The Chiefs can wrap things up with a win as they have already beaten the Chargers (38-28 in LA in the season opener) while the Chargers would still need some help even if they do win this game. The Chargers lost to Denver (AFC West opponent) back in Week Eleven as well as their loss to Kansas City.
Either way, this game will likely go down to the wire and whoever has the last possession will likely be the deciding factor of who wins this game.
The Chiefs have been riding high on the offensive end all season with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (4,300 passing yards, 43 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) leading the way. Meanwhile, the Chargers have been solid on offense as well as QB Philip Rivers (3,638 passing yards, 29 TD, six INT) has been enjoying perhaps the best ever statistical season of his career.
Kansas City leads the NFL in scoring (471 points) and will look to pour it on against the Chargers, who have a pretty good defense. The Chargers allow 20.7 points per game while scoring 28.1 points per game.
Both teams are hurting in the run game as Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler are likely out for the Chargers for this one while the Chiefs will look to Spencer Ware and even Charcandrick West to pound the rock without released RB Kareem Hunt. The 'Bolts hope Justin Jackson can do some damage in the backfield.
The key for the Chargers winning this game is getting steady pressure on Mahomes and not letting him escape the pocket and improvise as he has done so well this season. If the Chiefs are able to move up and down the field and score touchdowns, they will roll in this one.
There are also two Saturday games this weekend as the Houston Texans (9-4) travel to New York to face the Jets (4-9) while the Cleveland Browns (5-7-1) will be at the Denver Broncos (6-7).
The Texans will look to solidify their grip on the AFC South division with a win while the loser of the Broncos-Browns game will be out of the playoff picture.
The New England Patriots (9-4) will play on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5-1) on Sunday and that game is huge for the Steelers, who have lost three straight games, including an embarrassing 24-21 setback against the Oakland Raiders last week.
You can bet on it the Patriots are still fuming after the way they lost to the Miami Dolphins (7-6) last Sunday on the "miracle" play that gave them a 34-33 win over New England, preventing the Pats from clinching the AFC East.
The Dolphins are still in the hunt and face the Minnesota Vikings (6-6-1) on the road in what should be a very interesting game. The Dolphins need to win out and essentially get some help to make the AFC playoffs.
The Vikings suddenly find themselves clinging to the sixth and final NFC wild card spot after a dismal effort at Seattle last Monday night. In fact, the team fired their offensive coordinator in an attempt to get a spark going with QB Kirk Cousins and the offense.
The Dallas Cowboys (8-5) are the hottest team right now, having won five in a row and will face the Indianapolis Colts (7-6) in a road game that will test their defense against QB Andrew Luck (34 TD passes) and company.
The rest of the games will feature some also rans and of course, teams playing to stay on course for the NFL playoffs.
Here is a capsule style look at the action for Week Fifteen, along with the Heftyinfo predictions for the games.
LA Chargers (10-3) at Kansas City (11-2) - This game will factor huge in the top seed for the AFC playoffs. Chiefs rate a slight edge at home.
Houston (9-4) at NY Jets (4-9) - The Texans need to rebound in this one after seeing their nine-game win streak snapped.
Cleveland (5-7-1) at Denver (6-7) - The Broncos laid an egg last week while the Browns would love to play spoiler to the Broncos playoff hopes.
Green Bay (5-7-1) at Chicago (9-4) - The Bears can clinch the NFC North and eliminate their biggest rivals from the playoff picture. Talk about incentive.
Arizona (3-10) at Atlanta (4-9) - The Falcons have to win this one, right?
Tampa Bay (5-8) at Baltimore (7-6) - The Ravens should have their way in this one.
Detroit (5-8) at Buffalo (4-9) - Who cares?
Oakland (3-10) at Cincinnati (5-8) - See above comment.
Dallas (8-5) at Indianapolis (7-6) - Huge game for both teams. Dallas can clinch the NFC East this weekend.
Washington (6-7) at Jacksonville (4-9) - The Jaguars should win this game, if they don't play stupid football.
Miami (7-6) at Minnesota (6-6-1) - Must win game for both teams . . . Vikings at home in this one.
Tennessee (7-6) at NY Giants (5-8) - The Giants have been playing good football in recent weeks, so the Titans will have a battle.
Seattle (8-5) at San Francisco (3-10) - Seahawks are flying high, but the 49ers surprised Denver last week, so . . . Beware!
New England (9-4) at Pittsburgh (7-5-1) - The Steelers need this one bad. The Patriots are steaming mad after losing in a ridiculous way last week. Toss up in this one.
Philadelphia (6-7) at LA Rams (11-2) - The Sunday night game will be the last hurrah for the Eagles as they are likely out of the playoff race with another loss. The Rams were embarrassed last week in Chicago.
New Orleans (11-2) at Carolina (6-7) - The Panthers must find a way to snap their five-game losing streak and they just might do it at home in "prime time" in this one.
The Heftyinfo predictions for Week Fifteen . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Kansas City over LA Chargers
Houston over NY Jets
Denver over Cleveland
Chicago over Green Bay
Atlanta over Arizona
BALTIMORE over Tampa Bay
Buffalo over Detroit
Oakland over Cincinnati
Dallas over Indianapolis
Jacksonville over Washington
Minnesota over Miami
Tennessee over NY Giants
Seattle over San Francisco
Pittsburgh over New England
LA Rams over Philadelphia
Carolina over New Orleans
Last Week's Record - 9-7
SEASON RECORD - 135-71-2
Lock of the Week Record - 12-2
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