Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers NFL Week 18 Betting Picks and Prediction for Sunday, January 7, 2024

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers NFL Week 18 – As the NFL regular season wraps up, the Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) are set to face the Los Angeles Chargers (5-11) in a pivotal Week 18 clash. This game, scheduled for Sunday, promises to be an intriguing battle. Broadcasted on CBS, it’s a key matchup for enthusiasts engaged in top online betting in Canada, offering a host of intriguing options

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Date & Time: Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 4:25 PM ET

Location: SoFi Stadium

TV: CBS

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers NFL Week 18 Betting Odds

TeamMoneylineSpreadTotal
Chiefs+160+3.5 (-112)35 over (-110)
Chargers-180-3.5 (-108)35 under (-110)

Kansas City Chiefs Analysis

Offensively, the Kansas City Chiefs have had an inconsistent season. Blaine Gabbert‘s limited playing time as quarterback has resulted in limited passing game action; his 60% completion rate but two interceptions and low passer rating (38.3) make for a difficult campaign for Kansas City. Mecole Hardman Jr. and the Chiefs’ rushing attack have been underutilized, evidenced by low rushing attempts and yards; however, Justin Watson has been an impressive presence at receiver. Watson has displayed his ability to make big plays for the Chiefs with 460 receiving yards and an average 17 yard catch average. For them to overcome the Chargers successfully, they will need more consistency in both their passing game and running game strategies.

Kansas City’s defense has been dominant this season. Their ability to limit total score in most recent games indicates a solid approach, particularly on the road where they won nine out of 11 road games. Their defense must maintain this high standard by pressuring quarterback Philip Rivers and controlling receivers; taking advantage of Chargers offensive issues this year to win is key for Kansas City.

Los Angeles Chargers Analysis

Los Angeles Chargers have endured an unfavorable season, as indicated by their 5-11 record. On offense, quarterback Easton Stick has shown potential in his limited playtime with a 65.4% completion rate and an 89.7 passer rating; his ability to move the ball downfield will be key against Kansas City Chiefs defense. Joshua Kelley leads an average running game; wide receiver Quentin Johnston averages 3.8 yards per carry while Quentin Johnston averages 11.5 yards per reception in receiving. Los Angeles Chargers need to maximize offensive strengths to break through Kansas Chiefs defense.

At home, the Chargers have proven susceptible defensively. With only five wins under their belt since January of 2018, SU, this record should raise serious concerns. Their defense must focus on limiting Chiefs receivers while improving rush defense; consistent pressure should be exerted on quarterback Patrick Mahomes to force turnovers that could help determine game results.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers Against the Spread

The Chiefs are 2-5 against the spread (ATS) over their last 7 matchups with the Chargers. However, Kansas City is 14-6 straight up in its last 20 games overall. The Chargers have gone just 1-7 straight up in their last 8 contests, and they are 0-8 SU in their last 8 home games against the Chiefs.

Los Angeles has struggled to cover at home, going 1-5 ATS over its last 6 SoFi Stadium contests. The Chargers are also just 2-6 ATS across their last 8 games. The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Los Angeles’ last 14 matchups.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers Free Pick

Based on the odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:

Moneyline: Kansas City Chiefs (+160). Despite their struggles this season, the Chiefs have a strong record against the Chargers, especially in away games.

Spread: Kansas City Chiefs +3.5 (-112). The Chiefs have shown they can compete closely with the Chargers, making them a good pick to cover the spread.

Total: Under 35 (-110). Both teams have shown a trend of low-scoring games, making the under a sensible choice.

Predicted Score: Kansas City Chiefs 18 Los Angeles Chargers 15

In summary, while both teams have had their struggles, the Chiefs appear to have the edge, particularly in head-to-head matchups. The most reliable pick seems to be betting on the Chiefs, both on the moneyline and the spread. Considering the trends, betting on the total score to stay under also seems prudent. For those engaged in Super Bowl picks today, this matchup offers a range of interesting betting options.