The San Diego Chargers visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night as we open up week 15 in the NFL at Wannamakeabet.com. The San Diego Chargers (10-3) are hot, having won three straight and nine of 10 to close within a game of Kansas City (11-2) in the AFC West division race. But the Chargers cannot seem to win this game as they have lost the last 9 straight games in Arrowhead. Here are some more Thursday night NFL insights as you prepare to make your wagers for the game. Don’t forget to get into the weekly league at wannamakeabet.com, invites are waiting for you when you log in.
Key Storyline: Injuries
The Chiefs have continued to play at a high level despite some personnelle challenges. Running back Kareem Hunt was released nearly two weeks ago after a video surfaced of him hitting and kicking a woman in a Cleveland hotel. And new starter Spencer Ware hurt his hamstring last Sunday against the Ravens. That means third stringer Damian Williams may get the start. He’s got 16 carries for 53 yards on the year. Nothing like trial by fire for the fifth year pro from Oklahoma.
Wide receiver Sammy Watkins is also likely to miss Thursday night’s game with a lingering foot problem, and speedster Tyreek Hill is nursing wrist and heel injuries. However, a video surfaced on Twitter Wednesday of Hill in warmups and he looked fine.
The Chargers have injury issues of their own. Running back Melvin Gordon is expected to be a game-time decision after spraining his right knee against Arizona and missing the past two games. His primary backup, Austin Ekeler, is likely out after hurting his neck and sustaining a concussion in last week’s win over the Bengals. If he’s unable to play, rookie Justin Jackson would get his first NFL start.
DIVISION RACE ON THE LINE
The Chiefs can clinch their third straight AFC West title and a first-round bye in the playoffs with a win. But even with a loss, the Chiefs would hold the tiebreaker over the Chargers by virtue of their better division record. Los Angeles needs a win to clinch its first postseason trip since the 2013 season.
Mahomes has been getting all the attention, but Chargers counterpart Philip Rivers has been nearly as good this season. He already has 29 touchdown passes, five shy of his career best, and his interception rate is the lowest of his career.
BENJAMIN’S DEBUT
The Chiefs hope wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who was cut by the Bills and signed with Kansas City last week, will be active for the game. Benjamin would provide a big body on the outside and some additional depth with Watkins likely to be out.
Both teams dismissed the challenges of playing on a short week, especially given how well they know each other. But the Chiefs also were at home Sunday, and the Chargers will be traveling across two time zones to Arrowhead Stadium, one of the toughest venues in the NFL.
The Numbers
The Chiefs are an impressive 6-0 straight up at home this season but only 3-3 ATS. Meanwhile the Chargers are an impressive 5-1 straight up and ATS on the road. The current line at Wannamakeabet.com is -3.5 O/U 53
That’s it for our Thursday Night NFL insights this week, good luck with your selections. If you’re not in our free December All Sports free league, join today, it’s free!