Chiefs vs. Chargers NFL Week 4 Picks: Will Herbert Play?

Chiefs Escape Atlanta With a Big Win

The reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs left Week 3 with plenty of lingering questions. How much longer can Kansas City maintain their undefeated streak despite backfield injuries? Why did they let an inconsistent Atlanta team stay within striking distance until the final minute? And when will Travis Kelce become a bigger part of the offense?

Still, the Chiefs emerged from Atlanta with a 22-17 victory on Sunday Night Football. Much of the credit goes to quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who completed 26 of 39 passes for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Mahomes orchestrated two 11-play scoring drives in the third quarter, helping Kansas City complete a comeback.

Wide receiver Rashee Rice had a standout performance with 12 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown, while running back Carson Steele contributed 72 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Kansas City remains one of five unbeaten teams, joined by Seattle, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo (all 3-0).

Injuries Cost the Chargers in Pittsburgh

Meanwhile, Justin Herbert received positive news about his ankle injury, which he aggravated during the Chargers’ game. According to NFL Network and NFL.com National Insider Ian Rapoport, postgame X-rays came back negative, meaning there was no serious damage.

Heading into Week 3, Herbert was listed as questionable against the Steelers. After being sacked in the third quarter, he exited the game and was replaced by backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Herbert did not return, and the Chargers fell to the Steelers 20-10. The team will monitor Herbert throughout the week, hoping he can play against the Chiefs.

The Chargers were also dealing with several other injuries. Left tackle Rashawn Slater, right tackle Joe Alt, and pass rusher Joey Bosa were all sidelined. Slater and Bosa were ruled out by the third quarter, while Alt limped off in the fourth.

Before exiting, Herbert completed 12 of 18 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown. J.K. Dobbins was held to 44 yards on 15 carries, and the Chargers’ ground game struggled with just 61 total rushing yards on 20 attempts.

Wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey each posted 44 receiving yards (Johnston caught a touchdown pass), with McConkey, Dobbins, and tight end Will Dissly leading the team with three catches apiece.

On defense, linebacker Daiyan Henley recorded 12 total tackles, while Khalil Mack and Derwin James each notched a sack.

Herbert expressed optimism about playing against Kansas City, and head coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned his plan to pull Herbert at the first sign of trouble, which is exactly what happened.

The Pick

Over 39 has value considering both teams’ recent performances. The Chiefs can put up points when needed, especially with Mahomes at the helm. Mahomes led two key scoring drives in the second half against the Falcons, and with weapons like Kelce, Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Steele, to name a few, the offense is more than capable of surpassing low totals.

On the other side, the Chargers have been dealing with injuries, but with the potential return of Herbert, even at less than 100 percent, their offense can still produce. Given the firepower both teams possess and the likelihood of a competitive divisional matchup, 39 feels like a low total, making the Over a smart play.

NFL Pick: Over 39 (-110) at Bookmaker

Over 39 (-110)

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