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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 25-17 to clinch the AFC West. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)ASSOCIATED PRESS

STICKING WITH IT

Easton Stick is looking for his first win as a starting quarterback. The fifth-year player, who took over when Justin Herbert broke his right index finger during the second quarter against Denver on Dec. 10, was unable to get the Chargers into the end zone in last week’s 16-9 loss to the Broncos. On the bright side, Stick hasn’t committed a turnover the last two weeks.

Stick had three giveaways in his first start at Las Vegas on Dec. 14. He has completed 68% of his passes with three touchdowns and an interception.

“You do this because you want to play, you want to compete, and that’s what you miss when you’re not in there,” Stick said. “It’s been a blast, every minute of it — the ups and downs. It’s been awesome. Like I said, I’m really grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to ending it the right way.”

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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick (2) works under pressure by the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)ASSOCIATED PRESS

THE OTHER BACKUP

Gabbert is a known quantity, but his backup for the game, Chris Oladokun, is hardly a household name. He played at South Florida and Samford before ending his college career at South Dakota State, and was a seventh-round pick by Pittsburgh in the 2022 draft. Oladokun was released in August, signed with Kansas City and has been on the Chiefs’ practice squad ever since.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker was voted the AFC special teams player of the week after going 6 for 6 on field goals to match a career best in last week’s 25-17 win over the Bengals. Butker scored 18 straight points, allowing Kansas City to rally from an early deficit and clinch its eighth consecutive division title.

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)ASSOCIATED PRESS

DIVISION WOES

One of the priorities for the Chargers’ new coach and GM should be improving the team’s performance in the division. The Bolts are an AFC West-worst 23-42 since 2013, when Telesco was hired. The Chiefs are 50-15 against division opponents that span, which encompasses Reid’s entire tenure.

Los Angeles has dropped four straight in AFC West games, is on an eight-game losing streak on the road and hasn’t defeated the Chiefs on its home field since 2013. That includes games in San Diego, both of the Chargers’ venues in Los Angeles and a 2019 game in Mexico City where they were the home team.

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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid watches against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)ASSOCIATED PRESS