Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs vs. Chargers: Picks and predictions

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

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Dec 13, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford (55) sacks San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 10-3. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers play on Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium, and our staff predicts and picks the game.

Without any nonsense, here are the picks from yours truly and our great staff:

Matt Verderame: Chiefs 27, Chargers 16

Kansas City is the better team, and that should shine through. I won’t lie, having rooted for this franchise my entire life, there’s a part of me that expects a train wreck. Still, the offense is loaded with weapons and is facing a hideous defense. On the other side, Philip Rivers is a very good quarterback, but he doesn’t have a ton of help around him.

John McCarty: Chiefs 27, Chargers 13

The Chiefs offense appears to be in sync, while the Chargers defense continues to leave a lot to be desired, especially since rookie defensive end Joey Bosa is likely to see little to no action. Kansas City’s defense will struggle at times, especially if Antonio Gates is able to get 1-on-1 matchups. However, a lack of talent on the perimeter will limit what San Diego can achieve, and will be forced to be one dimensional, thus allowing the Chiefs weakness to be covered and shrouded in the awfulness that is the Chargers.

Stacy Smith – Chiefs 24, Chargers 21

This game will be closer than most expect. Travis Benjamin and Keenan Allen could be a load to cover with limited snaps for Hali and none for Houston. If the Chiefs can’t get pressure on Rivers, this could be a nail-biter.

Tarek Mavani – Chiefs 24, Chargers 17

The Chargers defense is going to have all sorts of problems containing the Chiefs ground game and I think that’ll open things up for a less risk adverse Alex Smith.

Gaines and Peters will take some lumps, but they’ll also make some game-changing plays which will compensate for the lack of QB pressure.

KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 3: Spencer Ware

Joshua Brisco – Chiefs 30, Chargers 24

Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin will challenge the Chiefs’ young cornerbacks and the depleted outside pass rush won’t do the secondary any favors. The pressure then falls to the defensive line. Poe, Bailey, Howard and Jones will disrupt Rivers just enough to give Alex Smith and the Chiefs offense the upper hand throughout the game. Chiefs win in a frustratingly close shootout.

Ryan Tracy – Chiefs 28, Chargers 17

Chemistry is a hard thing to find. Its been a thought road for Philip Rivers and newly acquired deep threat Travis Benjamin in trying to build some. Look for the the running games to make some impact on both sides. In the end, Kansas City has too much and pulls away.

Lyle Graversen – Chiefs 34, Chargers 20

I think this is going to be a fairly high scoring game with the Chiefs pulling away late to make things more comfortable. Look for Spencer Ware to have a big day and Alex Smith to spread the ball around to several different targets.

Nick Floyd – Chiefs 34, Chargers 13

Kansas City comes out right where they left off the regular season. Alex Smith spreads the ball around and the ground game gives the Chargers a nightmare of trouble. The Chiefs win this game easily and start the season and the division 1-0.

Chris Clark – Chiefs 27, Chargers 20

Kansas City should control this game from the outset. At this point the defense hasn’t shown enough to be sure they can shut down the Chargers passing attack. The Chiefs should have enough success on the ground to head to Houston 1-0.