Free Pick: Kansas City 9-4 at LA Chargers 8-5 12/16/21

This Thursday night matchup will go a long way in determining which of these two teams will win the AFC West. A Kansas City win, gives them a 2-game lead with three games left. Turn out the lights, the party’s over. On the other hand, a Charger win would put the two teams in a tie, and Los Angeles would own the tiebreaker. This is a huge game. Let’s see if we can find something to bet.

TOTAL TEAM POINTS:

Kansas City: 27.5 Total Team Points The Chiefs have won six straight and they are starting to dominate their opponents like we thought they would. They are averaging 27 points per game and going up against a Chargers’ defense that has been shaky. Putting up 48 last week against the Raiders has them brimming with confidence and feeling good about their explosive offense. The Chargers aren’t overwhelming on defense and they have given up a lot of yards on the ground. Can the Chiefs exploit that with a running game that has improved, but still is lacking? I’ll take Kansas City UNDER 27.5 team points.

Chargers: 23.5 Total Team Points The Chargers are scoring enough points (26 per game), to go toe-to-toe with the Kansas City offense. They are averaging almost identical total yards as the Chiefs. They are going to need a big game out of this side of the ball and make some big plays. Everyone talks about the Chiefs’ offense, but their defense is the key to this game. During the six game winning streak, they are giving up only 11 points per game. The defense, more than anything else, is the reason for their resurgence. I like Los Angeles UNDER 23.5 team points.

OVER/UNDER: 52.5 Combined Team Points I’m thinking both defenses are going to play pretty well in this game, especially the Chiefs. I like the UNDER 52.5 combined team points.

POINT SPREAD: Kansas City is a 3-point favorite This is a game that Los Angeles definitely has the talent to win. The Chiefs are on a roll and emerging as the team to beat in the AFC, behind an improved defense that is playing extremely well. The question is simple for the Dudes. Can the Chargers win this kind of game over an experienced team that has been in a lot of these kinds of games?

AARON’S PICK: Kansas City -3

PAPA DUDES PICK: Los Angeles UNDER 23.5 team total