Chargers-Chiefs MNF Preview

    The Chargers and Chiefs meet tonight in a rematch of a Week 3 game won by the Chargers 20-17.
    The Chargers escaped disaster in the first meeting after a late interception by Eric Weddle sealed the victory against a then-winless Chiefs team.
     Fast forward five weeks. The Chiefs have won three games in a row to improve to 3-3, as fourth-year running back Jackie Battle has been thrust into the starting job after Jamaal Charles was injured and Thomas Jones was pulled. The Chargers are 2-1 in their last three, losing their last game to the Jets, 27-21. The Chargers held a 21-10 halftime lead, which vanished as the Jets scored 17 unanswered points in the second half. Now these foes meet again as Kansas City has righted the ship, while the Chargers are trying to legitimize their 4-2 record after being inconsistent offensively.
     Despite the injuries in their backfield, the Chiefs are currently in the top ten in rushing yards per game, and will rely on Battle to have another productive outing. Battle has averaged nearly 100 yards per game in his last two, and will facing a defense ranked in the bottom half of the league facing the run. The Chargers have allowed 162 yards rushing in each of their last two games, and Battle has been moving the ball well lately.
     Through the air, the Chiefs need Matt Cassel to play well. Cassel decimated the Colts in a win three weeks ago, throwing for four touchdowns and no interceptions, while amassing 257 yards against a weak secondary. The Chargers are a better pass defense than the Colts, making a repeat performance against San Diego unlikely.
     For the Chargers, Philip Rivers has struggled this season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, and also fumbling four times. His two interceptions against the Jets last week, helped the Jets steal a win for the Chargers. Rivers has completed 64 percent of his passes this season, but will have to hold onto the ball for the Chargers to win. In the first matchup between these two teams, Rivers threw two interceptions, but was helped by a two-touchdown performance from Ryan Mathews. The Chargers will not be able to rely on Mathews running for nearly 100 yards week in and week out, and will need Rivers to secure the ball and make smart throws.
    The Chargers eked out a tight win in the first meeting in San Diego, and we can expect another close game between the Chargers and Chiefs. The Chargers have played well one week, only to struggle the next. The Chiefs have stabilized their offense and believe that they can win after a disappointing start. The Chargers will give the Chiefs a battle, but Cassel will win the game late and move the Chiefs to 4-3 and into a tie for first-place with the Chargers.

Prediction: Chiefs 24, Chargers 17