The 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs take on the 0-5 Los Angeles Chargers Sunday afternoon in the first 2026 game of this iconic Chiefs Vs. Chargers rivalry. LA is desperate for a win, and the Chiefs are looking to take further control of their division and remain alive for the first seed in the AFC. The last time these teams met, QB Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL. Will Los Angeles get the upset, or will Mahomes get his revenge?
Date: Sunday, October 18th, 2026
Time: 4:25 pm E.T.
Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Weather Forecast: 63 degrees F
Network: CBS
Betting Line: Chiefs -8.5 (Kansas City is 2-2 against the spread)
Local CBS affiliates will broadcast either Chiefs Vs. Chargers or Buffalo Bills Vs. Las Vegas Raiders. For more information regarding which game is being broadcast in your area, check the broadcast map.
LT Josh Simmons (back) was limited in practice and is questionable for Sunday.
WR Rashee Rice (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday and is questionable for Sunday.
CB L’Jarius Sneed is questionable for Sunday.
LB Denzel Perryman (undisclosed) is out for Sunday.
WR Ladd McConkey (foot) did not practice Wednesday and is questionable for Sunday.
WR Quentin Johnston (chest) was limited in practice Wednesday and is questionable for Sunday.
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (ribs) was limited in practice Wednesday and is questionable for Sunday.
WR Brenan Thompson (quadriceps) was limited in practice Wednesday and is questionable for Sunday.
WR Tre Harris (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday and is doubtful for Sunday
OT Joe Alt is questionable for Sunday.
S Derwin James Jr. is questionable for Sunday.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid is 22-5 coming off of a bye, but has lost two of his last three post-bye games. As long as they do not look past LA, there is no reason to believe Kansas City will lose this game. The Chargers have looked dreadful offensively through the first five games of the season, ranking 25th in yards per game and 30th in points per game.
Los Angeles QB Justin Herbert has struggled immensely, throwing only five touchdowns on the season compared to seven interceptions. He has 937 passing yards, which is 22nd in the league. The Chargers have a -5 turnover differential compared to the Chiefs’ +5. Despite this, however, Kansas City’s defense has not lived up to its Week One performance. They are currently giving up 317.8 yards per game, which is disappointing compared to the 176 yards they allowed to the Denver Broncos in Week One.
The Chiefs’ offense has been electric so far in 2026. They are second in yards per game and fifth in points per game, mostly off of Kenneth Walker III’s impressive rushing attack. The Chargers defense gives up 118.6 yards per game on the ground, so Walker should be able to run all over this team. Walker has 537 rushing yards, four touchdowns, is averaging 6.2 yards per carry, and is averaging 134 rushing yards per game so far this season. He should easily surpass 118.6 yards.
Los Angeles’ pass defense is giving up less than 200 yards per game in the air. Patrick Mahomes is having his best season since 2022, currently having nine touchdowns with only two interceptions. He should still be able to have a great game, but it is more likely that Kansas City wins this game through the run game.
Both teams are down at receiver, primarily the Chargers, whose injuries at the position are a major reason why they remain winless. For the Chiefs, if Rashee Rice plays, Kansas City should be relatively okay. If he doesn’t, they will have to rely on Xavier Worthy and rookie Cyrus Allen. Expect Allen to get multiple targets in this game, as the Chiefs might want to rely on him later in the season as an offensive weapon.
The Chiefs have a tough stretch coming up, but this game isn’t a part of that. The Chargers are just waiting for the season to be over, but they have also remained close with quality opponents. The Chiefs kept it close with the Miami Dolphins in Week Three, yet were never in actual danger of losing. I think this game will be similar. Kansas City will maintain a consistent lead but will never run away with it until the end.
Chiefs Vs. Chargers is rarely a blowout, no matter how good these teams are. Kansas City’s next two games are on the road against the Seattle Seahawks and the Broncos. Both could be losses, so beating the lowly Chargers is an absolute must.
Prediction: Chiefs over Chargers, 27-17.
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