Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers Prediction & Picks - NFL

Prediction published on 12/14/25, 9:47 AM  by Bill Christy | Modified on 1/16/26 at 4:49 AM in NFL Picks

The Kansas City Chiefs (6-7) find themselves in a very unfamiliar place as they take on the Los Angeles Chargers (9-4). That place is survival mode. The Chiefs will basically need to win out to have even a slight chance of advancing to the postseason this year.

The Chiefs have lost 4 of their last 5 games, including their last two in a row. A 31-28 loss was followed by a heartbreaking 20-10 loss to the Texans. In the loss to the Texans, Patrick Mahomes threw 3 interceptions and was sacked twice. He finished with just 160 yards passing and completed only 42% of his passes. Now he needs to shake off that pitiful performance and rise to the level that he has played at in the past to lead the Chiefs on what would be an astonishing run to end the year.

The Chargers are coming off a wild win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. It was a game full of turnovers and sloppy play, but the Chargers got it done in overtime. They have now won 5 of their last 6 games and hold the top wildcard spot in the AFC. Justin Herbert is still banged up with the broken non-throwing hand, but he was able to do enough with his legs in the win over the Eagles.

The Chiefs' slim playoff chances are on the line in this matchup. At the same time, the Chargers have their eyes set on ensuring a playoff berth.