KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The two teams with the best records in the AFC meet Thursday night when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Los Angeles Chargers.
The 11-2 Chiefs can clinch their third straight AFC West title and a first-round playoff bye with a win, while the 10-3 Chargers can forge a tie in the division and clinch their first postseason berth since 2013.
The Chargers have won three straight and nine of 10 to close within a game of Kansas City in the division race.
Both teams are playing at a high level despite some personnel challenges.
Kansas City released running back Kareem Hunt nearly two weeks ago because of off-the-field issues, and new starter Spencer Ware hurt his hamstring last Sunday against Baltimore. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins is likely to miss Thursday night’s game with a lingering foot problem. Speedster Tyreek Hill is nursing wrist and heel injuries, but has insisted all week that he’ll be ready.
Chargers running back Melvin Gordon is expected to be a game-time decision after spraining his right knee against Arizona and missing the past two games. His primary backup, Austin Ekeler, is likely out after hurting his neck and sustaining a concussion in last week’s win over the Bengals.
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