The day is finally here. Week 1 kicked off with the Philadelphia Eagles, featuring Spitgate, against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. Now the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers follow suit on Friday on a global stage from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
As always, we're here to go on record with our predictions for each week, and this is an important showing for the Chiefs. The last time anyone saw them on the field, they were sitting in stunned horror after suffering an embarrassing loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Can they rebound with a season-opening win? Will the Chargers surprise everyone in Jim Harbaugh's second season?
Here's what our writers had to say as we look at the Chiefs-Chargers in Week 1.
Predictions for Chiefs versus Chargers, Week 1
Christian AinsworthThe Chiefs' offense looks better than ever, and the box score looks closer than it actually is. Chris Jones looks great on defense, and it's on to Week 2. Chiefs 27, Chargers 24
Price Carter
The Chiefs’ offense looks like it should have a favorable matchup against the Chargers’ very average pass rush, which will serve as a good test for the young left side of the offensive line. On the other side, the Chargers might not have enough offensive weapons to fully take advantage of a Chiefs defense that is still a work in progress. Chiefs 28, Chargers 24
Matt Conner
Week 1 is always wonky for all parties involved, and the travel won't help matters. But the Chiefs' readiness level is always superior to their opponents, and it's hard to see that a healthy, motivated team is going to fall in an international showcase. Chiefs 20, Chargers 13
Braden Holocek
The Chiefs will get back to being explosive on offense. Patrick Mahomes comes out and shines with a completely clean game out of the gate. Chiefs 27, Chargers 20
Scott Loring
The Chargers will try to run the ball early and often with rookie Omarion Hampton, and will have success. After the game, we will lament our concerns about the run defense. But Patrick Mahomes finally has quality pass-catchers and time in the pocket again—something we haven’t seen in years—and that trumps everything in today’s NFL. Chiefs 27, Chargers 23
Greg Morse
It’s a shame that the Chargers' head coach is Jim Harbaugh, because I really do like him as a leader. It’s not a shame that the Chargers lost a home game to a divisional rival. Far too many people have the Chargers (or Broncos) winning the division, but I’ll believe it when I see it. I think the new Chiefs offense will put on a show and put the league on notice—and that’s without Royals and Rice. Chiefs 34, Chargers 21
Shawn O'Brate
The Chiefs' offense starts hot, throwing deep balls and getting big gains that were not common last season. Then they’ll simmer down late and let L.A. get close before Spags and the defense put the hit out on Herbert in the pocket on big third and fourth downs to keep the lead until 0:00. Chiefs 28, Chargers 24
Charles Robinson
Hell hath no fury like a scorned Patrick Mahomes. The 2025 Redemption Tour starts tonight, and the Chiefs will show no mercy to the Rashawn Slater-less Chargers. Go ahead and tee up all the excuses about the field in Brazil coming from the dozens of fans in Bolt Nation. Chiefs 37, Chargers 21
Lucas Strozinsky
Many people expect the Chiefs to return to their explosive offensive ways from early in the Patrick Mahomes era. While I believe that will happen this season, it won't be in Week 1. Given that it's a season opener against a division rival in a foreign country, they should focus on doing just enough to secure the win and get home safely. Chiefs 23, Chargers 19