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Wednesday, September 29
Updated: September 30, 10:58 PM ET
 
Baxter Bits: Chiefs vs. Chargers

By Russell S. Baxter
Special to ESPN.com

The Chiefs head to San Diego as this longtime AFC West rivalry is renewed once again.

Kansas City owns a three-game lead (40-37-1) in the overall standings (including playoffs) and has been somewhat dominant this decade as Chiefs own a 13-6 overall mark in the 1990s vs. the Bolts, although one of those Chargers' wins was a 17-0 triumph at San Diego in the 1992 AFC First Round Playoffs.

Last season, the teams split their two-game set for the first time since 1987; in Week 3 at Arrowhead Stadium, since-departed Chiefs QB Rich Gannon threw for 144 yards and a score and PK Pete Stoyanovich booted three field goals as Kansas City posted a 23-7 triumph in a contest which saw Chargers QB Ryan Leaf complete just 1-of-15 passes for 4 yards (2 INTs).

Two months later at Qualcomm Stadium (Week 12), Kansas City rebounded from an early 17-7 deficit to take a 34-17 fourth-quarter lead and eventually a 37-24 advantage with 5:28 remaining. But since-departed Chargers QB Craig Whelihan threw a pair of touchdown passes in the final minutes, including a 1-yard toss to WR Charlie Jones with :09 to play to give the Bolts an amazing 38-37 victory.

Despite last year's loss, the Chiefs are 6-4 (including playoffs) in their last 10 visits to San Diego dating back to 1990.

Numbers:Including playoffs, the Chiefs have scored 582 points in 22 wins, 204 points in 14 losses dating back to '97. Since 1993 (including playoffs), Chiefs' quarterbacks have thrown 92 touchdown passes compared to just 29 interceptions in 66 victories, while throwing just 32 TD passes and 56 interceptions in 39 defeats. Including playoffs, the Chiefs have totaled 60 takeaways in 22 wins, 17 takeaways in 14 losses dating back to '97. The Chiefs have forced two or more turnovers in four straight games dating back to '98.

The Chargers have allowed 140 points in 10 wins, 661 points in 24 losses dating back to '97. They have committed 19 turnovers in 18 wins, 100 turnovers in 32 losses since '96. The Chargers' offense has scored 42 touchdowns in their last 34 games (10-24), while their defense/special teams has scored 13 touchdowns dating back to '97. After committing 24 turnovers in their last 4 contests in '98, Chargers have committed just 1 turnover in their first 2 games in '99. San Diego has totaled 15 takeaways and 23 sacks in 6 wins, 18 takeaways and 19 sacks in 12 losses dating back to '98. The Chargers have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in three straight games dating back to '98.

Things To Look For: After looking sluggish on opening day at Chicago, the unpredictable Chiefs took advantage of some home cooking in convincing wins over the Broncos and Lions. But it's back to the road against a Chargers' team that looks somewhat improved on offense but not nearly as fearsome defensively as they were riddled by Colts' QB Peyton Manning last Sunday. Points will be hard to come by here.

Etc.: The Chargers have lost 20 of their last 26 contests dating back to '97.





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