Chiefs vs. Chargers Thursday NFL injury report, odds: Justin Herbert unbeaten against the spread in series; bettors expect high-scoring game

The Kansas City Chiefs have won the AFC West five straight seasons and if they beat the Chargers in Los Angeles on Thursday night, they almost surely will win it again. Should KC lose, however, the Bolts would be in the driver's seat thanks to a season sweep. Kansas City is -3 at Caesars Sportsbook with a high total of 52 points, yet bettors are still making a statement there. Click here for model picks. 

At Caesars, 94 percent of the money on the total is on the Over and 80 percent of the bets. That has helped push it from an open of 49.5. On the spread, 78 percent of bets are on the Chiefs but 59 percent of the money on the Chargers.

Both teams will be missing one crucial player at a minimum as Chiefs Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones and Chargers rookie left tackle Rashawn Slater are both in COVID protocols. Kansas City defensive back Tyrann Mathieu cited pressuring QB Justin Herbert as the defensive key to beating the Chargers and Jones leads the Chiefs in sacks with seven. Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed missed Sunday's win over the Raiders after the death of his brother and won't play Thursday, either. Linebacker Willie Gay is out in COVID protocols. Kansas City's defense is allowing just 10.8 ppg in a six-game winning streak.

For Los Angeles, Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen missed Sunday's win over the Giants in COVID protocols but is good to go. Running back Austin Ekeler hurt his ankle vs. New York but also is expected to play.

In Week 3, the Chargers won 30-24 in Kansas City thanks to a gutsy fourth-down call late by Coach Brandon Staley that would eventually lead to the game-winning TD pass from Herbert to Mike Williams with 32 seconds remaining. Herbert was sensational with four TD throws (two to Williams, one each to Allen and Ekeler), while Patrick Mahomes had three TDs but two picks.

Herbert is 3-0 ATS in his career in this series, although in a Week 17 victory last year the Chiefs rested all their starters. The Chargers are seeking their first season sweep of the Chiefs since 2013, which was Andy Reid's first season in Kansas City.

Kansas City had the highest preseason Over/Under win total at Caesars Sportsbook of 12.5 in the new 17-game slate. The Over looked dead in the water with K.C. at 3-4, but it's still alive. Mahomes & Co. must win out. KC hosts Pittsburgh in Week 16 and then goes to Cincinnati and Denver.

Via SportsLine oddsmakers: Will the Chiefs win out (and go Over preseason win total of 12.5)?

• No -500
• Yes +300

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