Monday Night Football: Why the Kansas City Chiefs Will Upset Chargers
The San Diego Chargers make a Monday Night Football appearance on a season opener for the first time in franchise history when they travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs.
Despite the loss of LaDainian Tomlinson and still dealing with holdouts by Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill, the Chargers are a heavy favorite in Vegas to spoil the first game for the home team at the renovated Arrowhead Stadium.
As bad as Kansas City's offense and defense was last season, there is a belief that there has been at least some improvement on both sides of the ball.
The screaming 76,000 fans in attendance will certainly give the Chiefs a chance to pull off what would be an impressive season-opening upset.
Here's a look at 10 predictions for the second game of tonight's Monday Night Football Double-Header, which kicks off around 10:15 Eastern Time on ESPN.
No. 10: Chiefs Will Be Fired Up As They Open Improved Arrowhead Stadium
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Arrowhead Stadium is widely considered to be one of the most intimidating stadiums in the NFL. Prior to an expensive renovation, it was also considered to be one of the most outdated.
An extensive $375 million renovation reduced the seating capacity by around 3,000 but should give the fans plenty to scream about as they enter the stadium.
Todd Haley's team will be excited to take the field and start fresh after a trying regular season last year.
No. 9: ESPN's Broadcast Will Actually Be Better Than Usual
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ESPN's annual Monday Night Football double-header to open the season has a different look this time around, when Brad Nessler makes the jump from his college football duties to handle the play-by-play tonight.
Joining Nessler in the booth will be veteran NFL analyst and former quarterback Trent Dilfer.
This might not be the most exciting broadcast duo to ever grace the television, but should make for a competent broadcast.
Anything is better than Mike & Mike, right?
No. 8: Shawn Merriman Out, Jackson and McNeill Still Nowhere Close to Returning
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After holding out briefly early in training camp, Shawne Merriman is back on board for Norv Turner's team. He just isn't quite ready to take the field.
Merriman has been dealing with an achilles problem and has been wearing a protective boot on his foot as he continues to recover.
The San Diego Union Tribune is reporting Monday morning Merriman will be among the Chargers' inactives for the game.
Meanwhile, San Diego is still trying to cope with the lose of star receiver Vincent Jackson and talented offensive lineman Marcus McNeill. Both players are nowhere close to ending holdouts and could be missed tonight in Kansas City.
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No. 7: Chiefs Start Fast, Take Early Lead
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Optimism burns brightly for almost all NFL teams in Week 1.
As the Seahawks showed yesterday, enthusiasm can make up for limited talent, at least early on in the season.
The Chiefs will be excited to take the field Monday and make a rare national television appearance. Kansas City could catch the Chargers napping and bolt in front, keeping the crowd in the game and making things difficult for Philip Rivers.
No. 6: Chargers' Rookie Ryan Mathews Runs Wild In Regular Season Debut
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The Chargers' offense isn't perfect, but there is enough talent to believe it can produce against a handful of defenses that struggled last season.
One of those poor defensive units is the Chiefs, who ranked 30th in the NFL in total yards allowed last season.
Even though Kansas City's young defense should be at least slightly improved, Mathews and Darren Sproles have a big advantage and should make things easier for Philip Rivers.
If San Diego can control the clock by running the ball, the Chiefs' crowd could become a non-factor in the game by the second half.
No. 5: Chiefs Having a Talented Running Back Duo of Their Own
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The arrival of ageless wonder Thomas Jones in the offseason should lead to some improvement by one of the worst offenses in the NFL last season.
Jones' production might not be overwhelming this season, but his presence should allow the Chiefs to save speedster Jamaal Charles from being overworked.
Charles and Jones should be able to run against the Chargers' defense, which would make life easier for new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis as he deals with the struggles of Matt Cassel.
No. 4: Philip Rivers Struggles As Chiefs Stay In The Game
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Philip Rivers is a great quarterback, but he is also a hothead. Combine that with a new-look offensive unit and what might be an average offensive line, and the first road game of the season might be a bit of a struggle.
Rivers is counting on Antonio Gates and Malcom Floyd to compensate for the loss of Vincent Jackson. The Chiefs will likely concentrate on taking both players out of the game.
Don't expect things to go smoothly tonight for the Chargers, even if they escape with a win.
No. 3: Matt Cassel Functions As a Game-Manager
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Matt Cassel has been nothing short of disappointing, so the Chiefs are banking on him improving with the coaching staff taking a more New England Patriots type look.
His skills are suited for the Charlie Weis offense, but that doesn't mean he will have instant. As the preseason showed, things are still a work in progress.
One big advantage could be the presence of an interested Dwayne Bowe against an average Chargers' secondary.
If Cassel takes care of the ball and converts a few third downs, Kansas City should stay in the game.
No. 2: Chiefs Beat The Odds
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Despite all of their issues, the Chargers are the popular pick in Vegas at -5 according to Sportsbook.com.
If San Diego wins, it probably won't be my very much.
It's probably a good idea to consider putting money on the Chiefs, who could get enough big plays from Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe to keep it close.
It's not difficult to imagine Kansas City's defense playing inspired football to help beat the odds.
No. 1: Chiefs Take The Season-Opener In Kansas City
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The Chiefs are likely to win no more than four or five games this season. It's possible one of those wins could come in the very first game.
Even though the Chargers haven't lost to their divisional rivals since 2007, the cards appear to be aligned for a surprising defeat tonight.
If the game is sloppy, a big play on a swing-pass by Jamaal Charles or a timely interception by the Chiefs defense could end up being the difference.
It's going to be another long rebuilding season for Todd Haley's team, but Kansas City fans could rest easy, at least for one night.
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