Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs: How to watch, start time, score prediction and odds

Six weeks into the NFL season and Chargers versus the Kansas City Chiefs pits a winless team against an unbeaten one. Last season, when the Chargers swept the Chiefs, feels like a lifetime ago.

This game might not be as lopsided as it appears, considering these teams know each other so well. But these are rough times for the Chargers, who are still missing their two starting tackles and All-Pro safety Derwin James Jr. What’s more, it has been a terrible start for Justin Herbert, who has five touchdowns, seven interceptions, an anemic passer rating of 70.2 and has been sacked 17 times.

Chargers

Chargers’ Mike McDaniel ‘always’ coaching for his job: ‘Insulting to do anything else’

Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel says he approaches every game as if he were coaching for his job, but he knows the pressure is on amid an 0-5 start.

Oct. 15, 2026

Conversely, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is on a roll despite returning from last season’s devastating knee injury. He has nine touchdowns, two interceptions, a 106.2 rating and six sacks — almost two-thirds fewer than Herbert.

A big battle for Los Angeles will be on defense, as the Chargers have done a good job against the run and are facing Kansas City’s Kenneth Walker III, who has rushed for 537 yards at an average of 6.2 yards per carry.

Chargers: OT Joe Alt (neck) out; G Kayode Awosika (fibula) out; DT Jamaree Caldwell (knee) questionable; DE Bud Dupree (neck) questionable; WR Tre’ Harris (hamstring) out; LB Daiyan Henley (knee) questionable; CB Donte Jackson (hamstring) out; S Derwin James Jr. (hamstring) out; WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring) questionable; CB Rodney Shelley (hamstring) doubtful; WR Brenen Thompson (quadriceps) questionable; DT Dalvin Tomlinson (hamstring) questionable.

Chiefs: WR Rashee Rice (hamstring, knee) out; T Josh Simmons (back) out; CB L’Jarius Sneed (knee) questionable.

The Chiefs and Kansas City Chiefs will play Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PDT at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The game will be shown on CBS and Paramount+ in Southern California. It will be available nationally via a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. In Southern California, fans can listen to the game on 640 AM and 103.9 FM (Español).

Not only do the Chargers have a ton of injuries, but their injured players are essential ones. Still, this game could be closer than many people expect because these teams know each other so well. Sam Farmer’s pick: Chiefs 28, Chargers 23