Who Will Join The Pats, Broncos, Colts, Bengals And Steelers?
By Dave Thomas
If the San Diego Chargers can go on the road this Sunday and leave Arrowhead Stadium with a win over the AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs, those following the playoff possibilities (sportscasters, sportswriters, fans, players etc.) will have an easy time of it.
On the other hand: A Chargers loss and all heck could break loose.
Going into Sunday's second meeting of the season between the long-time AFL rivals (Kansas City won earlier this season 23-20), the stakes could not be any higher.
For San Diego (9-6), win and you're in. For Kansas City (8-7), win and you still need some assistance.
Chargers Have Been Here Before
It was just a season ago when the Bolts had to win their final four games of the season just to make the playoffs.
Once in the playoffs, San Diego went on the road at AFC North champion Cincinnati and defeated Andy Dalton and the Bengals. From there, San Diego traveled to rival Denver, losing a hard-fought decision to the eventual AFC champions.
So, what is the likely outcome this time around when San Diego and Kansas City meet for the 110th time in their long history?
Given Arrowhead Stadium is one of if not the most difficult venues in all of the NFL, the Chargers will need to get an early lead and limit the crowd's excitement. If the Bolts fall significantly behind as they did in San Francisco last Saturday evening, things could go south in a hurry.
On the flip side, getting ahead at the start and turning Kansas City into more or less a passing team, thereby limiting the contributions of talented running back Jamaal Charles, could definitely work in San Diego's favor.
Another factor will be San Diego's health, as starting wide receiver Keenan Allen (collarbone, ankle) and starting running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) both missed the game in Northern California this past weekend. Starting QB Philip Rivers continues to battle chest and back issues, though you know the veteran out of N.C. State will give it his all come Sunday in the nation's heartland.
One other factor to check in on is the weather forecast.
As of early this week, the forecast for Sunday in Kansas City is for partly cloudy skies and a temperature of around 36 degrees for the high.
Yes, not quite San Diego weather for late December, but the Chargers hope it is good enough to allow them to leave with the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC.
For more Chargers news and updates, visit Chargers Central.
Dave Thomas has been covering the sports world since his first job as a sports editor for a weekly newspaper in Pennsylvania back in 1989. He has covered a Super Bowl, college bowl games, MLB, NBA and more. His work can be found on Examiner.com.