Event of the Day: Kansas City Chiefs versus Los Angeles Chargers
Our event of the day is the NFL fixture between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs lead the way in the AFC West and go into this game with a record of 11-2. The Chargers have also had an impressive season thus far and can boast an admirable record of 10-3 on the season. The Chiefs have had serious off-field issues of late as starting running back Kareem Hunt was waived by the organisation after a video surfaced of the 23-year-old appearing to assault a woman. However, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs haven’t let these issues affect their performances on the field and have lost just once in their last seven games. The rookie is enjoying an incredible first season as a starter in the league and has thrown more touchdowns and accumulated more passing yards than any other quarterback in the NFL. Despite the recent loss of Hunt, Mahomes has connected with his vast arsenal of receivers, most notably Tyreek Hill, who has averaged 96.8 yards per game and scored 11 touchdowns already this term. In fact, no team has amassed more points than the Kansas City Chiefs this season and they look great value to make their first Super Bowl since 1969.
Meanwhile, Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers has continued his impressive NFL career and has been outstanding all year. The 14-year pro has thrown for 29 touchdowns already and has been picked off just six times, which is five times fewer than his counterpart Mahomes. The Chargers are currently in the wildcard spot for the playoffs, but a win at Arrowhead would give them an identical record with tonight’s opponents, as the race for a post-season spot along with home field-advantage reaches boiling point. If the Chargers can come away from Kansas City with the win, they will be the first organisation to do so this season, as the Chiefs currently boast a perfect home record of 6-0. When the two teams met in the first week of the season, the Chiefs went to LA and took the win in a 28-38 thriller. Tonight should be an incredible evening of American Football.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Men’s Hockey World Cup, where the last two Quarter-finals will take place today at the Kalinga Stadium in India. The first will be competed by the hosts, India, and Netherlands as two of the best sides in world hockey go head-to-head. India remain unbeaten in the tournament whilst only one team have scored more goals than the Dutch. Today’s other Quarter-final takes place between Germany and Belgium. The former have a 100% record so far at this World Cup, whilst Belgium are also unbeaten going into this crucial match where something will have to give. There is also a jam-packed night of Europa League action as the group stages draw to a close. AC Milan just need to avoid defeat against Olympiacos in their final group game to secure qualification, whilst Chelsea, Arsenal and FC Salzburg have already booked their spot in their last 32 as winners of their respective groups. The biggest darts event of the year also gets underway at the world-famous Alexandra Palace in London today, as the world’s best players battle it out for the World Championship crown. In the NHL, first plays second in the Atlantic Division as Tampa Bay Lightning look to extend their winning run to eight against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Amalie Arena. Finally, in the NBA, the Phoenix Suns will be desperate to snap their ten-game losing streak as they face the Dallas Mavericks at the Talking Stick Resort Arena.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NFL