2022 NFL season: Four things to watch out for in the Chargers-Chiefs clash on Prime Video

• Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City)
• Time: 8:15 pm ET | Prime Video, NFL+

Thursday night could get the ball to play in the two big games of the 2022 season — the Battle of the AL West and the MVP award. That’s because division rivals the Chargers and Chiefs will clash at Arrowhead Stadium to start Week 2, which means we’re once again treated to quarterback royalties.

Patrick Mahomes gives everyone in Week 1 what he has to say on the road Refresher course for the great achievement of beating the Cardinals while Justin Herbert was pretty lethal in the Chargers’ overwatch —

The Chiefs have won 13 of their last 16 games against the Chargers, including a Thursday thriller at SoFi Stadium in Week 15 last season, but Los Angeles won two straight at Kansas City win.

Which AFC heavyweight will come out on top in this one? Even with all the offensive firepower on the court, it boils down to new and improved defensive reinforcements the most.

When the Chiefs host the Chargers in their first Thursday night game on Prime Video , there are four things worth paying attention to:

1. Mahomes vs. Herbert. There’s no point in fooling around. That’s what you’re here for: Possibly the best QB matchup of the season — their next meeting isn’t until late November. Mahomes may end his worst season in 2021, but he was the league’s best QB on Sunday. Trying to knock him out of the high post was Herbert, who also played well in the opener at times. Both quarterbacks have to be seen as the league’s MVP front-runners, possibly as early as next to the Bills’ Josh Allen. This was the fourth meeting between Mahomes and Herbert, with Mahomes leading 2-1. Every game is decided by six points or less, and all comes down to the final game of the game (two overtime). Although Mahomes paid dearly in both INT losses to the Arrows last year, neither side played badly. Still, you simply can’t ask for a better head-to-head in that position. No one should overlook what makes these players special, they are all in their prime.
2. Which defense makes a bigger statement? The Chargers didn’t get valuable free agency signing CB JC Jackson in Week 1, but another great addition to the defense was lights out. Khalil Mack”>Khalil Mack Going back to the partition is a rowdy because he Had three sacks (his first three-sack game since 2015), four QB hits and a forced turnover. Mike and Joey Bosa together”>Joey Bossa The Raiders offensive lineman was skating for most of the day, helping the defense record a whopping 22 presses, 6 Sacks, 3 interceptions and end-of-game turnovers. The Chargers have great talent on all three levels, but they’re hoping Jackson will make his debut after Michael Davis had some tough games in the opener. Last week, the Chiefs defense went up by 30 points in three quarters of the game before going into preventive mode. CornerbackL’Jarius Sneed “>L’Jarius Sneed, LinebackerNick Bolton”>Nick Bolton and DT Chris Jones both Excellent performance, but so is the new pass rusher Carlos Dunlap”> Carlos Dunlap and George Karaftis”>George Karaftis, they both provide heat. The Chiefs arguably have a stronger offensive line, but the Chargers’ passing team looks deadly. Can any kind of defense slow down these high-intensity offenses?
3. Damage factor. Thursday night’s game is always a quick turnaround for players, but especially for someone with an injury. Chiefs kickerHarrison Bartke”>Harrison Bartke(ankle) Excluded against Chargers, KC will also have no rookie corner Trent McDuffie “> Trent McDuffieexist Falling to the ground in week 1 with a hamstring strain. McDuffie was outstanding on his 21 dunks (Kyler Murray didn’t target one) but will miss the next four weeks after being placed on injury reserve Tuesday. Chiefs sign Matt Amendola”>Matt Amendola this week as insurance and ready to play for the Chiefs. He was 6 for 6 on FG attempts of 39 yards or less for the Jets last season, but only 2 of 8 beyond 40 yards In. The Chargers could have had Jackson (ankle) in this Game 1 after Jackson missed the week, but head coach Brandon Staley put the odds at 50-50 on Monday; he’s officially in question. They will have no wide receiver Keenan Allen”> Keenan Allen (hamstrings), but. That’s a big loss because Allen usually lets the Chiefs fit.
4. Pass the ball around. Many wondered how Mahomes did when he didn’t Tyreek Hill”> in the first game of Thai Rick Hill . Answer: OK. The Chiefs had six players with 3 or more catches against the Cardinals, which was similar to Mahomes’ passing in the QB. Tied for second in catchers. Travis Kells”> ) Travis Kelcher

   Still got his job done with 8 steals, 121 yards and 1 TD. But both the newcomers and stay-at-homes also stand tall. Hyphenated Twins, JuJu Smith-Schuster “>Juju Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling “>Marquez Valdes-Scantlin, both had great Chiefs debuts. Rookie Skyy Moore “>Skymore had a 30-yard steal, Clyde Edwards-Helaire “> Clyde Edwards-Helaire had his first two TD catches and Mecole Hardman “>Merkel Hardman and Jody Fortson”>Jody Fortson both caught TD . After Allen was injured in the opener, Herbert also threw the ball away — nine different Chargers caught the pass, but none had more than four on target. If the Chiefs could turn off the Chargers Austin Ekeler “> Austin Eckler ) As a runner like the Raiders did last week, hopefully he gets more release as a pass catcher like he did in Week 1 The second half of the game is the same. Both secondary players are below 100% and there will likely be a lot of air feeding in this game.