Key matchups to watch in Chargers vs. Chiefs

Week 3 will feature a star-studded showdown between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, with big names on both sides of the ball fighting to get their teams from falling to 1-2 and last place in the AFC West.

With that being said, here are the top matchups to watch this Sunday:

Chargers defensive line vs. Chiefs offensive line

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

This game could largely be determined in the trenches, and it won't be an easy task for the Chargers who will be facing a Chiefs offensive line with completely new faces, with those being Joe Thuney, Orlando Brown Jr. and rookies Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith. If Los Angeles want to have success, the team knows they will need to put the heat on quarterback Patrick Mahomes on a consistent basis. Like in Super Bowl LV, the Buccaneers' constant pressure was able to disrupt the Chiefs high-powered offense. Aside from slowing Mahomes down, the interior part of the defensive line can not afford to be bullied off the ball or else running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire could be in for a field day on the ground, just like the Cowboys' backs enjoyed last weekend.

Chargers DB Derwin James vs. Chiefs TE Travis Kelce

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Like the past few seasons, Mahomes has already developed a solid repertoire with Kelce, who is leading all players at his position in receiving yards (185) and is second in touchdowns (3). With that, the two will look to carry that momentum into this weekend. Therefore, the Chargers will be banking on James to erase him, just like how he done in the past meetings. In three matchups since 2018, James has allowed three receptions to Kelce for just eight yards as the primary coverage defender. With James' top-tier movement skills, cover awareness and physicality, he will look to replicate his performances years back against Kelce, who has a knack for getting open and making big plays and extending drives.

Chargers HC Brandon Staley's defense vs. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

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Through two weeks, the defensive philosophy of Staley has attributed to the fourth-best unit against the pass, only allowing 177 yards per game. Staley will have his toughest test yet facing Mahomes, who is averaging the second-most yards (333.5) and has six touchdowns. With a defense that's focused more on overlapping coverages with two-high safeties and lighter boxes, its primary emphasis is limiting explosive passing plays. Under Staley last season, the Rams allowed just 41 gains of 20-plus yards last season, per Pro Football Focus. As for Kansas City, the team's 233 pass plays of 20 or more yards since Mahomes took over in 2018 rank second in the league to only Tampa Bay (253). While getting pressure on Mahomes is one thing, creating uncertainty for him through coverage disguises and ensuring that the Chargers defensive backfield can stay sticky against the speedy wide receiver Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, among the other weapons, will be crucial.

Chargers backfield vs. Chiefs front seven

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The Chargers offense has been really efficient through the air, while the running game has yet to generate a spark. If there is going to be a game where the unit can fire all on cylinders, it's this weekend. Entering Week 3, Kansas City has the worst run defense in the league, as they’ve allowed 202 yards per game. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is averaging 92.5 yards on the ground. While Austin Ekeler resumes his role as a multi-dimensional skill player, Justin Jackson and rookie Larry Rountree could be due for productive performances.

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