During the season opener — a 38-28 Kansas City victory — Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler combined to carry 20 times for 103 yards and catch 14 passes for 189 yards. Because of injuries, the Chargers won’t have Ekeler this time and might not have Gordon. The situation makes it less likely that the Chargers will be able to play ball-clock control and limit the opportunities for the Chiefs’ high-scoring offense. As comfortable as Philip Rivers is playing shootout-style football, that doesn’t seem prudent for the Chargers against a Kansas City team that leads the NFL in points and yards per game. The circumstances might call for him to play a little more loosely in attempt to make big plays and keep the Chargers close.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 13, 2018 15:56 UTC