What appeared to be a key AFC West matchup before the 2026 NFL season began still has some urgency in Week 6, but for different reasons than were likely imagined.
The Los Angeles Chargers are already at the point of trying to salvage their season after a 0-5 start. No team has ever made the playoffs after losing their first five games. But the 1992 Chargers did make the playoffs following a 0-4 start, finishing with an 11-5 record.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh admitted after Week 5's defeat to the Denver Broncos that he didn't know what message he could give his team to recover from its poor start. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's job is in jeopardy with a unit ranked 25th in the NFL in total offense (29th in passing). Quarterback Justin Herbert is one of the league's lowest-ranked passers with five touchdown passes and seven interceptions.
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No such problems exist with the Kansas City Chiefs, 4-0 and coming off a bye week. Kenneth Walker III is the league's second-leading rusher, lessening the burden on Patrick Mahomes while returning from a torn ACL. On defense, the Chiefs have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards in the NFL and rank 10th in passing yards allowed.
A win over the Chargers could create a considerable lead in the AFC West and keep Kansas City ahead of the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars in the conference.
Follow along with Yahoo Sports for live updates, highlights and more as the Chiefs host the Chargers in their first meeting of the season, airing on CBS.