Previewing the Kansas City Chiefs 2009 Schedule: Week 12

Thus far in our predictions, our Chiefs colored glasses have the team at 4-6 right now. The funny thing, our predictions to get to those four wins aren't exactly crazy. It could happen!

Week 12 will be the second meeting of the season between the Chiefs and the San Diego Chargers. Joel caught up with John from Bolts from the Blue for our Week 7 preview of the Chargers. Check out that post here.

In that first preview post on the Chargers, John talked about LaDainian Tomlinson, Shawne Merriman and switching to the 3-4 defense. This morning. I'm going to throw out some numbers and other misc. tidbit of info on the Chargers to help shed some more light on what to expect come Week 12.

Check out the rest of our previews and predictions here. After the jump, we're talking Chargers.

San Diego's Roster

If you take a look at the San Diego Chargers depth chart, you'll see a lot of familiar faces. Philip Rivers is the starting quarterback. Tomlinson is the #1 running back, with the KC boy Darren Sproles in the #2 spot. Former Chief Michael Bennett is the third running back. Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson are the top receivers, Antonio Gates is the top tight end and former Chief Kris Wilson rounds out the #3 TE spot.

Shawne Merriman is backed up by first round pick Larry English at outside linebacker. Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer are the starting corners.

There weren't any major roster shake ups for the Chargers this off season. They will be, for the most part, the same Chargers we've been seeing for the last few years.

2009 Preseason

The Chargers went 2-2 this preseason and judging by their stats, they played pretty darn well. They lost 20 to 14 to the Seahawks; beat the Cardinals 17 to 6; lost to the Falcons 27 to 24 on a last second TD pass; and whomped the 49ers 26 to 7 in the final preseason game.

The usual preseason caveats apply to these stats but I have to say the Chargers looked like a solid team in August.

Here are the impressive stats:

• 50% third down conversion rate
• 114 rushing yards averaged per game
• 258 passing yards averaged per game
• 63.5% passes completed
• 9 TDs scored

And the no so impressive stats:

• 12 sacks given up for a total loss of 72 yards
• Five fumbles, two lost

As I'm sure you've heard before, LaDainian Tomlinson normally doesn't play that much in the preseason and this year was no different. Little LT only had 12 carries and only caught 3 passes.

Here are the preseason stats leaders:

• RB Gartell Johnson (48 attempts, 184 yards), RB Michael Bennett (26 attempts, 89 yards)
• WR Malcolm Floyd (8 catches, 127 yards), WR Charley Martin (7 catches, 88 yards)
• QB Billy Volek (29/41, 393 yards, 125.4 QB rating), QB Charlie Whitehurst (34/60, 386 yards, 73.3 QB rating), QB Philip Rivers (20/30, 327 yards, 114.2)

I checked out the defensive stats and there's really nothing to get out them. Here are some links to keep you going.

Biggest Off Season Stories

• San Diego Chargers OLB Shawne Merriman Arrested for Allegedly Choking Tila Tequila

• Philip Rivers signs 6 year contract extension with the San Diego Chargers

• Larry English signs with San Diego Chargers for 5 years

More reading:

• San Diego Chargers' Roster: 2009 vs. 2008

• San Diego Chargers by Position: Defensive Line

• San Diego Chargers by Position: RB

• San Diego Chargers by Position: WR

• Do the San Diego Chargers have the most versatile offense in football?

• Who's Calling Plays for the San Diego Chargers?

The Chargers are of course playing that same, brutal NFC East schedule that we are so they're going to be challenged before playing the Chiefs in Week 12. The Chargers shouldn't have any more than six wins at this point in the season.

Joel's prediction for the Chiefs/Chargers meeting in Week 7 was 24 to 14 in favor of the Chargers. For some reason, even when the Chiefs are outmatched against the Chargers, I still feel like we have a shot to win.

My prediction for this game is a more mature Chiefs offense wins it for KC. 33 to 24, Chiefs. Ryan Succop has four field goals and Cassel has over 300 yards passing.

Check out the rest of our previews and predictions here.