Chiefs vs. Chargers: Breaking Down Kansas City's Game Plan

Offense

Kansas City’s rushing game is the team’s biggest strength, closely followed by the tight ends in Travis Kelce and Anthony Fasano, who pick up a first down nearly every time they catch a pass.

The Chiefs have had trouble with their wide receivers, as they have yet to catch a touchdown this season. But Kansas City’s running backs and tight ends have managed to find the end zone to help Kansas City produce points.

Quarterback Alex Smith will work to feed his running backs and tight ends to try to put up points in a game that could be a high-scoring contest.

Kansas City running backs vs. San Diego rush defense

Whether it is Jamaal Charles, Knile Davis or rookie De’Anthony Thomas, you know the Chiefs will use their running backs. And don’t worry, Andy Reid won’t make the same mistake a third time.

All three of Kansas City’s running backs have made an impact in a game this season. San Diego has to worry about three scatbacks, all who can make plays on the ground and through the air.

WR Dwayne Bowe vs. CB Brandon Flowers

Dwayne Bowe has been extremely quiet for the Chiefs this season, catching just 14 passes on the year. He will go up against former teammate Brandon Flowers, who has already snagged two interceptions in his first year with San Diego.

The Chiefs know what Flowers is capable of as a defender. With Bowe’s woes this year, Flowers looks to keep him quiet on Sunday.

The Chiefs could use all the help they could get on offense as they face a powerhouse offensive team. Bowe has been inconsistent, but the Chiefs need him to pull through in this game.

TE Travis Kelce vs. San Diego pass defense

Kelce has scored a touchdown in each of the last three games for the Chiefs while he continues to make defenders miss and use his speed to move the chains.

If the Chargers let him get loose in the open field, Smith will quickly dish the football to him, which in turn helps the Chiefs produce on offense.

LT Eric Fisher vs. OLB Dwight Freeney

After going up against pass-rushers DeMarcus Ware, Olivier Vernon, Chandler Jones and Justin Smith in four consecutive weeks, Eric Fisher has played well and proven himself to be a good left tackle. Fisher has another challenge when he goes up against Dwight Freeney, who leads the team in sacks and owns two of San Diego’s 12 sacks this year.

Smith can rely on Fisher to protect his blind side, and running backs know he will pave the way for them.

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Defense

The Kansas City Chiefs have allowed 127 rushing yards per game in 2014, but they have yet to allow a touchdown on the ground. What offenses have managed to do, however, is move the ball well against the Chiefs using their running backs.

But the Chiefs have a strong front seven that can deliver and pressure quarterbacks. The defense will need to continue doing so against Philip Rivers if the Chiefs want a chance to pull off an upset on the road.

Kansas City rush defense vs. RB Branden Oliver

With Ryan Mathews absent due to a knee injury, rookie running back Branden Oliver stepped up in the past two weeks. He’s run for 215 yards and two touchdowns combined in the last two games.

Kansas City must keep a close eye on Oliver and not allow him to gash through like he’s done the past couple of weeks.

OLBs Justin Houston and Tamba Hali vs. OTs D.J. Fluker and King Dunlap

Justin Houston and Tamba Hali are the biggest difference-makers for the Chiefs and will be an important asset in this game. With Philip Rivers having one of the best starts of his career, Houston and Hali must apply pressure and keep him in check in order to avoid the Chargers from having a field day and burning the scoreboard.

The duo will face two good offensive tackles, making it a challenging task to get to Rivers, but it still can be done.

Houston led the league in sacks with six before the bye week.

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