The Chiefs hope to build on a hard fought 13-10 win last weekend over the Vikings while the Chargers are trying to get their season going back on the right track.

The Chiefs would like to run the football to control the clock but that probably isn’t the best way to attack the Chargers defense.  The Chargers are only allowing 88.7 yards rushing per game and 3.7 yards per carry this season.  With Larry Johnson (140 yards rushing, 2.8 ypc) getting off to a slow start the Chiefs should attack the Chargers weakness on defense which has been against the pass.  The Chargers are allowing 249.3 yards per game through the air and opposing QBs have a 102.0 rating against them this season.  For this strategy to work the Chiefs must keep Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips away from Damon Huard who has already been sacked 7 times this season.  If Huard gets time to throw the ball, Tony Gonzalez (16 rec, 167 yards) and rookie WR Dwyane Bowe (10 rec, 135 yards, 2 TDs) could have huge games against the Chargers secondary.

The Chargers would also like to run the football and they could have some success against a Chiefs defense that is allowing 113.0 yards rushing per game but only 3.8 yards per carry.  LaDainian Tomlinson (130 yards rushing, 2.3 ypc, TD) has had a rough start to the season but the Chiefs defense is nowhere near as capable as the defenses that have already played the Chargers so look for L.T. to have a good game.  The Chargers must do a good job of protecting Philip Rivers in the pocket as the Chiefs already have 10 sacks this season.  With that in mind look for the Chargers to keep the passing game short to L.T. (14 rec, 99 yards) and TE Antonio Gates (27 rec, 297 yards, 2 TDs) which will put pressure on the linebackers and safeties of the Chiefs.  Also, look for Rivers to take a few deep shots to Vincent Jackson (13 rec, 179 yards, TD).

PREDICTION:  Look for the Chargers to play much better on offense than they have already as the Chiefs’ defense isn’t as good as the ones they have played this season.  But, the Chiefs will keep the game much closer than the 13 point spread.