Advertisement

Chiefs vs. Chargers preview: Predictions, odds, how to watch Sunday's game

Nov 20, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Blaine Gabbert (9) warms up against the Philadelphia Eagles prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Blaine Gabbert (9) warms up against the Philadelphia Eagles prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) travel to SoFi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Chargers (5-11) for a Week 18 matchup.

The Kansas City Chiefs clinched the AFC West title after a 25-17 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 21 of 29 pass attempts for 245 passing yards and a touchdown. However, Mahomes will not play against the Los Angeles Chargers in the last game of the regular season after coach Andy Reid decided to rest him and prepare for the playoffs. Instead, 12-year NFL veteran Blaine Gabbert will start as quarterback for the Chiefs. Gabbert's last game as a starter was with the Tennessee Titans in 2018.

The Los Angeles Chargers lost to the Denver Broncos 16-9 in Week 17 and are now on a four-game losing streak. Quarterback Easton Stick completed 24 out of 38 pass attempts for 220 yards while running back Austin Ekeler had 13 carries for 46 yards. Unfortunately, the Chargers have been eliminated from the playoffs, but they are determined to end the season on a high note.

NFL: Is Patrick Mahomes playing in Chiefs' Week 18 game? Kansas City to sit QB for finale

Week 18: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers predictions

BetMGM: Chargers will win

Staff writes: "The winning team model predicts the Chargers will win this Week 18 game with 54.6% confidence, based on game simulations, player injuries, offensive & defensive matchups and recent game results."

ESPN: Chiefs have a 50% chance to win

According to the ESPN Matchup Predictor, the Kansas City Chiefs have a 50.9% chance of beating the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18.

CBS Sports: Chiefs can win

Staff writes: "Los Angeles is in the opposite boat since they played the Monday night game in Week 6 and are coming off of a loss. All of the Chargers' games this season have been decided by four or fewer points with the exception of their 24-17 win against the Las Vegas Raiders, but the Chiefs have the ability to mount a large lead and hold onto it."

How to watch the Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers: TV channel and streaming info

The Kansas City Chiefs kick off against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Jan. 7, at 4:25 p.m., ET, on CBS. The game can also be streamed on NFL+.

NFL STATS CENTRAL The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more

Week 18: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers odds, betting lines

The Los Angeles Chargers are favored to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs, according to the BetMGM NFL odds, as of Saturday afternoon.

  • Spread: Chargers (-3)

  • Moneyline: Chargers (-165); Chiefs (+140)

  • Over/under: 36

Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023

NFL Week 18 odds: Moneylines, point spreads, over/under

Week 18: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers injury news

Kansas City Chiefs:

Player

Position

Injury

Status

Donovan Smith

OT

Neck

Questionable for Week 18

Patrick Mahomes

QB

Ankle

Questionable for Week 18

Michael Danna

DE

Rest

Questionable for Week 18

Nick Bolton

LB

Wrist

Questionable for Week 18

Trent McDuffie

CB

Shoulder

Questionable for Week 18

George Karlaftis

DE

Rest

Questionable for Week 18

L'Jarius Sneed

CB

Calf

Questionable for Week 18

Isiah Pacheco

RB

Quadriceps

Questionable for Week 18

Rashee Rice

WR

Hamstring

Questionable for Week 18

Kadarius Toney

WR

Hip

Questionable for Week 18

Prince Tega Wanogho

OT

Quadriceps

Injured Reserve

Jerick McKinnon

RB

Groin

Injured Reserve

Skyy Moore

WR

Knee

Injured Reserve

Bryan Cook

FS

Ankle

Injured Reserve

Jody Fortson

TE

Shoulder

Injured Reserve

Nazeeh Johnson

SAF

Knee

Injured Reserve

Los Angeles Chargers:

Player

Position

Injury

Status

Deane Leonard

CB

Heel

Questionable for Week 18

Trey Pipkins

OT

Wrist

Questionable for Week 18

Stone Smartt

TE

Shoulder

Questionable for Week 18

Justin Hollins

LB

Shoulder

Questionable for Week 18

Nick Williams

DT

Shoulder

Questionable for Week 18

Josh Palmer

WR

Concussion

Questionable for Week 18

Zion Johnson

OG

Neck

Questionable for Week 18

Kenneth Murray

LB

Shoulder

Questionable for Week 18

Keenan Allen

WR

Heel

Questionable for Week 18

Corey Linsley

C

Illness

Injured Reserve

Tanner Muse

LB

Knee

Injured Reserve

Joey Bosa

LB

Foot

Injured Reserve

Will Clapp

C

Knee

Injured Reserve

Justin Herbert

QB

Finger

Injured Reserve

Zack Bailey

OT

Back

Injured Reserve

Chris Rumph II

LB

Foot

Injured Reserve

Raheem Layne

SAF

Knee

Injured Reserve

Mike Williams

WR

Knee

Injured Reserve

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chiefs vs. Chargers predictions, odds, injury news for Sunday's game