San Diego Chargers Week 17 Keys To Victory

Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) celebrates with Chargers wide receiver Eddie Royal (11) after Floyd caught the game tying touchdown during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

The San Diego Chargers pulled out an impossible win against the San Francisco 49ers, winning on a 40-yard Nick Novak field goal in the beginning of overtime. After the 38-35 win over the 49ers, the Chargers are 9-6 and in contention for a playoff spot.

This week, the Bolts will be going into Kansas City to take on the 8-7 Chiefs in the hopes of the AFC’s final playoff spot. The goal for week 17 is simple: win or go home.

Stop Jamaal Charles

For years Jamaal Charles has delighted Chiefs and NFL fans alike with his quick and agile rushing abilities. This season, the seventh-year veteran has 979 yards and nine touchdowns on 193 carries (5.1 yards per carry). In terms of the Chiefs success, Charles is absolutely vital towards a Chiefs win. In games in which the Chiefs have lost, Charles has averaged just 48.3 rushing yards per game with only one rushing touchdown. On the flip side, Charles has averaged 80.125 rushing yards per game during games in which the Chiefs have won.

I believe that if the Bolts are going to get into the playoffs, stopping Charles is their number one priority. He and even Alex Smith can run the ball with the best of them. Against the Chiefs in week seven, the Chargers allowed Charles to rush for 95 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. In total the Chiefs rushed for 154 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers and ended up winning the game 23-20.

For San Diego to be successful, Charles needs to be stopped. Alex Smith is a game managing QB and will definitely play as such on Sunday. Look for Charles to get the ball early and often.

Next: Provide Superb Run Blocking For Mathews, Oliver and Brown