Forum allgemein » Division games always take on an added importance.

But when division favorites match up during the opening week of the season Russ Grimm Jersey , the game becomes even more significant.Such is the case on Sunday when Kansas City travels to Los Angeles to face the Chargers.The Chiefs have won the AFC West the past two seasons, but come into 2018 with Patrick Mahomes taking over at quarterback. The Chargers closed last season by winning nine of their final 12 games, but are well aware that a 0-4 start is what kept them out of the postseason."I love the challenge. I know our players love the challenge," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "They are a good football team, so why not, right? Let's go play and who knows what happens down the road. It's a neat thing to start off that way."Kansas City has dominated the series recently, winning eight straight by an average margin of 12.4 points.Most of the focus going into the opener has been on Mahomes, who moves into the starting job after Alex Smith was traded to Washington in the offseason. Mahomes, who was the 10th overall pick in the 2017 draft, showed off his athleticism and lively arm in last year's regular-season finale against Denver, throwing for 284 yards in a 27-24 victory.Mahomes' second start will also be on the road against a division opponent, which he said is a benefit after experiencing that last season."We want to attack every aspect of the field. I feel like we have the weapons that we can attack short, run the ball, stretch the defense deep, we can attack the middle with the guys that we have," Mahomes said. "We just have to make sure we keep the defense honest on every single play."The Chargers have scouted Mahomes' games from Texas Tech and the preseason. There is still a share of the unknown, though, when preparing to face a new quarterback."You look at his decision-making and how he operates 鈥?and is he a guy that takes off on a run, can he extend plays? How does he handle different looks?" defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said. "So you go back to college. You look at his preseason games, that Denver game, any film you can get your hands on."While the Chiefs have had to answer questions about Mahomes, the Chargers have been reminded plenty about last year's 0-4 start. Coach Anthony Lynn is hoping that he won't have to do the same thing this season."Well, at this point I'm tired of talking about it. Hopefully I can show you on Sunday 鈥?and we're going to find out one way or the other," Lynn said. "That's what makes this week so great. We get to open up with the division champs and we get to see exactly where we are as a football team 鈥?culture and everything."Here are other things to know as the Chargers host the Chiefs in an opener for the first time since 1992:HAPPY HUNTING GROUNDS: Kansas City's Kareem Hunt ran wild against the Chargers last season, averaging 163.5 rushing yards in the two games and scoring two touchdowns. Los Angeles' run defense last season was the second-worst in the league (131.5 yards per game). Bradley said Hunt presents a challenge because of the yards after contact he can generate.RIVERS REDUX? Chargers QB Philip Rivers threw only 10 interceptions last season, but six came against the Chiefs."A mishap here or there, a poor decision here or there. There's a story to every turnover, but ultimately it's just taking care of it," Rivers said.If Rivers is to lead the Chargers back to the playoffs for the first time since 2013, he needs to fix some of his past struggles against Kansas City. He hasn't thrown for 300 yards against them since 2013 Sam Huff Jersey , and only three of his completions against the Chiefs last season were for 25 yards or more.DEFENSIVE STANDOUTS INJURED: Both teams are likely to be without their top defensive players. Chiefs safety Eric Berry has not practiced because of a heel injury that kept him sidelined for most of training camp. Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa did not play in the preseason after suffering a foot injury during camp.MATCHUP TO WATCH: Chargers rookie safety Derwin James, who was the 15th overall pick in this year's draft, draws a tough assignment in his first game against Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The Chargers did a good job against Kelce last season, holding him to seven receptions for 47 yards and no touchdowns.KEEP AN EYE ON: Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams. With Chiefs corner Kendall Fuller matched up against Keenan Allen, the 6-foot-4 Williams could have a big size advantage against Steven Nelson and Orlando Scandrick. Williams is healthy for the first time in two years, when he was at Clemson, and has developed a rapport with Rivers. A collection of Redskins articles from around the web"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Looks Like Someone Has A Sixpack Of The MondaysDaily SlopRedskins Recapsaround the webEDTShareTweetShareShareDaily Slop: Redskins push back against idea of trading up in draft; Washington faces tough opening stretch in 2019 scheduleJerome Miron-USA TODAY SportsMeet The Redskins' Scouting Staff, Whose Year-Long Research Will Culminate With The NFL DraftDirector of College Scouting Kyle Smith, Assistant Director Tim Gribble, BLESTO Scout Harrison Ritcher and six regional scouts have been working around the clock to put the Redskins in optimal position entering this weekend's draft.Redskins push back against idea of trading up in NFL draft - Washington TimesWith the NFL draft set to begin Thursday, the Redskins have met with nine quarterback prospects this offseason -- trailing only the New York Giants, who have met with 11, according to Pro Football Focus.Washington Redskins face tough opening stretch in 2019 schedule - NFC East- ESPNFor a team that has made the playoffs twice in the past seven seasons, Jay Gruden's squad has to face division foes in three of its first four weeks.Prospect Profiles: Wide Receiver D.K. Metcalf Has Already Proven Doubters WrongDespite a neck injury that sidelined him for parts of last season, Metcalf remains one of the most intruiging wide receiver options in the draft, primarily for his athleticism.Former Redskins First-Round Picks Recount Their Draft Night ExperiencesAhead of the NFL Draft later this week, Ryan Kerrigan, Brandon Scherff, Josh Doctson and Jonathan Allen provided insight about everything that surrounds attending the annual event.The Browns called the Redskins 15 years ago hoping to trade up for Sean Taylor, but the Redskins said 'no' | NBC Sports Washington15 years ago Wednesday, the Browns called the Redskins about a trade in the 2004 Draft so they could take Sean Taylor themselves. But the Redskins had no interest.The Redskins seem highly unlikely to trade into the Top 5, unless crazy happens | NBC Sports WashingtonHolding the 15th pick and with a litany of needs to improve their football team, the Redskins seem highly unlikely to trade up into the top five of the NFL Draft. There is one player that could change that though.2019 NFL Draft Big Board: Quinnen Williams, defensive prospects dominate the final top 100 | NBC Sports WashingtonThe final look at the top 100 prospects starts with Alabama DT Quinnen Williams, ends with mid-major inside linebacker and is packed with hope in between.Tracing the roots of Dwayne Haskins football journeyOhio State's QB flew up draft boards after 14 starts, but his rise began as a youth with maturity beyond his years and a relentless work ethic.Draft Stock Rising: ODU Edge Oshane Ximines | 106.7 The FanOld Dominion edge rusher Oshane Ximines is quickly on the rise on draft boards. Ximines speaks to 106.7 The Fan’s Craig Hoffman about his hopeful transition to the NFL ahead of the 2019 draft.West Virginia's Yodny Cajuste will 'punch you in the mouth' at left tackle | NBC Sports WashingtonAhead of Thursday's 2019 NFL Draft, Charley Casserly dissects West Virginia offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste.SackSEER 2019 | Football OutsidersThe top of the 2019 NFL draft is likely to be dominated by the edge rushers. As many as four edge rushers are projected to go in the top ten, and thus a team with a high pick and a need to upgrade their pass rush is likely to have plenty of highly touted options. But will this group live up to the hype?Mississippi State DT Jeffery Simmons: NFL draft prospectWithout the high school incident, he could have pushed Alabama’s Quinnen Williams and Houston’s Ed Oliver for the top interior player drafted as one of the first players off the board.