Time: 11 a.m. Saturday, Chiefs by 1
Last meeting: Chargers won 28-20 on Nov. 30
Who knew: The Chargers, who beat the Chiefs 34-31 at Kansas City last season, will be trying for their first back-to-back road wins in the series since 1988-89.
Spotlight on: Larry Johnson
Admit it, you thought the Chiefs were doomed when concussion issues ended Priest Holmes’ season. Instead, Johnson has emerged as one of the elite backs in the game. He has reeled off a club-record seven consecutive 100-yard games and leads the league with 1,019 rushing yards since Nov. 1.
Etc.: Dick Vermeil an altogether ordinary 5-5 vs. Chargers in his career. We only mention it because this could well be his final rodeo against the Bolts. … Marty Schottenheimer 6-4 career vs. his old team. … Antonio Gates had career day in last meeting with Chiefs, catching 10 balls for 145 yards, three TDs. He has six TD catches in three career games vs. K.C. … Go figure. Bolts are 9-5 vs. league’s nastiest schedule despite minus-4 turnover ranking. … In past two vs. Chiefs, Drew Brees has thrown for five TDs, one INT, with at least 324 yards in each. … Chiefs own the series at Arrowhead. Have outscored Chahguhs 232-107 in past eight in K.C. … Eddie Kennison needs 68 receiving yards to become second player in franchise history with back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving years. … Chiefs still can’t stop anybody. They’re second in the league in offense, 28th in D. … Chargers numero uno in NFL in run D.
Prediction: Chargers 31, Chiefs 26
