Breaking: Chiefs, Chargers set for a high-wire Week 15 clash on Sunday, with playoff stakes on the line and All-Pro talent everywhere. The late window belongs to the AFC West, and this one will carry weight in January. Expect speed, pressure, and a close finish.
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How to Watch and Listen
Kickoff is set for Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET, 3:25 p.m. CT, 1:25 p.m. PT. The late slot suits this rivalry. It gives both coasts a clear view and raises the stage.
- TV: CBS in most markets. Check your local listing.
- Streaming: Paramount Plus for local CBS streams, NFL Plus for mobile and tablet with in-market restrictions, and YouTube TV for Sunday Ticket out of market.
- Radio: Chiefs Radio Network across Missouri and Kansas, Chargers Radio Network in Southern California, plus SiriusXM NFL channels.
- Spanish audio available in both markets on team affiliates.
Log in early if you stream. Big games bring heavy traffic. Avoid last minute sign-ins and app updates.
The Matchup
Patrick Mahomes is the tone-setter. The Chiefs will move him in and out of the pocket, then attack the seams with Travis Kelce. When defenses sit in two-high shells, Kansas City leans on Isaiah Pacheco. His violent runs turn second and 8 into third and 2, and that changes everything. Rashee Rice gives Kansas City yards after the catch, which punishes soft zones.
The Chargers counter with a familiar star group. Keenan Allen wins with routes and timing. Josh Palmer stretches the field. Austin Ekeler is the swing piece, a runner who can beat linebackers as a receiver. Justin Herbert can make every throw, and he will test the far hash. If the Chargers protect, their deep outs and posts can hit.
Kansas City’s defense is the quiet edge. Chris Jones collapses pockets, and that ruins read progressions. Trent McDuffie and L’Jarius Sneed can travel with top receivers, then trigger on screens. Steve Spagnuolo will heat the edges with timely pressures, then rotate late behind it. That mix forces one bad decision per quarter.
On the other sideline, Khalil Mack keys the Chargers’ front. His rush plan is patient and violent. Derwin James will roam, part safety, part nickel, part linebacker. He has to bracket Kelce in the red zone, then rally to Pacheco on checkdowns. If the Chargers turn the red zone into a field goal zone, they can steal a possession.
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Tactical Keys to Sunday
First down offense
The Chiefs want to win first down with quick game and wide runs. That keeps play action alive. The Chargers need negative plays on first down to unlock Mack and their games up front.
Middle of the field
If Kelce owns the hashes, the Chargers will scramble. Watch for robber looks and late safety drops to jump option routes.
Hidden yards
Special teams swing this rivalry. Kansas City trusts Tommy Townsend to pin deep. The Chargers need clean operation on punts and field goals. A 40-yard flip can equal three points.
Injury designations will shape the plan. Monitor the final game status for offensive line starters and top skill players on both teams.
What It Means
Division games feel different in December. For Kansas City, a win tightens the grip on the AFC West and supports seeding. For the Chargers, this is a leverage game. Win it, and the door stays open for a late push, plus tiebreaker juice inside the division. Lose it, and the margin shrinks to near zero.
Prediction
Mahomes finds a rhythm in the second half, and the Chiefs defense closes with pressure. The Chargers land shots, especially off play action, but red zone execution decides it. I have Kansas City by one score.
Chiefs 27, Chargers 20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time is kickoff for Chargers vs Chiefs on Sunday?
A: 4:25 p.m. ET, 3:25 p.m. CT, 1:25 p.m. PT.
Q: What channel is airing the game?
A: CBS in most markets. Check your local listing for confirmation.
Q: How can I stream the game?
A: Use Paramount Plus for local CBS streaming, NFL Plus for mobile and tablet in market, or Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV if you are out of market.
Q: Where can I listen on the radio?
A: The Chiefs Radio Network and the Chargers Radio Network will carry full coverage, with additional options on SiriusXM.
Q: Where is the game being played?
A: It is a Chargers home date in the late window, with a large traveling Chiefs crowd expected.
Conclusion: Expect a charged, physical game that swings on third downs and red zone calls. The stars are in place, the stakes are clear, and the final quarter will decide it. Buckle up, this is the AFC West at full speed.
