The Chargers kept their playoff hopes alive with a miraculous rally on the road at San Francisco last week, and they need a win here in Kansas City in the season finale. The Chargers won at Arrowhead last year in a similar situation in Week 17, and I like San Diego as an underdog here in this spot.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Injuries - Chiefs QB Alex Smith is sidelined with a lacerated spleen, and Kansas City will turn to backup Chase Daniel. It was Daniel who got the start in last season's finale, losing to the Chargers in OT.

2. Previous History - The Chargers have won five of their last seven overall versus Kansas City, and five of those seven games were decided by three points or less.

3. X-Factor - Phillip Rivers has a 112.1 quarterback rating in his last five starts versus Kansas City, and he's thrown 12 TDs and four picks in those games.

Selection: This is a play on the San Diego Chargers (8*)