiefs wide receiver room is much more balanced than last season. That could shine bright on Thursday night, as Kansas City boasts more size, more versatility and increased speed at wide receiver. Specifically with Smith-Schuster and Valdes-Scantling, it will be interesting to see how often the Chiefs use them to attack the middle of the field.

At defensive back, the Chargers do not just have quickness. In fact, their instincts and tenacity at the catch point leads to tight throwing windows. It is basically paramount that the wide receivers find a way to see the soft spots against them. If not, it will be a long night for Kansas City. Asante Samuel Jr. and Derwin James boast the ball skills that the Chiefs must be careful with.

Ekeler Vs Bolton And Gay

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Running back Austin Ekeler can be a threat in both the run and pass game for the Chargers offense. As a runner, Ekeler brings a low center of gravity and swift change of direction skills. In the end, he is able to force plenty of missed tackles. As a pass catcher, Ekeler is comfortable running a full route tree out of the backfield. He is also deceptive as a route runner, to boot.

The Chiefs linebacker duo of Nick Bolton and Willie Gay will be worth monitoring in this matchup against Ekeler. When it comes to limiting missed tackles, these two are capable of keeping those numbers down for the Kansas City defense. Elsewhere, Bolton and Gay have the short area burst and range to attempt to stick with Ekeler. These two could be a great neutralizer against the Swiss Army knife that is this running back.

X Factors

Chiefs DE George Karlaftis

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From the Chiefs side of things, rookie defensive end George Karlaftis is the x factor that I am watching for this week. There were many times where Karlaftis displayed a quick get off at the snap last week. However, there were many times where he got corralled on the edge. His pass rush results did not quite resonate. But, his ability to get hands in throwing lanes and continued hustle on run defense made a difference. As long as he can find a way to affect the Chargers, his all-around, relentless skill set will eventually take over in many areas.

Chargers WR Joshua Palmer

The aforementioned Palmer is the one wide receiver that could benefit the most from an Allen absence. As mentioned above, he is a constant vertical threat at any moment for a deep ball. With his mix of size and strong hands, Palmer is a tricky receiver to defend. Kansas City may look to press him at the line of scrimmage. If not, the Chargers have a chance to beat the Chiefs defense with added tempo that Palmer helps to provide.

Be on the lookout for our FPC Chiefs recap articles and analysis following Thursday’s game. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.