Week 1 Preview: The Battle for the AFC West Begins in Brazil
In the first international game of the NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs. The AFC West rivals will face off in Brazil at the Neo Química Arena.
Last season, both teams made the postseason, despite the Chiefs sweeping their season series. The AFC East was one of two divisions that sent three teams to the 2024 playoffs. It is looking to be just as competitive in 2025, as Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks them as the second strongest division in the NFL.
Both teams had relatively quiet offseasons but added depth on offense. The Chiefs re-signed wide receivers Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. The Chargers signed running back Najee Harris and drafted running back Omarion Hampton in the first round.
With an essentially neutral field, Kansas City is favored to win by 3.5 points. All eyes will be on the quarterback matchup and both teams’ young wide receivers.
Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been the glue of their offense, leading them to three straight Super Bowl appearances. Even as the talent of his skill-position players has declined, Mahomes has proven to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has also shown many flashes of stardom, despite the lack of quality talent around him.
2024 NFL draftees lead both teams’ pass catchers and are shaping up to be the future of their offenses. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey outperformed Los Angeles’ expectations as a rookie and goes into this season as their No. 1 pass catcher. Last season, Kansas City drafted wide receiver Xavier Worthy in the first round, with hopes that his speed would fill a Tyreek Hill-like role. While Worthy was not as productive as the Chiefs were hoping, he has to step into a bigger role this season.
Chiefs’ starting wide receiver, Rashee Rice, was suspended for the first six games of the season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. In his absence, Worthy will serve as the Chiefs’ WR1.
Keys to the Game
WRs vs Secondaries
A key to Friday’s game will be the matchup between both teams’ pass catchers and their secondaries. PFF ranked both teams’ secondaries in the top 10, which will be a challenge for the young pass catchers.
With key injuries to the Chargers’ offensive line, it is looking like the Chiefs will pull out a win overseas. They are a more proven commodity, with big names such as head coach Andy Reid, Mahomes, and defensive tackle Chris Jones. Only time will tell if Herbert can lead Los Angeles to a victory over the Chiefs, but for now, I would bet on the historically successful franchise.
Prediction
Chiefs 27, Chargers 23