Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers: Commentary from Week 18 NFL matchup

Today’s Chiefs-Chargers game is a bit of an odd one for KC. There isn’t much — or really anything — to play for from a seeding perspective, but the Chiefs would love to get back on track after some lackluster performances down the stretch of the season.

Oh, and a couple players just so happen to be right on the cusp of important milestones.

Star D-lineman Chris Jones acknowledged he could use the rest after KC’s last game, but he’s half a sack away from securing a $1.25 million contract incentive.

Travis Kelce, meanwhile, is right on the cusp of an eighth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, and he’s even in the ballpark of 100 catches, which would mark the fourth time in his career he’s reached the latter mark.

That is ... if he were playing. But the Chiefs announced — as somewhat of a surprise — that Kelce will be held out, along with several other top starters.

Here’s what else we know: Patrick Mahomes won’t play. Rashee Rice will miss this game with a hamstring injury, and L’Jarius Sneed is also out. Donovan Smith continues to miss time, and Kadarius Toney won’t play, either.

For that, the betting line actually favors the Chargers — who are playing with a backup quarterback in their own right. It’ll be Blaine Gabbert vs. Easton Stick when these two teams meet at SoFi Stadium.

Kickoff approaches at 3:25 p.m. Central. Follow our live updates and commentary as the game unfolds...

Live updates: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers

Follow our live commentary as the Chiefs and Chargers meet in Week 18.