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NFL

Chiefs could extend the streak to seven wins

After starting 4-4, the Chiefs have now won six games in a row and again look not just like another contender, but the rival to beat in the AFC.

Dec 12, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Derrick Gore (40) runs for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jay BiggerstaffUSA TODAY Sports

We entered the final stretch of the regular calendar. Four weeks, starting now, that will be very, very entertaining, with 28 of the 32 teams in contention for a playoff berth.

There are 24 franchises that have at least six wins, the highest in NFL history entering Week 15.

Yet no team has made the postseason, just the third time that has happened since 1990.

At this point in the season, you must trust the defenses that accept the fewest points and teams that run the ball the best.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Kansas City (-3) at Los Angeles Chargers

After starting the season 4-4, the Chiefs have won six in a row and again look not just like a contender, but the rival to beat in the AFC.

And no, it's not thanks to Patrick Mahomes.

The Kansas City defense has been exceptional in the winning streak, allowing 10.8 points per game and forcing 16 turnovers, the highest in the NFL since Week 8, including five in Sunday's victory over the Raiders.

In that span, the Chiefs are with a +10 differential ratio in terms of turnovers and we already know the importance of turnovers in this league.

The offense, however, is not at the same level of progress. And let no one be confused with the 48-9 over Las Vegas; 54.6% of the points scored by Kansas City since Week 8 have been against the Raiders.

Against Las Vegas they averaged 44.5 points; In the other four games? 18.5.

Steve Spagnuolo's defense has an interesting challenge on Thursday Night, when the Chiefs (9-4) visit SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Chargers (8-5), who have won two in a row and scored 41 and 37 points in those wins.

Justin Herbert has started to show the level that earned him being named Offensive Rookie of the Year. In the last four, the young Chargers gunslinger averages 319.2 passing yards, with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions.

In Week 3, Herbert smashed the Kansas City defense with four tosses in the end zone. Repeating the trick this Thursday will not be so easy.

Herbert (8,158) needs 39 yards to break Andrew Luck's (8,196) NFL record for most yards by a quarterback in his first two seasons. With 178 yards he will tie Jameis Winston as the only ones with 4,000 in each of his first two seasons as a professional.

The Chiefs are going to miss Chris Jones, the team leader with seven sacks. Jones has tested positive for COVID-19 and it is unlikely that he will play this crucial divisional matchup in the AFC West.

Without Jones in the equation, coach “Spags” will rely more on blitzes to force Herbert to throw earlier than desired or - if the plan works perfectly - to make mistakes.

Mahomes is looking for his third game in a row against the Chargers with at least 250 yards and two touchdowns. The Kansas City quarterback typically has solid performances on Thursdays, with six touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 119.5 rating in three outings at TNF.

The pick: If there's anyone who can stop Kansas City's winning streak, it's the Chargers, but the Chiefs defense will have Herbert better studied and won't make the same mistakes as in Week 3. Chiefs 23-20 Chargers

SURE PICK

Carolina at Buffalo (-10.5)

Losses to Bill Belichick and Tom Brady surely taught coach Sean McDermott's team many lessons. Bills 31-19 Panthers

UPSET

New England at Indianapolis (-2.5)

A tough test for the New England defense (115.8 rushing yards per game in the last seven) to hold back Jonathan Taylor, who is averaging 140 yards in the last five. Patriots 23-20 Colts

TWO MINUTE DRIVE

Las Vegas at Cleveland (-3)

The COVID-19 outbreak in the Browns is almost as big as the Raiders' troubles. Cleveland 33-20 Las Vegas

Arizona (-13.5) at Detroit

Losing to the Rams derailed the Cardinals’ train, a team that does not look now like a Super Bowl contender. Arizona 34-19 Detroit

Houston at Jacksonville (-3.5)

At what age did you realize that Urban Meyer is a fiasco? Texans 27-20 Jaguars

New York Jets at Miami (-9.5)

The Dolphins last won six games in a row in 2016. That year they finished 10-6 and made the Playoffs. Miami 27-19 NY Jets

Dallas (-10.5) at New York Giants

Yes, something is wrong with Dak Prescott, but the Cowboys quarterback is 8-0 in the last eight against the Giants. Dallas 28-18 NY Giants

Washington at Philadelphia (-4.5)

Can Washington's defense stop Jalen Hurts? Eagles 24-14 WFT

Tennessee (-2) at Pittsburgh

D’onta Foreman and Dontrell Hilliard have done a good job covering Derrick Henry's absence. Titans 27-20 Steelers

Cincinnati at Denver (-1.5)

Denver's defense does not have the spotlight, but it is second-best in points allowed per game, at 17.5. Broncos 24-17 Bengals

Atlanta at San Francisco (-9)

Coach Kyle Shanahan has done a terrific job in the second half of the season and his team is 5-2 in the last seven. 49ers 33-23 Falcons

Green Bay (-5) at Baltimore

Even if he plays, Lamar Jackson (ankle) won't be 100% against one of the best defenses in the league. Packers 27-19 Ravens

Seattle at Los Angeles Rams (-7)

Mark the Rams as one of the teams that has started to play better when it matters most. Los Angeles 30-20 Seattle

New Orleans at Tampa Bay (-11.5)

The Saints have won six in a row during the regular season in this rivalry, including three against Tom Brady. No more. Tampa Bay 31-17 New Orleans

Minnesota (-3.5) at Chicago

The Vikings dream of the Playoffs; the Bears dream of a new coach. Minnesota 28-17 Chicago

OVER / OVER

Chiefs vs. Chargers UNDER 52.5

Patriots vs. Colts UNDER 45.5

Broncos vs. Bengals UNDER 44

Last week: 10-4

In season: 126-83

@Ivan_Pirron