Chiefs vs. Chargers: Brazil’s Big Opener

The NFL is kicking off the 2025 season in style, sending the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers to São Paulo, Brazil, for a primetime divisional showdown. Here’s a closer look at how the two AFC West rivals have prepared for this landmark game.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs enter Week 1 already shorthanded at wide receiver. Rookie Jalen Royals has been ruled out with a knee injury, and the absence of Rashee Rice (serving a six game suspension) has forced Patrick Mahomes to lean heavily on veterans like Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Travis Kelce.

The Chiefs are coming off a Super Bowl blowout loss. Steve Spagnuolo’s defense has preached building identity “from Day 1,” and this opener feels like the first real test of whether they’ve turned the page.

Los Angeles Chargers

For the Chargers, the headline is the return of running back Najee Harris. After suffering a frightening eye injury in a July 4 fireworks incident, Harris has been cleared and practiced fully this past week. His availability alongside rookie Omarion Hampton gives Jim Harbaugh and OC Greg Roman a physical, downhill running duo to lean on. The loss of left tackle Rashawn Slater looms large, forcing the second year lineman Joe Alt into a critical protection role.

Prediction

I think we see the Chiefs really shutdown the Chargers here. Chiefs defense upgraded at CB2 by adding former LSU National Champion Kristian Fulton this offseason. Pairing him with Mcduffie will help Chiefs defense greatly as it will allow Steve Spagnuolo to gameplan for the heavy running attack. Having star tackle Rashawn Slater out this season will be a big blow at beginning of the year for the Chargers. Look for the Chiefs to exploit this weakness early.

I think Mahomes will be coming back this year with a vengeance. Look for the Chiefs to take control and to take it early.

I'm taking Chiefs -3!