Chargers vs Chiefs: Is San Diego in Danger of Missing 2011 Postseason?

So, are the San Diego Chargers in danger of missing out on the 2011 postseason?

Yes, but for those interested in the "why," here it is.

For starters, San Diego hasn't proven they are an elite team this season. Sure, it's nice being 4-2, but their wins have come against teams with a combined record of 7-21.

One of those teams was Kansas City back in Week 3, whom they beat 20-17 at home—however, that was KC's most-recent loss.

So, not counting the Chiefs, San Diego has beaten three other teams with a combined record of 4-18. Hence, not very impressive.

Also, both losses have come on the road to the Patriots and the Jets—the only teams they've played with a winning record. Obviously, San Diego has been known for its slow starts, but was previously able to catch fire and ultimately make a run at the postseason.

That feeling doesn't appear to be in Southern California this season; otherwise, the Bolts wouldn't have been shut out in the second half against a New York Jets team that couldn't run, pass or stop the run consistently.

On Monday night, it's San Diego's make-or-break game for 2011, as a loss this week would tie them with the Chiefs and Raiders at 4-3 in the AFC West.

And the Chiefs are not only riding a three-game winning streak, but last week they also shut out the Raiders in Oakland and come into this game with more confidence than ever before.

One big reason for that is the Chargers' loss to KC at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 1 of last season on Monday Night Football. It turned out to be the difference in who won the AFC West, as the Chiefs finished 10-6 while the Bolts finished 9-7, despite splitting the season series.

The Chargers are on thin ice right now, since not only is the AFC West only getting one team into the postseason, but San Diego has much more to lose than the Chiefs. After Week 1, KC wasn't expected to have any shot at defending its 2010 divisional crown, and losing their two best players to injury really put them on the back burner.

However, the Chiefs have figured out how to win without their best players, whereas San Diego has yet to figure out how to win with its best players (not to mention how to handle a hostile environment).

A win here and San Diego definitely gets a significant boost to its playoff hopes, but a loss and the AFC West opens up more than any other division. Because the last thing you want as a considered front-runner is to fall midseason, especially when your division rivals possess all the momentum.

Look at their remaining schedule: Oakland twice, Green Bay, at Chicago, at Jacksonville, Buffalo, at Detroit and Baltimore.

You do not want to be just 4-3 with a gauntlet like that yet to commence. With the way the Bolts are playing right now, they'll be lucky to finish 7-9 or even 8-8.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.