The San Diego Chargers take the field for the final time this season when they host the Kansas City Chiefs on New Year's Day. Kickoff on Sunday is set for 1:25pm PT.
What to Watch For…
On Offense for the Chargers
Philip Rivers leads the Bolts onto the field having completed 327 of 540 attempts for 4,117 yards and 31 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Melvin Gordon declared himself a true game day decision and should he take the field, he'll continue his quest for 1,000 yards. The second-year running back is only three short, totaling 997 yards on 254 carries this year. Ronnie Hillman and Andre Williams are the other two rushers who figure to see the field. On the other hand, Tyrell Williams is another Charger closing in on the 1,000-yard barrier as he's caught 63 passes for 989 yards and seven touchdowns. Finally, Antonio Gates' next touchdown catch will tie him with Tony Gonzalez for most ever by an NFL tight end.
On Offense for the Chiefs
Kansas City's offense is firing on all cylinders as they finish the regular season. Alex Smith is 307 for 461 on the season for 3,238 yards, 13 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. His top weapon is Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce, who has 84 receptions for 1,117 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, rookie Tyreek Hill has emerged as one of the NFL's most explosive players. He's caught 54 passes for 547 yards and six touchdowns while also rushing for 252 yards and three scores on 21 carries. Spencer Ware has taken over as the Chiefs' lead back, toting the rock 214 times for 921 yards and three scores.
On Defense for the Chargers
Joey Bosa looks to close his rookie season out in style as he is a half sack away from 10 on the year. The rookie has also recorded 42 tackles, 42 pressures, 12 QB hits and one forced fumble on the year. Melvin Ingram is right on his heels with 8.0 sacks while Denzel Perryman leads the Bolts with 80 total tackles. In the secondary, Casey Hayward is headed to the Pro Bowl as the shutdown corner leads the NFL with seven interceptions.
On Defense for the Chiefs
Eric Berry is the leader of a stout Chiefs defense and had another Pro Bowl campaign. With Derrick Johnson out for the season, Berry leads the team with 74 tackles and is second on the team with four interceptions including two pick-sixes. Meanwhile, Dee Ford has been a terror on the outside recording 10.0 sacks while Justin Houston has 4.0 in only five games. Cornerback Marcus Peters paces the Chiefs with five picks.
Series History
The Chiefs lead the all-time series 57-55-1, and have won five straight dating back to the start of the 2014 season.
By the Numbers
The Chargers rank 16th in total offense (354.0 yards per game), sixth in passing (261.9 ypg), 27th in rushing (92.1 ypg) and 10th in points (25.5). The Chiefs rank 20th in total offense (341.5 ypg), 21st in passing (231.9 ypg), 16th in rushing (109.7 ypg) and 15th in points (23.5).
Defensively, the Bolts rank 14th in total defense (345.9 ypg), 19th in passing (248.3 ypg), 10th in rushing (97.6 ypg) and 28th in points allowed (25.7). Kansas City ranks 24th in total defense (366.5 ypg), 17th in passing (245.9 ypg), 26th in rushing (120.6 ypg) and 5th in points allowed (18.9).
Milestones on the Horizon
Antonio Gates' next touchdown catch will tie Tony Gonzalez (111) for most ever by a tight end in NFL history.
Philip Rivers needs four touchdown passes to tie his career high of 35 in a season.
Rivers' next 300-yard passing game will be his 52nd, setting a new franchise record.
Joey Bosa is 2.5 sacks away from tying Leslie O'Neal for most by a rookie in team history. Only three others have recorded 10 (Shawne Merriman, Chris Mims and Burt Grossman).
Should Gordon reach 1,000 rushing yards, he'll become just the 11th player in franchise history and first since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2008 to rush for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in a season.
Gordon has 12 combined TDs on the year, and with three more, would mark the ninth time a Charger has had 15 or more in a season. LT did it six times, while Chuck Muncie and Lance Alworth did it once.
Gordon has 1,416 total yards from scrimmage this season (997 rushing and 419 receiving), to rank seventh in the NFL. With 84 more yards, Gordon would record just the 15th 1,500-yard season in franchise history.
Tyrell Williams needs 11 yards for a 1,000-yard season. Should he get there, it would mark the 36th 1,000-yard receiving season in franchise history. Those 36 have been achieved by 14 different players. If Williams reaches 1,000, he'll become the 15th player in franchise history to reach the milestone.
Noteworthy vs. the Chiefs
Melvin Gordon scored his first two NFL touchdowns in this year's season opener. He became the first Chargers running back since Gene Foster in 1965 to score two rushing touchdowns in the first half on kickoff weekend.
In 2014, Antonio Gates surpassed 10,000 career receiving yards to become the 44th player and fourth tight end in NFL history to achieve the mark.
In the Chargers' 2004 regular-season finale, Rivers threw the first touchdown pass of his NFL career against the Chiefs.
Connections
Chargers tight end Sean McGrath played in all 16 games and made nine starts for the Chiefs in 2013.
Safety Darrell Stuckey hails from Kansas City, Kansas.
Wide Receivers Coach Nick Sirianni joined the Chargers in 2013 after spending four seasons in Kansas City. From 2009-11, he was an offensive quality control coach for the Chiefs and in 2012 he coached the team's wide receivers.
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Rick Lyle grew up in Kansas City. He was a football, track and wrestling standout at Hickman Mills (Mo.) High School. Lyle also went to the University of Missouri and starred along the Tigers' defensive line.
Offensive Assistant Tommy Rees' father, Bill Rees, worked in personnel for the Chiefs.
Director of Player Personnel JoJo Wooden's older brother, Terry, played nine seasons in the NFL as a linebacker, including one season with the Chiefs.
Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith is a native of La Mesa and prepped at Helix High School.
Defensive end Kendall Reyes was a second-round pick of the Chargers in 2012 and he played four seasons (2012-15) with the Bolts.
Running Backs Coach Eric Bieniemy was a second-round pick of the Chargers in 1991 and he played running back for the Bolts from 1991-94. Bieniemy was a member of the Bolts' AFC Champion squad in '94.
Assistant Linebackers Coach Mark DeLeone is the son of former Chargers offensive line coach George DeLeone.
Know Your Opponent
Take a look at who the Bolts will face on New Year's Day for a divisional matchup at the Q.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) pulls in a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of their NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Fisher (72) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City 21-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Zach Fulton (73) during the NFL preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016 in Chicago. The Chiefs won, 23-7. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs center Mitch Morse (61) during a preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (76) blocks during a week 14 NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 21-13. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz looks to block during a week 1 preseason NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, August 13, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Seahawks won, 17-16. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) vaults Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kansas City Chiefs receiver Chris Conley runs with a reception in action against the Jacksonville Jaguars during a NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 19-14. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs' Alex Smith (11) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) rushes during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Nov. 20, 2016 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Buccaneers won 19-17. (AP Photo/TUSP, Jay Biggerstaff)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) carries the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman (42) is hit by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Kevin Minter during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs for a touchdown on a 78-yard kickoff return during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Albert Wilson (12) runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016. (Chris Keane/AP Images for Panini)
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (99) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Denver. The Chiefs won 30-27 in overtime. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe defends on defense in action during a NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Titans won, 19-17. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones plays against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Denver. The Chiefs won 30-27 in overtime. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) runs in pursuit during a week 14 NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 21-13. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) during the NFL regular season football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016 in Indianapolis. The Chiefs won, 30-14. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ramik Wilson (53) defends during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on Friday Aug. 21, 2015 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/TUSP, Jay Biggerstaff)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford (55) runs in pursuit during a week 14 NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 21-13. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) reacts during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City 21-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) can't make the catch as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Phillip Gaines (23) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City 21-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker (38) nearly intercepts a ball intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, unseen during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Kendall Reyes (98) runs in pursuit as he is blocked by Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Austin Howard (77) during a week 14 NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 21-13. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Jarvis Jenkins (94) runs in pursuit during a week 14 NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 21-13. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker D.J. Alexander (57) runs in pursuit during a week 3 preseason NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, in Chicago. The Chiefs won 23-7. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali (91) runs in pass coverage during a week 14 NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 21-13. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back D.J. White defends on defense in action against the New Orleans Saints during a NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 27-21. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Daniel Sorensen (49) runs for a touchdown after intercepting a throw by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Kansas City Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt punts against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Denver. The Chiefs won 30-27 in overtime. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos (5) kicks off during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
James Winchester during warm-ups before their NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Broadcast Information
CBS (KFMB, Channel 8 in San Diego) – Greg Gumbel (play-by-play), Trent Green (analyst) and Jamie Erdahl (reporter)
Rock 105.3 FM, XTRA Sports 1360 (San Diego) and AM 570 KLAC (Los Angeles & Orange County) – Josh Lewin (play-by-play), Nick Hardwick (analyst) and Mike Costa (reporter)
Spanish Radio – XHFG 107.3 (San Diego) – Jorge Villanueva (play-by-play) and Tony Alvarez (analyst)
All Chargers radio broadcasts are now being streamed live on the team's official website, www.chargers.com. XTRA Sports 1360 Broadcasts with Josh Lewin (play-by-play) and Nick Hardwick (analyst) will begin two hours before kickoff and continue for 90 minutes of postgame coverage.
Download the Chargers Official Mobile App for live game coverage, stats, and game day news.
