Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers at Chiefs: 3 things we learned

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs added another incredible game to their rivalry, as the Chiefs won in overtime.

In the season’s first AFC West battle, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers played an instant classic on Sunday. The Chargers took control of the game early, racing out to a 21-3 first-half lead, but the Chiefs would not go away. Not only did the Chargers lose their lead late in the game, but they lost their star receiver right before halftime, before losing the game in overtime.

Keenan Allen looks to be done for the year, this after tearing his ACL with a few minutes left in the first half. The loss of Allen was devastating to the Chargers offense, which did not do much more after he left on the cart. Philip Rivers did his best to get everyone involved, hitting six different receivers throughout the game.

One thing is for sure: This AFC West division is going to be fun to watch in 2016. After watching the Chargers and Chiefs need extra time to decide their game, here are three things we learned.

1. The Chargers need to find Keenan Allen’s replacement fast

About the time that Keenan Allen left the game with a torn ACL, the San Diego Chargers offense went stagnant. That is not good news for Chargers fans, who are running out of years with Philip Rivers as their quarterback. Rivers is getting up there in age, and tight end Antonio Gates is on the decline, so Allen was supposed to lead their offense in 2016.

All reports point to Allen being done for the year, so the Chargers will now have to look for a replacement to fill this sizable void. They already lost Stevie Johnson during the preseason, so the Chargers’ WR1 and WR2 coming into training camp are both gone. Tyrell Wiliams is going to need to step up big time if the Chargers are going to be competitive this season.

2. Spencer Ware will be a starting running back in the league soon

By the time the Chargers and Chiefs finished playing, there were plenty of people who started thinking Spencer Ware may be the best running back on the team. That is big praise for a team that has Jamaal Charles on their roster, but Ware was that good on Sunday. He did it all, leading the team in receiving and rushing, while scoring a huge touchdown late.

Charles is likely to regain his starting spot once he is healthy, but what a weapon to have backing him up. Ware looks like he could be one of the better young backs in the league, and will likely be a starter somewhere very soon. The added load did not seem to wear him down, and he appeared to get stronger as the game went along.

3. Alex Smith is as solid as they come in the NFL

Alex Smith is not the sexiest pick when it comes to fantasy football, but I bet nearly every NFL owner would love to have him under center. All this guy does is play good football, and he showed why on Sunday, displaying the kind of poise that could lead his Chiefs to a Super Bowl. He also filled up the stat sheet, and he could be in for a huge year in 2016.

Smith threw for 363 yards in the contest, hitting eight different players in the process. He worked his running backs well, got his tight end involved, and hit his star receiver for a clutch touchdown late in the game. The Chiefs are loaded on offense, and Smith is the one driving the bus.

If the Chargers versus Chiefs game is any indication, this division is going down to the wire in 2016.

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