Chargers vs Chiefs predictions, graded
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs · Week 6, 2026 · Sun, Oct 18 · Final: Chargers 6, Chiefs 22 · Updated
Who do pundits pick in Chargers vs Chiefs? Of 24 pundits with a call on record, all 24 take the Chiefs. 4 named a score; the median has the Chiefs by 7. The Chiefs won 22-6, so 24 of 24 had the winner. Their graded calls averaged 93 out of 100.
Who the room took
24 pundits · each counted once, by their latest callChargers vs Chiefs picks by outlet
Each pundit counted once, at the outlet or show their latest call ran on. An outlet is listed when two or more of its pundits have picked.
- Sports Illustratedall 10 Chiefs
- CBS Sportsall 3 Chiefs
- Fox Sportsall 3 Chiefs
- First Things First (podcast)all 2 Chiefs
- The Richard Sherman Podcast (podcast)all 2 Chiefs
The other 4 pundits write or talk elsewhere: all 4 Chiefs.
Chargers vs Chiefs score predictions
4 pundits named a score; the median call is Chiefs by 7, and the final was Chiefs by 16.
Each dot is one pundit’s latest score call, placed at the winning margin it named. The solid bar is how the game actually finished. Hover or tap a dot for the pundit and the score.
- Chris SimmsChiefs 23, Chargers 20Close · 69
- Pete PriscoChiefs 28, Chargers 21Close · 79
- Tyler SullivanChiefs 33, Chargers 17Hit · 100
- John BreechChiefs 24, Chargers 17Close · 79
Chargers at Chiefs: how they came in
The Chargers are 0-5 and have lost 5 straight; the Chiefs are 4-0 and have won 4 straight. It is a division game. On win totals, 13 pundits put the Chargers at 8.1 wins on average, and 8 pundits put the Chiefs at 10.4 wins on average.
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri · Division game
- Record coming in
- 0-5 · lost 5 straight · 84 scored, 129 allowed
- Last games
- L 17-23 vs Broncos Week 5
- L 23-30 at Seahawks Week 4
- L 16-24 at Bills Week 3
- Unit ranks
- offense 32nd, defense 26th of 32 (this season)
- Last season
- 11-6
- Win-total calls
- 13 pundits · average 8.1 · 2 to 12 wins
- The room's picks
- the side most pundits took won 3 of 5 Chargers games
- Record coming in
- 4-0 · won 4 straight · 118 scored, 77 allowed
- Last games
- W 30-27 at Raiders Week 4
- W 24-10 at Dolphins Week 3
- W 33-30 vs Colts Week 2
- Unit ranks
- offense 4th, defense 8th of 32 (this season)
- Last season
- 6-11
- Win-total calls
- 8 pundits · average 10.4 · 9 to 13 wins
- The room's picks
- the side most pundits took won 3 of 4 Chiefs games
Chargers and Chiefs players to watch
Each club’s starting quarterback, leading rusher, receiver and tight end, and its sack and tackle leaders, with their 2026 regular season so far, with the latest call on each from a pundit on our leaderboard whose record beats the naive pick (69 pundits clear that bar), made since the 2026 schedule came out. “No.” is their rank there.
Chargers
- Justin HerbertStarting QB · QB
1,591 passing yards · 6 TD, 11 INT · 61.3% completions · 190 rushing yards · 8 games · 21st in the NFL in passing yards
Justin Herbert to stay with Los Angeles Chargers
“Of all the players on this list, Herbert is the player with the best chance of a trade. That would require Herbert to agree to waive his no-trade clause.” the article →
Justin Herbert to outplay his draft cost (an ADP of QB9 and is going in the back half of the seventh round)
“Justin Herbert has an ADP of QB9 and is going in the back half of the seventh round... the arrival of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel could help unlock the sort of big passing numbers that Herbert produced in his first three seasons.” the article →
- Omarion HamptonRB1 · RB
369 rushing yards on 102 carries · 3 TD · 11 catches for 63 · 8 games · 25th in the NFL in rushing yards
Omarion Hampton to be 1st on the depth chart
“Mitchell is No. 2 in the pecking order behind starter Omarion Hampton, and Vidal is No. 3” the article →
Omarion Hampton to finish top 12 at his position, by fantasy points
“Hampton should be a rock-solid RB1 with massive upside in 2026.” the article →
- Ladd McConkeyWR1 · WR
17 catches for 286 yards · 1 TD · 6 games · 76th in the NFL in receiving yards
Ladd McConkey to move to Pittsburgh Steelers
“Trade 1 Steelers receive: Ladd McConkey, 2027 fifth-round pick Chargers receive: Roman Wilson, 2027 second-round pick” the article →
“McConkie's out, and I expect him to be out for the game. (Chargers vs. Raiders, Week 2)” the article →
- Oronde Gadsden IITE1 · TE
19 catches for 172 yards · 1 TD · 8 games · 135th in the NFL in receiving yards
Oronde Gadsden II to fall short of his draft cost (TE20, Overall RK150 | ECR vs. ADP: -20)
“I'll be avoiding Oronde Gadsden in drafts this season... Gadsden looks like he's locked in a tight end committee for 2026, which is something I don't have any interest in dealing with for fantasy purposes.” the article →
Oronde Gadsden II to be 3rd on the depth chart
“I would drop Ronde. I think he's gonna be tight end three in that rotation, man.” the article →
- Tuli TuipulotuSack leader · LB
3 sacks · 15 solo tackles · 1 interception · 8 games · 51st in the NFL in sacks
Tuli Tuipulotu to move — “potential trade chip”
“Khalil Mack is the Chargers' pass rusher everyone is talking about, but LA has another intriguing talent in Tuipulotu. (listed among 25 potential trade chips)” the article →
Tuli Tuipulotu to sign a new deal with Los Angeles Chargers
“I think his Chargers teammate Tuli Tuipulotu gets an extension from LA that keeps him around, but Mack is still a quality pass rusher and sets a physical edge.” the article →
- Daiyan HenleyTackle leader · LB
0.5 sacks · 21 solo tackles · 1 interception · 8 games · 140th in the NFL in solo tackles
Daiyan Henley to be 3rd on the depth chart
“Daiyan Henley projects to step back from his starting job with the Chargers and assume a rotational role behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad” the article →
Chiefs
- Patrick MahomesStarting QB · QB
2,037 passing yards · 14 TD, 4 INT · 67.3% completions · 8 games · 11th in the NFL in passing yards
Patrick Mahomes to stay with Kansas City Chiefs
“QB Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs ... the dozen players that most likely won't be traded” the article →
Patrick Mahomes to be 1st on the depth chart
“Signs are pointing toward Patrick Mahomes being out there... if he's on the field, he's out there not because they think he's 85%.” the article →
- Kenneth Walker IIIRB1 · RB
872 rushing yards on 159 carries · 11 TD · 26 catches for 172 · 8 games · 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards
Kenneth Walker III to win MVP
“If he stays healthy, Walker has a good chance at becoming the fitst non-quarterback to win league MVP since Adrian Peterson did so back in 2012.” the article →
Kenneth Walker III to finish top 4 at his position, by fantasy points
“Fitz, where is Kenneth Walker for the rest of the season? Running back four, behind the big three of Gibbs, Bijan, and McCaffrey.” the article →
- Josh DownsWR1 · WR
33 catches for 354 yards · 1 TD · 9 games · 51st in the NFL in receiving yards
Josh Downs to move to Pittsburgh Steelers
“Trade 4 Steelers receive: Josh Downs Colts receive: 2027 third-round pick” the article →
Josh Downs to move to Los Angeles Rams
“What about the Rams? ... And I think if Downs went to the Rams, I could see having him as a wide receiver three the rest of the way.” the article →
- Travis KelceTE1 · TE
33 catches for 482 yards · 2 TD · 8 games · 26th in the NFL in receiving yards
Travis Kelce to finish top 8 at his position, by fantasy points
“Travis Kelsey at tight end rest of season. Where is he at for you, Fitz? TE8.” the article →
Travis Kelce to record 78 receptions
“If Kelce continues to average 4.6 receptions per game, he will finish the year with 78 catches if he plays all 17 games at the average.” the article →
- George KarlaftisSack leader · DE
4 sacks · 14 solo tackles · 1 interception · 8 games · 30th in the NFL in sacks
George Karlaftis to be 1st on the depth chart
“are expected to start George Karlaftis and Ashton Gillotte on the edge, with rookie R Mason Thomas sprinkled in” the article →
- Nick BoltonTackle leader · LB
38 solo tackles · 8 games · 11th in the NFL in solo tackles
Every call on Chargers at Chiefs
1–25 of 30
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Los Angeles Chargers
which is why I'm calling for an ugly one-score game, but the hosts should be able to overcome their own injuries and rise to 5-0 on the still-young season.
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Los Angeles Chargers
The injury report alone, with Joe Alt, Rashawn Slater, and Derwin James all out, makes this a mismatch. Add in the 0-5 record and four rookie offensive linemen protecting Herbert, and the case for a competitive game falls apart.
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Los Angeles Chargers
Chiefs Week 6 confidence meter: 8.8 ... Unless the Chiefs simply don't show up, they're in a favorable spot.
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
But, I think the Chiefs are just too foundationally sound Yeah. Too fundamentally sound to lose this game when they have two huge road games coming up.
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
But I would be... This would be one of the most shocking upsets of the season to me because the Chiefs... We know what Andy Reid is coming off a buy... I'd be shocked.
Kansas City Chiefs 23 — Chargers 20
I got them winning. I think it will be close. 2320, Chiefs win this one.
Kansas City Chiefs 28 — Chargers 21
Pete Prisco on why he has the Chiefs edging out a 28-21 win over the Chargers.
Kansas City Chiefs to beat chargers
maybe they might win four games, and I don't think it's gonna be this week... I can't, in my wildest dreams, picture how they win this game.
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
Los Angeles stares down a plausible 0-6 start after facing the Chiefs in Kansas City as part of the league's toughest remaining schedule.
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
Chargers at Chiefs — Mike Kadlick: Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
Chargers at Chiefs — Gilberto Manzano: Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
Chargers at Chiefs — Eva Geitheim: Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
Chargers at Chiefs — Matt Verderame: Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
Chargers at Chiefs — Conor Orr: Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
Chargers at Chiefs — Mitch Goldich: Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
Chargers at Chiefs — Albert Breer: Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
Chargers at Chiefs — John Pluym: Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs to beat L.A. Chargers
I'm going to join you. I'm going KC as well... I expect Kenneth Walker III to have a big game in this one in Kansas City to roll.
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
And I got the Kansas City Chiefs sending the Chargers to 0-6
Kansas City Chiefs 33 — Chargers 17
Projected score: Chiefs 33, Chargers 17
Kansas City Chiefs 28 — Chargers 21
Pick: Chiefs 28, Chargers 21
Kansas City Chiefs 24 — Chargers 17
Chiefs 24-17 over Chargers
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
With the Broncos, Chiefs, Rams and Texans up next, when the deadline hits, they really might be 0-8.
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
I don't think that this game, coming up against those char... The charger team should be close based on the way they played so far this season
Kansas City Chiefs to beat Chargers
it doesn't feel like a win is coming anytime soon, facing the Broncos in Week 5 and then the Chiefs in Kansas City in Week 6