Chiefs @ Chargers

Who will WIN this matchup?

Kansas City Chiefs (9-4)

@ Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)

Current odds:

Kansas City Chiefs: (-165)

Los Angeles Chargers: (+145)

• The line for this game is Chiefs by 3 points.

• Most wondered how Kansas City could overcome its early propensity for turnovers without consideration for the possibility the Chiefs’ defense would become a rescue response unit. Yet during their six-game winning streak, the Chiefs have forced 16 turnovers and allowed an average of 311.7 yards and 10.9 points. Kansas City (9-4) needed every bit of that stinginess to forge the slim AFC West lead the Chiefs carry into a divisional clash Thursday against the second-place Los Angeles Chargers (8-5) at Inglewood, Calif.

• Mahomes ranks fifth in the NFL with 3,642 passing yards while improving a touchdown-to-interception ratio (27 to 12) that remains uncharacteristically pedestrian. His reliance and trust in Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darryl Williams make them serious backfield threats as defenders key on Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill.

• The Chiefs have won seven straight road games against the Chargers as part of a .750 winning percentage coach Andy Reid (39-13) carries in AFC West games. Kansas City is coming off division wins over Denver and Las Vegas, holding each to nine points.

• In Justin Herbert, the Chargers possess a quarterback capable of outperforming Mahomes, especially since Los Angeles won the first matchup 30-24 in Week 3 at Kansas City. In that game, the Chargers forged a 4-0 turnover margin and outscored the Chiefs 16-7 in the final quarter. Herbert ranks fourth in the NFL, a spot ahead of Mahomes, with 3,822 passing yards. He has thrown for 30 touchdowns, with 11 interceptions, helping the Chargers win three of their last four games.

• Two Chargers wide receivers are approaching the 1,000-yard receiving mark. Keenan Allen (929 yards) cleared COVID-19 protocol and will play against the Chiefs. Mike Williams (915), who is nursing a heel injury, was among nine receivers who caught passes in a 37-21 win Sunday over the New York Giants.

• Quarterback pressure has keyed the Chiefs’ defensive might, but they may be without their top pass-rusher, Chris Jones (COVID-19 protocol). L’Jarius Sneed should again bolster the Kansas City secondary after missing last Sunday’s game following the death of his brother.

• Los Angeles could be without Rashawn Slater, who is also in COVID-19 protocol. The Chargers already are playing two backups along their offensive line.