Chiefs Handle Chargers to Seize Control of AFC West

Kansas City is back to its old identity.

Quarterback Alex Smith threw two touchdowns, rookie Kareem Hunt ran for over 150 yards and the Chiefs routed the Los Angeles Chargers 30-13 on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium.

Both defenses didn’t give an inch as the lone score of the opening quarter was a 31-yard field goal by KC kicker Harrison Butker as time expired. Not much changed in the second frame, but each team put a touchdown on the scoreboard. Smith found wide out Tyreek Hill on a 64-yard TD connection and LA answered with a two-yard plunge by running back Melvin Gordon.

After trailing 10-6 at the half, quarterback Philip Rivers threw a 10-yard TD pass to tight end Antonio Gates, giving the Chargers a 13-10 advantage with 9:20 to play in the third. KC’s response was a 12-play, 69-yard drive capped off with a three-yard touchdown run by Hunt.

In his return from a one-game suspension, cornerback Marcus Peters gave the Chiefs complete control. Peters picked off two of Rivers’ three passes, forced a fumble and had an open field tackle preventing a first down. All those plays set up a pair of field goals by Butker, followed by a five-yard scoring plunge by Hunt.

Rivers ended up completing 20 passes for 227 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. After having four-straight 100-plus receiving contests, wide out Keenan Allen was limited to five grabs for 54 yards.

For Kansas City, Hunt ran 24 times for 155 yards and a score. He also pulled in seven catches for 51 yards and another touchdown. Smith was 23-of-30 passing for 231 yards and a pair of scores.

Kansas City (8-6) turns its attention to the Miami Dolphins next Sunday. Kickoff at Arrowhead Stadium is slated for noon.