Chiefs vs. Chargers preview: Predictions, odds, how to watch Sunday's game
The Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) travel to SoFi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Chargers (5-11) for a Week 18 matchup.
The Kansas City Chiefs clinched the AFC West title after a 25-17 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 21 of 29 pass attempts for 245 passing yards and a touchdown. However, Mahomes will not play against the Los Angeles Chargers in the last game of the regular season after coach Andy Reid decided to rest him and prepare for the playoffs. Instead, 12-year NFL veteran Blaine Gabbert will start as quarterback for the Chiefs. Gabbert's last game as a starter was with the Tennessee Titans in 2018.
The Los Angeles Chargers lost to the Denver Broncos 16-9 in Week 17 and are now on a four-game losing streak. Quarterback Easton Stick completed 24 out of 38 pass attempts for 220 yards while running back Austin Ekeler had 13 carries for 46 yards. Unfortunately, the Chargers have been eliminated from the playoffs, but they are determined to end the season on a high note.
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Week 18: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers predictions
BetMGM: Chargers will win
Staff writes: "The winning team model predicts the Chargers will win this Week 18 game with 54.6% confidence, based on game simulations, player injuries, offensive & defensive matchups and recent game results."
ESPN: Chiefs have a 50% chance to win
According to the ESPN Matchup Predictor, the Kansas City Chiefs have a 50.9% chance of beating the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18.
CBS Sports: Chiefs can win
Staff writes: "Los Angeles is in the opposite boat since they played the Monday night game in Week 6 and are coming off of a loss. All of the Chargers' games this season have been decided by four or fewer points with the exception of their 24-17 win against the Las Vegas Raiders, but the Chiefs have the ability to mount a large lead and hold onto it."
How to watch the Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers: TV channel and streaming info
The Kansas City Chiefs kick off against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Jan. 7, at 4:25 p.m., ET, on CBS. The game can also be streamed on NFL+.
NFL STATS CENTRAL The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more
Week 18: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers odds, betting lines
The Los Angeles Chargers are favored to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs, according to the BetMGM NFL odds, as of Saturday afternoon.
- Spread: Chargers (-3)
- Moneyline: Chargers (-165); Chiefs (+140)
- Over/under: 36
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NFL Week 18 odds: Moneylines, point spreads, over/under
Week 18: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers injury news
Kansas City Chiefs:
| Player | Position | Injury | Status |
| Donovan Smith | OT | Neck | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Patrick Mahomes | QB | Ankle | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Michael Danna | DE | Rest | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Nick Bolton | LB | Wrist | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Trent McDuffie | CB | Shoulder | Questionable for Week 18 |
| George Karlaftis | DE | Rest | Questionable for Week 18 |
| L'Jarius Sneed | CB | Calf | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Isiah Pacheco | RB | Quadriceps | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Rashee Rice | WR | Hamstring | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Kadarius Toney | WR | Hip | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Prince Tega Wanogho | OT | Quadriceps | Injured Reserve |
| Jerick McKinnon | RB | Groin | Injured Reserve |
| Skyy Moore | WR | Knee | Injured Reserve |
| Bryan Cook | FS | Ankle | Injured Reserve |
| Jody Fortson | TE | Shoulder | Injured Reserve |
| Nazeeh Johnson | SAF | Knee | Injured Reserve |
Los Angeles Chargers:
| Player | Position | Injury | Status |
| Deane Leonard | CB | Heel | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Trey Pipkins | OT | Wrist | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Stone Smartt | TE | Shoulder | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Justin Hollins | LB | Shoulder | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Nick Williams | DT | Shoulder | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Josh Palmer | WR | Concussion | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Zion Johnson | OG | Neck | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Kenneth Murray | LB | Shoulder | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Keenan Allen | WR | Heel | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Corey Linsley | C | Illness | Injured Reserve |
| Tanner Muse | LB | Knee | Injured Reserve |
| Joey Bosa | LB | Foot | Injured Reserve |
| Will Clapp | C | Knee | Injured Reserve |
| Justin Herbert | QB | Finger | Injured Reserve |
| Zack Bailey | OT | Back | Injured Reserve |
| Chris Rumph II | LB | Foot | Injured Reserve |
| Raheem Layne | SAF | Knee | Injured Reserve |
| Mike Williams | WR | Knee | Injured Reserve |
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