Nfl Preview

Chargers at Chiefs

TV: 5 p.m., TNT.

Line: Chiefs by 6.

Last meeting: Chargers won 28-14 at Kansas City on Nov. 24, 1996.

Key stats: Chiefs a playoff contender despite having NFL’s No. 27 defense.

Worth watching: Is San Diego running back Gary Brown ready to become a major factor, or was his 181-yard effort in a victory over Oakland before the week off a fluke?

Outlook: Kansas City hoping for improvements on defense after trading with Green Bay for linebacker Wayne Simmons.

Return of Derrick Thomas (questionable, biceps) is doubtful, but sure would help. Chargers’ upset hopes rest on the passing combination of Stan Humphries to Tony Martin, which has produced 14 catches in three weeks.