Chiefs vs. Chargers Week 3 Preview: 4 Keys to Pivotal AFC West Contest

This week's matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Diego Chargers will set the tone for the entire AFC West division for the 2011 season.

Kansas City has absolutely stunk it up during the early portion of this season, losing big to Buffalo and Detroit.

San Diego appears to be their old self, solid on both sides of the ball, despite their loss to the Patriots this past week.

Here are five factors that will determine who wins this early season divisional matchup.

Third Down Percentage

It doesn't take a huge football aficionado to recognize the fact that, in order to win game, you have to convert third downs.

One of the biggest differences between these two teams statistically is how often and in what way each converts third down attempts.

Kansas City has converted a poor 23.1 percent of their third down attempts. Their offense has been pretty anemic so far this season, especially their passing game.

San Diego is the exact opposite, converting an impressive 64 percent of their third down attempts. The Chargers' passing game is potent (With Philip Rivers, how could it not be?), converting 41 of their total of 60 first downs through the air.

The Kansas City defense must buckle down on third down and not allow Rivers to convert as easily as he's typically been able to so far this season.

The San Diego defense must continue being a solid unit by continuing the Chiefs' streak of being unable to convert third downs.

Balanced Offensive Attacks

Both Kansas City and San Diego have one problem in common: maintaining a balanced offensive attack.

Philip Rivers is an elite quarterback in this league, but the Chargers depend too heavily on him to carry the offense. As a team, the Chargers are averaging 3.4 yards per carry and have only rushed the ball 51 times (Rivers has already thrown the ball 88 times.).

The Chiefs have the opposite problem going on. Matt Cassel has the tools to be a good NFL starting quarterback but just can't seem to be able to put it all together. He has just 252 yards passing in these first two games, a ridiculously low total when one considers the talent KC has at the receiver positions. He's also thrown just one interception as opposed to four interceptions.

Despite the lack of a consistent passing game, Kansas City has remained one of the best rushing teams in the league. They're averaging 5.5 yards per carry and 129.5 yards per game.

Whichever team can even put on the semblance of a balanced offensive attack will win this game.

Which Defense Will Play Uncharacteristically?

Both of these defenses have distinct personalities and strengths.

The Chiefs have been good against the run, allowing just 3.7 yards per carry. However, they've allowed over 500 yards and eight touchdowns through the air, playing into exactly what the Chargers will want to do offensively.

San Diego has been the opposite, being solid against the pass (despite playing a guy named Tom Brady) allowing just 219 passing yards per game. They've been less successful against the run, giving up five yards per carry, playing into exactly what Kansas City will want to do offensively.

Whichever defense can do a better job on their weak points will lead their team to a big win.

Playmakers

Games are won and lost by stars in the NFL. This game will be no different.

For San Diego, it all starts with Philip Rivers. He's thrown for 713 yards and four touchdowns in two games and is clearly the main vehicle for this Charger offense. His best target is a guy named Vincent who's caught 12 balls for 203 yards and two touchdowns.

Kansas City also has some big playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. However, their biggest, Jamaal Charles, will probably be out for awhile with a torn ACL, giving the Chargers a big advantage in this area.

The Chiefs do have other guys than Charles though. Dexter McCluster is a pure athlete who has averaged 7.8 yards per rush and has caught nine out of 10 passes. Dwayne Bowe would be a No. 1 receiver on any team, accumulating 118 yards receiving.

If Matt Cassel can get these guys the ball, it will significantly help KC in this particular matchup against one of the best offensive teams in San Diego.