The NFL isn’t easing into the new season, it’s charging (pun intended) into the global spotlight. On Friday, September 5 (7 PM CT), the Chiefs and Chargers will meet at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo. This high-profile international opener builds on last year’s successful Brazil debut. This time, though, the field is natural grass with hybrid reinforcement to quell the slickness complaints from the previous game (ABC News). Even bigger, it’s the first NFL regular-season game to be streamed worldwide on YouTube, completely FREE (NFL). Let’s hope this doesn’t go down like the Paul vs. Tyson on Netflix…
The significance of this match-up goes well beyond the broadcast. It’s an AFC West clash, where a loss hits twice as hard. Kansas City enters as the reigning division champ, while Los Angeles is hoping that Jim Harbaugh’s second year brings the stability they’ve been missing. The Chargers come in with something to prove, and the Chiefs know they’ll need to be alert from the start. Opening the season with a division game should keep Kansas City focused, whatever the result.
Recent history clearly favors the Chiefs. They’ve won 18 of the past 21 meetings, including the last eleven in a row against the Chargers (Football Database).
While this is officially a “Chargers home game,” the reality is a little different. The crowd in Brazil could easily lean toward Kansas City, given the team’s global sway. There’s also a subtle edge for the Chiefs when it comes to travel. Kansas City faces a two-hour time difference, compared to four hours for Los Angeles. Which means a slight advantage in terms of player freshness.
Team Breakdowns
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ offense heads into 2025 with more confidence and versatility than it had last year. Early worries about the offensive line seem to be fading. Rookie LT Josh Simmons has impressed in camp, while the rest of the line showed sharp protection and run blocking in the preseason finale. The unit is starting to come together, letting Mahomes average an eye-popping 11 yards per pass attempt during a 23-play, 24-point preseason stretch.
The Chiefs aren’t exactly starting the season with the wind at their backs. Rashee Rice, who had just started looking like his explosive self again post-knee injury, is now out for the first six games due to a suspension (NFL). Meanwhile, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is still on the fence for Week 1; his ankle’s been acting up since the summer, but the coaching staff is cautiously optimistic he’ll get at least a few reps on Friday (Chiefs Wire). To make matters worse, Jalen Royals is dealing with knee tendinitis. He missed the last preseason matchup and sat out Sunday’s practice, so it’s doubtful he’ll suit up this week (Chiefs Digest). That puts a lot of pressure on Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton to carry the load in the receiving game. Let’s see if they’re up for it when the lights come on. Still, if Andy Reid’s history tells us anything, it’s not to underestimate his ability to keep Mahomes and the offense humming, no matter what’s thrown their way.
On a separate note, Travis Kelce, who looked like he was stepping back last year, is sparking optimism again. His clutch catches and standout plays are reminding everyone how dangerous his chemistry with Mahomes can be.
Creed Humphrey remains a rock at center, but questions still swirl around the left side of the Chiefs’ offensive line. The left tackle job is unsettled—Kingsley Suamataia struggled enough to get shifted to guard, Wanya Morris never managed steady play, and with Joe Thuney out the door in free agency, there’s a real void. To address it, the Chiefs spent a first-round pick on Josh Simmons and snagged Jaylon Moore in free agency, hoping one of the newcomers can lock down the position. As things stand, only Humphrey and All-Pro guard Trey Smith (who’s currently on the franchise tag) have their jobs set in stone. The rest of the left side is still a work in progress as opening day draws near.
Defensively, the Chiefs have quietly reloaded with more depth than before. They swung a trade to bring Derrick Nnadi back, giving the interior line some much-needed support next to Chris Jones—a priority after their struggles against the run in last year’s Super Bowl. At linebacker, Nick Bolton returns healthy, while Drue Tranquill brings added flexibility for different defensive looks. In the defensive backfield, the Chiefs are doubling down on youth: Trent McDuffie has been extended, and with L’Jarius Sneed traded away, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams are stepping into bigger roles. This revamped unit looks deeper across the board, designed to prevent the kind of late-season issues that haunted them last February.
Bottom Line
The Chiefs head into the 2025 season with plenty of hope but just as many question marks. Mahomes and Kelce are in sync, rookie left tackle Josh Simmons has flashed potential that might bring some much-needed stability to the offensive line, and Andy Reid’s scheme keeps humming along, even with several receivers out due to injury or suspension. While the left side of the line and a shallow receiver group are legitimate concerns, the interior remains solid thanks to Humphrey and Trey Smith. Defensively, Kansas City reinforced its core with Derrick Nnadi rejoining Chris Jones up front. Nick Bolton also returns healthy alongside a young secondary set to take on bigger roles. These new additions are running out of time to come together. If they manage to, this team could have the right balance to make another deep postseason run.
Los Angeles Chargers
In Jim Harbaugh’s second year at the helm, the Chargers are working to establish a more structured, physical identity. Last season, their defense was one of the best in the league. They gave up only 301 points, 1st in the League (StatMuse)!
On offense, Justin Herbert remains the franchise’s anchor. His 2024 numbers were sharp: 3,870 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. A 23:3 TD-to-INT ratio ranks among the best in league history. The offense leaned heavily on Herbert’s play-action skills, and he delivered (Pro Football Reference).
This year, the passing attack gets a boost. Mike Williams returns, and rookies like Ladd McConkey, Tre Harris, and Omarion Hampton add new weapons to the mix. Podcasts like “Chargers Weekly” have highlighted these additions as potential game-changers, giving Herbert more flexibility and opening up the playbook.
Despite the offense looking strong, there’s a big question mark on defense. For the first time, the Chargers will play without Joey Bosa, who was released in the offseason. That puts extra pressure on Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu to anchor the pass rush against one of the greatest Quarterbacks of all time this week. Without Bosa, the team will have to get creative with their pressure schemes and coverage looks if they want to throw Chiefs receivers off their game.
Bottom Line
Entering Jim Harbaugh’s sophomore year, the Chargers defense have cemented themselves as the league’s gold standard, leading the NFL in fewest points allowed per game during the 2024 season at 17.7, A huge testament to their no-nonsense style. Offensively, Justin Herbert turned in an exceptionally efficient season with 3,870 passing yards, 23 touchdowns against only three interceptions, a 101.7 passer rating, and a personal best on the ground with 306 rushing yards. He’s the unquestioned leader of this unit. With Mike Williams back in action and a few rookie receivers making waves, the offense has an energizing new dimension. But Joey Bosa’s absence is a glaring hole, putting the pressure squarely on Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu to step up and keep the pass rush humming. The question now: can the Chargers ride their elite defense while Herbert and his revamped supporting cast put up enough points to contend?
Spotlight Players
Kansas City Chiefs
Every rivalry game puts the spotlight on the stars. The Chiefs’ Week 1 division face-off in Brazil will also come down to a few key players who will shift the outcome.
Patrick Mahomes (QB): Mahomes is 8–2 as the Chiefs’ starting QB against the Chargers. Most of those wins coming in tight, one-score games. He’s made a habit of breaking hearts late, especially against division rivals. Mahomes’ uncanny ability to keep plays alive outside the pocket remains his trump card (StatMuse).
Travis Kelce (TE): Even at 35, Kelce is still Mahomes’ go-to guy when the stakes are highest. His match-up against Derwin James is one of the league’s best chess matches, and will have a lot to say about how much room Kansas City’s receivers find on the outside (The U.S. Sun).
JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR): With Rashee Rice suspended and Hollywood Brown being targeted less, if at all, Smith-Schuster fills a larger role as a trusted target in the slot. Andy Reid hasn’t been shy about praising his strong camp showing, and his rapport with Mahomes makes him the kind of steady presence who can keep the chains moving as the rookies and new additions find their footing.
Wildcard Xavier Worthy (WR): With Rashee Rice suspended, sophomore Worthy steps in as Kansas City’s top wideout. His speed and separation skills give Mahomes the vertical threat this offense needs, but how quickly he adjusts to the spotlight against a top defense will go a long way in determining the outcome.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert (QB): Herbert’s numbers are always strong. 3,870 yards, 23 touchdowns, just three picks in 2024. However, he’s watched from the sideline as Mahomes closes out games. For Harbaugh, the real challenge is giving Herbert a more reliable run game and better pass protection. He knows that Herbert’s output doesn’t need much to result in a win (Pro Football Reference).
Khalil Mack (EDGE): With Joey Bosa out of the picture, Mack is now the leader of the Chargers’ pass rush. A former Defensive Player of the Year, he’ll be counted on to pressure Mahomes and throw off Kansas City’s rhythm.
Derwin James (S): James is the Swiss Army defender in the Chargers’ secondary. His ability to cover tight ends and patrol the middle makes him the ideal counterpart for Travis Kelce. Utilizing his talent is key to containing Kansas City’s passing attack.
Wildcard Ladd McConkey (WR): The rookie has drawn rave reviews all summer for his quickness and route polish. If he translates that to the field in Week 1, McConkey could be the surprise X-factor who gives Herbert the reliable secondary option he’s lacked in past matchups. The Chiefs’ D will need to keep an eye on him throughout the game.
TL;DR
- Kickoff: Friday, Sept 5 @ 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT
- Venue: Corinthians (Neo Química) Arena, São Paulo, Brazil
- Stream: Free on YouTube worldwide (first-ever NFL game exclusive to YouTube).
- Turf Update: Natural grass with hybrid reinforcement; reseeded after 2024 slickness complaints (ABCNews).
- Time Changes: KC ≈ +2 hrs & L.A.≈ +4 hrs to São Paulo
- Chargers are designated as the Home team (Chargers.com). However, global recognition of the Chiefs may sway the crowd in the Chiefs’ favor.
- Recent History: Kansas City has dominated the rivalry, winning 17 of the last 21 and sweeping L.A. in the 2024 season.
- Chiefs lean on the Mahomes-Kelce chemistry as usual, but will be focused on making up for a shallow receiving corps and weak left side O-line. Chris Jones will anchor a defense with a young secondary who may have their work cut out for them against Herbert.
- The Chargers, in Jim Harbaugh’s second year, emphasize structure and efficiency. Herbert is coming off a season of 3,870 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions, now bolstered by a healthier Mike Williams and rookie Ladd McConkey. Their defense allowed the fewest points in the NFL last year (301 total), led by Khalil Mack and Derwin James. However, they also have clear vulnerabilities: life after Joey Bosa leaves the pass rush thinner against Mahomes, the offensive line gave up 41 sacks last season, and the receiver group behind Williams is unproven.
- KC Spotlight Players: Mahomes (8-2 vs LAC), Kelce (duel with Derwin James), JuJu Smith-Schuster (big shoes to fill in a shallow receiving corps), & Xavier Worthy (top wideout, wildcard sophomore WR up against the same problems as JJSS)
- LA Spotlight Players: Herbert (3,870 yds/23 TD/3 INT in ’24), Mack (pass rush leader post-Bosa), James (Kelce’s foil?), and McConkey (wildcard to watch)
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Chiefs vs. Chargers at Neo Química Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil (CT)
Sources
- NFL — Chiefs WR Rashee Rice Suspended
- Chiefs Wire —Andy Reid on Hollywood Brown’s Injury
- Chiefs Digest—Injury Update Jalen Royals
- ABC News — Slippery Field in Brazil Causes Challenges for Eagles, Packers
- NFL — YouTube to Stream 2025 Week 1
- Chargers To Play Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil in Week 1
- Football Database — Chargers vs Chiefs
- The U.S. Sun — Andy Reid Makes a Surprise Move
- StatMuse — Lowest Points Allowed by a Team 2024 Season
- Pro Football Reference — Justin Herbert
- StatMuse — Patrick Mahomes
- The U.S. Sun — Kelce Counter
- NFL — Rashee Rice
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