SAN DIEGO ---- The Chargers have six games remaining in this regular season, but Sunday's matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs is a finale of sorts. It's the last game of the AFC West slate, a crucial portion of the schedule that normally runs through the end of the season.
This is the Chargers' earliest divisional finale since the NFL expanded the regular season to 16 games in 1978. If the Chargers were in a hole similar to last season, climbing out would have been much tougher without late games in the division. They control their own fate this season after a five-game winning streak and a pivotal victory over Denver vaulted the Chargers into first place.
To hold serve, the Chargers know they must keep winning now that the Broncos seem to be back on track.
"Each week things get tighter and the stakes get higher," Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said. "Each game counts in terms of wins and losses, but this one certainly has added value."
Sunday's game is important in terms of tiebreakers, as head-to-head matchups and division record can determine the champion should there be a tie in the standings.
That fact ensures this won't be a trap game. It looks like one on the surface, considering that the Chargers are fresh off a grueling portion of their schedule and beat Kansas City by 30 points just over a month ago.
"There are no breathers," Rivers said. "You look across the league each week, and some team wins a game analysts say they had no business winning. There's a lot of veteran leadership on this team. You know we don't take any of them for granted."
Kansas City's recent play is also cause for concern. The Chiefs beat Oakland two weeks ago and upset the Pittsburgh Steelers at home last Sunday.
"It was an eye opener," left tackle Marcus McNeill said. "Pittsburgh's a great team, and K.C. beat them. It doesn't matter who you play. You have to be ready or you're going to get upset. We're on a streak right now and we've got to keep it going."
Another win would leave the Chargers at 5-1 in the division and put them in position to claim their fourth straight AFC West title.
"Every one of these divisional games is huge, but this one is extremely important because it can set our division record at 5-1," Rivers said. "Championships are born in the division, and you have to take care of that business first. We let one get away against Denver, so we've got to make sure we finish strong in the division."
The Chargers have excelled recently due to an improved defense, offensive balance and a level of maturity that keeps them focused each week. Their introspection has kept them from worrying about other teams.
"This is about us, how we play and what we do," Chargers coach Norv Turner said. "If we take care of our business, I'm confident the results will take care of themselves."
Results have been positive, but that trend must continue for the Chargers to make the playoffs. They certainly won't be able to back in with a .500 record like they did in 2008. They have to keep pushing to reach the postseason for the fifth time in six seasons.
"Divisional wins are most important, but we know it's the end total that counts," receiver Malcom Floyd said. "This division's still too close to let up just because you have a solid record in the AFC West."
Blackout lifted
Sunday's game against Kansas City will be shown on local television. The team sold 1,350 general tickets since Friday afternoon, which lifted the NFL's local blackout. Given a rare 48-hour extension, the Chargers were productive with the extra time. They have now sold out a franchise-record 45 consecutive games.
Contact staff writer Scott Bair at 760-739-6642. Go to sportsblogs.nctimes.com for more Chargers news and notes.
