It’s hard to call a division matchup a trap game, but the (4-0) Kansas City Chiefs must avoid overlooking the winless Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday afternoon.
According to Tom Pelissero, formerly of NFL Network, now with The Ringer and Netflix, the Chargers are “rejecting trade calls” because the team believes it is close to turning it around after an 0-5 start. There are no plans for “a fire sale.”
That narrative could change if the Chiefs take care of business this weekend, but if Kansas City lets Los Angeles get its bounceback performance and pick up a win in the AFC West along the way, it could be the turning point the Chargers need to regroup.
Head coach Andy Reid understands the Chargers’ desperation. A Reid-led Chiefs team once started 1-5 before ripping off enough consecutive wins to make the postseason in 2015.
During his press conference on Friday, Reid warned that Kansas City needs to stay alert and avoid getting caught off guard by an offensive mind looking to manufacture a win with a lengthy injury report.
“Well, you expect the unexpected,” Reid said when asked about Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. “He’s a sharp mind and very creative, so you’ve got to be on your toes. He does a nice job. (Chargers Head Coach) Jim (Harbaugh), likewise. I mean, you have two guys in there that are real good football guys, offensive minds.”
Los Angeles will be without its two starting offensive tackles — Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater — along with its top wideout this year: Tre Harris. It’s hard to know what the unit could look like with all the injuries, and the Chargers could play into the ambiguity to pull off a major upset.
With their season at a clear pivot point ahead of a Week 7 bye, Los Angeles will go all-out for a win in Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. On offense, defense and special teams, the Chiefs must be prepared for anything, because the Chargers will play like they have nothing to lose.