Preview: Chargers (4-1) at Chiefs (2-3)

Embarrassing is the only word that can describe Kansas City’s 45-7 blowout loss in Pittsburgh last Sunday. It was one of the worst losses in team history, dropping the Chiefs two games behind the Broncos and Chargers in the AFC West. San Diego comes to Arrowhead this weekend in a must-win game for the Chiefs. Was Sunday’s pounding a wake-up call, or a sign of things to come?

Series History:

Kansas City is 48-43-1 against San Diego in regular and postseason play. The Chiefs have won nine of the last 11 meetings at Arrowhead, including a stretch of seven straight home wins between 1997 and 2003. A total of 10 games in the series have been decided by exactly one point, the most out of any series in the league since 1960.

Statistical Breakdown:

Kansas City -

After Sunday’s loss, the Chiefs dropped from fourth to 11th in total defense (294.8), 24th in rush defense (129.0) but still fifth against the pass (165.8). After giving up a whopping 45 points to a struggling Pittsburgh offense, the Chiefs fell to 14th in points allowed, giving up 19.4 points a game. Was Sunday’s defensive effort the real Chiefs defense? If it is, this team is in a lot of trouble.

As bad as KC’s defense was on Sunday, the offense was even worse. The Chiefs dropped to 26th in total offense (282.4) and 25th in both rushing (92.0) and passing offense (190.4). The Chiefs are only scoring 17.4 points a game, tied for 22nd in the NFL.

San Diego -

The Chargers have one of the best defenses in the NFL, if not the best. San Diego is first in total defense (218.8), third against the rush (71.6) and second against the pass (146.8). San Diego is only giving up 11 points a game, good for third in the NFL. They have one of the best front sevens, with nose tackle Jamal Williams as the anchor.

San Diego fields the third-ranked offense in the league (364.8). They are second on the ground (158.2) and 14th through the air (206.6). They are second in the league in scoring at 30.2 per game. Quarterback Philip Rivers is off to a great start in his first year as a starter. He’s throw seven touchdown passes against just two interceptions.

The Facts:

• KC has allowed just 8.3 points per game in their last four games at home, and have won 20 consecutive games at home when holding opponents to 21 points or less.

• Kansas City is 27-4 at home when scoring 30 points or more since 1995. The Chargers have not allowed 30 points or more in 22 consecutive games, and have held eight straight opponents under 21. The Chargers are 13-1 since 2004 when scoring 30 or more.

• These two teams have won 13 out of the last 15 games when leading at the half in the series. The Chiefs are 48-7 since 1995 at home in the regular season when leading at halftime. Since Marty Schottenheimer took over the Chargers in 2002, they are just 6-24 when trailing at the half.

• Since 1995, the Chiefs own a 42-4 record at Arrowhead with a positive turnover margin. San Diego is +8 in turnover differential this season, giving up only two turnovers all year.

• Kansas City has not allowed a 100-yard rusher at home in 17 straight contests.

• San Diego is 0-6 all-time in October when visiting Arrowhead.

Key Injuries:

For the Chiefs, quarterback Trent Green is out yet again with his concussion. Fullback Ronnie Cruz is out for the year with a serious knee injury. The Chiefs will also be without tackle Will Svitek, cornerback Benny Sapp and linebacker Rich Scanlon, all out with knee injuries. Running back Michael Bennett is listed as questionable but did practice Wednesday.

For the Chargers, defensive end Igor Olshansky is out with a knee injury. Safety Bhawoh Jue (knee) and tackles Marcus McNeill (hand) and Shane Olivea (knee) are questionable.

Weather Report:

Kansas City, MO, Sunday, October 22nd, 2006

Forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a high of 49 degrees and a low of 35. There is a 20 percent chance of precipitation.

Prediction: Chiefs 17, Chargers 13