In my opinion, the only way the Chiefs can win against the San Diego Chargers is by rushing. That's three types of rushing; stopping San Diego rushing, rushing the ball ourselves, and rushing the passer. More after the jump

This is imperative. San Diego has a promising young RB in Ryan Matthews. While he isn't the second coming of LT as some expect, he is a formidable RB who has shown in the preseason a knack for getting yards. Behind Matthews on the depth chart is, Darren Sproles, a good change-of-pace No 2 RB. That combined with our poor rush defense spells trouble for the Chiefs. Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher are going to have to repay Todd Haley's faith in promoting them to the first team and shut down the Chargers running game.

Can we do it?
Not totally impossible but it will be hard, the front seven as a whole will need to be ready.

Rush Offense

The main strength of the Chiefs in 2010 will be their running game. Jamaal Charles and Thomas are both very good backs who complement each other perfectly. San Diego were 20th last year in rush defense allowing 117.8 yards per game. Now with issues on the defense like Shawn Merriman and there situation at NT, the chiefs have a real opportunity to take advantage of their strong running game

Can we do it?
Definitely. Charles and Jones will have no trouble getting yards on the ground against San Diego.

Pass Rush

An area of concern for the Chiefs is definitely their ability to get to the QB. The Chargers have one of the best QB's in the league in Phillip Rivers, therefore it is important to unsettle him and do it early. The arrowhead crowd will do the rest. With Rivers missing his Pro Bowl WR and LT the Chiefs have a good chance at getting to Rivers. Tamba Hali should provide good pressure but outside of him there are no real proven pass rushers on the chiefs front seven.  DE's Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson will need command there gaps and allow Hali and the other LB's to get into the backfield.

Can we do it?
Yes, but the D-Line will need to play better than we've seen

There are my three keys to success against San Diego. Obviously everyone will need to step up but these are the three points I feel will be imperative for the Chiefs to get the win. Let me know what you think. Oh and my prediction for the game...

Chiefs 24
Chargers 17