Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers 1/7/24 – As the NFL season heads into its final week, the Kansas City Chiefs, with a strong 10-6 record, are set to take on the Los Angeles Chargers, currently at 5-11, in a highly anticipated Week 18 showdown. This game, pivotal for playoff implications, promises to offer some gripping football action. Fans and bettors alike are eagerly looking forward to this matchup for its potential impact and for football week 18 free insights.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers 1/7/24
| When: | Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 4:25 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | SoFi Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiefs | +3.5 -112 | o35.5 -110 | +164 |  |
| Chargers | -3.5 -108 | u35.5 -110 | -184 | |
| ||||
From big runs to postgame recovery, it all starts with quality sleep 😴
See how @SleepNumber is a difference maker for Pop! pic.twitter.com/R686m5bBTo
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 6, 2024
Blaine Gabbert QB vs. Easton Stick QB
Blaine Gabbert gets the starting nod for the Chiefs with MVP front-runner Patrick Mahomes sidelined by injury. In his limited playing time this season, Gabbert has completed 3 of 5 passing attempts for a total of 31 yards, with no touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He has struggled with accuracy and decision making, earning an abysmal 38.3 passer rating across his single game appearance. However, Gabbert is an experienced, adept game manager capable of efficiently running the Chiefs’ innovative passing attack when called upon.
In contrast, Easton Stick has posted modest numbers including 83 completions for 871 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. While showing flashes of promise early on, the young quarterback has recently struggled with turnovers and stalling drives against quality defenses. Set to square off against the Chiefs’ fierce pass rush, Stick faces a difficult test to lead his inconsistent offense and end the season on a high note. He must rely on short, high-percentage passes and not force the issue against the ball-hawking Chiefs secondary.
Chiefs’ Offensive Dynamics
Kansas City Chiefs rushing performance has fallen below expectation this season, with Mecole Hardman Jr. garnering only 3 yards total. On the other hand, their receiving unit led by Justin Watson has shown great efficacy; Watson has amassed 460 receiving yards while averaging an impressive 17 average yards per reception to become an integral component in their passing offense.
Chargers’ Ground and Air Strategy
Los Angeles Chargers have taken an approach that is more balanced offensively, led by Joshua Kelley’s 414 rushing yards and Quentin Johnston’s average of 11.5 receiving yards per reception on receiving front. These key players provide flexible yet effective options in their ground and aerial attack strategies for this team.
NFL Betting Odds: Los Angeles Chargers -180, Over/Under: 35
The odds are in favor of the Chargers, with a moneyline of -180 and a spread of -3.5. The total points being set at 35 reflects expectations of a lower-scoring game, possibly due to both teams’ recent trends of going under.
Trends
Kansas City Chiefs Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Kansas City’s last 12 games.
Kansas City are 14-6 SU in their last 20 games.
Kansas City are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games against LA Chargers.
Chiefs are 16-3 SU in their last 19 games against LA Chargers.
Kansas City are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games on the road.
Kansas City are 8-0 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Chargers.
Los Angeles Chargers Betting Trends
LA Chargers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of LA Chargers’ last 14 games.
LA Chargers are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games.
Chargers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games at home.
LA Chargers are 0-8 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Kansas City.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Chargers’ last 9 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers Betting Picks
While the Chiefs have had a better season overall, their recent performance against the spread and Gabbert’s limited playtime suggest potential vulnerabilities. The Chargers, despite their weaker record, have shown some resilience, especially in the passing game with Stick.
Considering these factors, the Chargers might have a slight edge, particularly in their home environment. However, the Chiefs’ ability to pull off wins on the road cannot be underestimated. The under on total points seems a safe bet, given both teams’ recent trends.
For those exploring top online betting options, it’s crucial to weigh the teams’ recent performances, quarterback matchups, and betting trends. This game might be closer than the records suggest, making it an intriguing pick for bettors.
Score Prediction: Chargers 20, Chiefs 17
