Evan Silva’s Matchups: Chargers at Chiefs

Editor’s Note: This Matchup was written by John Daigle, with input from Evan Silva.

Sunday Night Football

L.A. Chargers @ Kansas City

Team Totals: Chargers 19.5, Chiefs 23.5

It’s a clear bounce-back spot for Justin Herbert after the Chargers predictably laid an egg in Atlanta (including 46 plays, five sacks, and zero offensive TDs) for traveling across the country and playing at 10a circadian rhythm: Kansas City’s secondary has completely crumbled since Week 8, permitting a 69.7% completion rate (seventh) and 105.5 QB rating (fourth) all the while generating pressure on 21.9% (31st) of dropbacks. Herbert’s posted a 10:0 TD-to-INT ratio from a clean pocket and, outside of eating five sacks (with two picks) against Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo last year, previously won the war with 15 touchdowns (to four interceptions) in their first six bouts. … Los Angeles’ first test without J.K. Dobbins (knee, I.R.) resulted in a combined 11/52/0 from the ground for all in his shoes including Gus Edwards’ six carries (54.5% share) to Kimani Vidal’s four (36.3%); the rookie did notably run six routes (21%) to Gus’ nine (31%) in a committee, too. But Edwards’ early-down role is a moot point here given K.C.’s stout run defense, limiting every RB to less than 65 yards. Gus has to fall into the end zone to provide RB3 production. Vidal’s a stronger start in full-PPR formats assuming his receiving role (on top of his current share of carries) blossoms.