Arrowhead Pride
In Week 1, the Kansas City Chiefs face the Los Angeles Chargers in an International Series game from Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, Brazil.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Kansas City is favored by three points.
Let’s see what the staff — and our readers — think about the matchup.
You know me: I always expect AFC West games to be close. Last season, the two games between these teams were decided by a total of nine points. I expect nothing different in this matchup — but I do think the Chiefs will prevail.
Chiefs 27, Chargers 24
The Chiefs get their first chance to show how they’ll rebound from last season’s embarrassing Super Bowl LIX loss. That alone should provide plenty of motivation to come out firing. Expect Kansas City to make a statement early, overwhelming the Chargers in all phases of the game.
Chiefs 30, Chargers 17
The day is finally here! After all the offseason talk, the Chiefs finally get a chance to get that sour taste out of their mouths. It’s no secret what the Chargers want to do: establish the run, keeping Patrick Mahomes and the offense off the field. But I see the Chiefs getting out to an early lead, which could alter the Chargers’ offensive plans. As long as Mahomes is kept upright, I fully expect fireworks in Brazil tonight.
Chiefs 31, Chargers 17
The Chiefs swept the Chargers last season, and Jim Harbaugh will likely be hungry for his first win over the Chiefs as the head man in Los Angeles. Both rosters are returning with largely the same core of players, but each team also has important changes to their offensive lines. With Rashawn Slater out for the season, Joe Alt slides to the left side while Trey Pipkins steps in on the right side. The Chiefs will feature first-round draft pick Josh Simmons making his first career start at left tackle, while Kingsley Suamataia steps in at left guard in place of Joe Thuney. The new additions to each offensive line will struggle with the pass rush they will face; Chris Jones and Khalil Mack are both poised to make an impact for their respective teams. They could affect how well Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert can throw the ball. The game should be close — but down the line, I see the Chiefs being a little more explosive.
Chiefs 28, Chargers 20
The Chargers are missing their best tackle: Rashawn Slater, who is out for the year. This doesn’t bode well for a Los Angeles team that wants its bread and butter to be a two-headed backfield monster comprised of running backs Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton. So this game will be a good test for the Kansas City run defense. If it can stop the Chargers from eating the clock with on long...
