Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles doubtful for opener vs Chargers

Spencer Ware: It appears Ware will be given the reins as the top RB on the Chiefs depth chart due to Jamaal Charles being held out. The Chiefs are being extremely cautious because they can be extremely cautious. Alex Smith returns under center for the Chiefs, after throwing for almost 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2015 with only 7 interceptions. I think Rivers and company hang in, with the Chiefs scoring late to win it. The defense, however, should be fantastic regardless. The Chiefs have an unbelievable secondary, which was solidified when Eric Berry returned to the team this past month. Rivers threw for 403 yards against Detroit in Chargers opener last season. That was without Jamaal Charles and Justin Houston, too.

It could be easier in the opener against San Diego with Charles still working his way back from last season’s ACL surgery.

And it proved instructive to a team that largely returns intact this year. It could be the final season in San Diego for the Chargers, who might bolt for Los Angeles if voters don’t approve a stadium-financing measure in November and aren’t likely to gain favor if they don’t improve upon last year’s dismal 4-12 campaign. “Personnel groups.” By “personnel groups”, Reid meant the back in the game would be determined by how the Chiefs line up in given situations. They had momentum but the season could have turned either way after Houston was injured in the first quarter.

On Monday, Reid went a little deeper in his prognosis for Charles, the four-time Pro Bowler.

Charles (knee) is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

That’s what occurred last season. The Chiefs’ second half schedule will be a bit more challenging, but should still see success the rest of the season. This was based exclusively on winning percentages from this year’s opponents last season.

As the page turns to 2016, the Denver Broncos are no longer the class of the division.

According to the oddsmakers at BetDSI, Kansas City is favored at home, as the Chiefs are getting odds of -7 points against the Chargers on Sunday. WR Jeremy Maclin had Chiefs-record 87 receptions last season.

The Chiefs need to remove a player from their roster, via a cut or trade, by 3 p.m. on Saturday.

After an early bye week in week five, however, the Chiefs will likely come back strong.

If they could win without Houston then…

But there’s positive news for the Chiefs reflecting in the rear-view mirror.

Cornerback Phillip Gaines (knee) and West (elbow) were full participants in practice and along with Hali are virtually certain to play Sunday.