I know what you’re thinking; “Give me one good reason to watch this game.” Well, I can’t give you one good reason. But I can give you three lousy ones. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
Chiefs at Chargers
First of all, it’s a division matchup. Even between two lousy teams, division games have the potential to turn into exciting, “I can’t believe you missed it,” events. I know the chances of this game reaching that level hover around 1.4%, but the possibility at least exists.
Second, the Chargers and Chiefs are both train wrecks. The Chiefs haven’t led for one single second of regulation. I repeat; the Chiefs have not led for one single second of regulation. Their only lead came after they kicked the game winning field goal in overtime to defeat the Saints way back in Week 3.
The Chargers are coming off a humiliating loss to the Cleveland Browns in which Philip Rivers and the San Diego offense mustered only two field goals. Two weeks before that, the Chargers squandered a 24-0 lead to Peyton Manning and the Broncos in front of a national audience on Monday Night Football. Oh yeah, Philip Rivers had five 2nd half turnovers, including four in the 4th quarter.
These teams stink. They find new and increasingly miserable ways to lose each week. Humans love train wrecks. It’s why we love(d) The Jersey Shore. It’s why we can’t help but look at an accident when we drive by. This game is a 20-car pile up with no casualties. What’s not to like?
Finally, the Chiefs and Chargers game offers a thrilling contest of “which coach is likely to be fired first?” My money is on Romeo Crennel, but I could be talked into Norv Turner if the San Diego offense continues to struggle. After all, Turner is supposed to be an offensive wizard. Regardless, when coaches’ jobs are on the line, they get desperate (see Reid, Andy). They call trick plays, opt not to punt, and make unnecessary – yet extremely entertaining gambles. And more often than not, in the end, desperate coaches look downright foolish. Good times.
If you’re still not inclined to tune in after those three reasons, know this: The Knicks/Nets opener in Brooklyn has been postponed, the World Series is over, and we’d all laugh at you if you watched Grey’s Anatomy (hey, what?). At the very least, catch the first twenty minutes of Chiefs/Chargers before switching over to TNT for the thrilling Spurs/Thunder matchup, because you really don’t want to miss that. CHARGERS If I were Charles Barkley: Chargers -7.5