Chargers vs. Chiefs: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Two long-time AFC West rivals, the San Diego Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to square off in Week 4 coming off very different results the previous calendar week.

San Diego is fresh off a dismantling loss against the Atlanta Falcons where they got abused in nearly every facet of the game. Philip Rivers tossed two interceptions and Jackie Battle led all Chargers rushers with 52 yards, even though it was supposed to be the triumphant return of Ryan Mathews.

Kansas City, however, is still on their high after Jamaal Charles' huge second half helped propel them to an unexpected 27-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints. It was the second home loss for the Saints, and helped the Chiefs avoid an 0-3 start.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about this fierce divisional rivalry, including all the betting information, some key fantasy players and a prediction for Sunday afternoon.

When: Sunday, Sept. 30 at 1:00 p.m.

Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

TV: CBS (Check local listings)

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Radio: 1090 AM Sports Radio (San Diego), 101 the Fox (Kansas City)

Spread: San Diego -1 (via Bovada)

It's a virtual pick 'em game as these two teams square off, and rightfully so after Week 3's results. Kansas City came out and ran the ball down the throat of the Saints' defense, while San Diego was stymied on offense from the start in Atlanta.

Las Vegas likely is trying to capitalize on Kansas City's big game on the road, but I like the Chargers to win and cover here. They've only allowed 202 yards on the ground through three games, and have a pass rush with the skills to make life tough for Matt Cassel.

Over/Under: 44.5 (via Bovada)

I expect a high-scoring shootout between these two teams, who both have explosive playmakers at key positions and have shown the penchant for giving up a big play so far this season.

Both quarterbacks need to have big days to win, so I expect the Chargers to take this thing all the way down to the wire in the fourth quarter before winning on the road. Take the over.

Key Injuries (via CBSSports.com)

San Diego

LB Antwan Barnes, knee, Probable

CB Quentin Jammer, hand, Probable

LB Demorrio Williams, hamstring, Questionable

CB Shareece Wright, foot, Questionable

Kansas City

TE Kevin Boss, head, Questionable

WR Dwayne Bowe, groin, Questionable

WR Steve Breaston, knee, Questionable

DE Glenn Dorsey, calf, Questionable

RB Peyton Hillis, ankle, Questionable

S Kendrick Lewis, shoulder, Questionable

WR Dexter McCluster, elbow, Questionable

Fantasy Big Plays

Kansas City: WR Dwayne Bowe

Bowe leads the Chiefs with 18 catches for 234 yards on the season with two touchdowns. Those aren't huge fantasy numbers, but he's also been targeted a whopping 37 times, double the amount of the next closest receiver, McCluster.

If that wasn't enough reason for you to bank on a big day from KC's No. 1, San Diego has already given up eight touchdowns to WR's in the first three weeks of the season. While the Chargers' focus will be on stopping Charles in the running game, Bowe will get some prime looks from Cassel, and a big fantasy day in the process.

Predicted Stats: 9 catches, 119 yards, 2 TD

San Diego: QB Philip Rivers

Looking to bounce back from a horrible day against the Falcons, Rivers gets back in sync with his wideouts behind a strong performance from both Malcom Floyd and Robert Meachem.

QBs are completing almost 62 percent of their passes against the Chiefs, partially due to their best cover corner (Brandon Flowers) only registering 5'10". I think Rivers has a big day against this Chiefs defense, putting up some huge numbers both for his team and your fantasy squad.

Predicted Stats: 28-of-38, 371 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT

Key to San Diego Victory: Get Mathews going early

Even if the run game stalls this weekend, the Chargers have plenty of weapons to win this game. Even if the Chiefs only rush four and play seven guys in coverage, Rivers has the skills to make teams pay no matter what.

But if Ryan Mathews and to a lesser extent, Jackie Battle, can take some of the pressure off the offense in the first half, that makes it that much easier for Rivers to dissect this KC secondary. If he doesn't, San Diego is going to struggle a little bit to get going.

Key to Kansas City Victory: Force Rivers to make mistakes

It's always been the story for the Chargers: As Philip Rivers goes, so does their team. He's put up huge numbers, been a leader on the field yet can't seem to get that playoff victory to get them over the hump.

Some of that comes with turnovers. Rivers has a bad habit of making a throw he shouldn't ever have even considered, and it ends up costing his defense and his team late in ballgames. With the two interceptions hanging over his head against Atlanta, how he responds to Kansas City's gameplan will be huge in determining the victor of this matchup.

Prediction

I think San Diego is the real deal. The pass rush and defensive front seven looked great the first two weeks, but faltered a little bit in Week 3. Look for them to get off to a good start and focus on stopping the KC run game.

Rivers has a big day on the road, and the Chargers extend their early-season lead in the division by starting 3-1.

Predicted Final Score: San Diego 35, Kansas City 27