(Photo: Athlon Sports)
Intriguing Game- NFL, Week One
Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers
Chiefs:
It was another year where they dominated the AFC West, finishing with the best record in the AFC at 15-2. That secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, another trip to the AFC title game—where they once again prevailed over the Buffalo Bills—and a third consecutive appearance in the Super Bowl. Honestly, they weren’t as strong as their record implied. That’s why I always say a record can show you one thing, but the overall play tells you everything you need to know. One example where I saw the Chiefs truly put it all together was on Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers. After that game, I said they were ready to flip the switch come playoff time. However, I also pointed out that their habit of just “sliding by” would eventually catch up to them—and it did, at the worst possible time, against the Eagles in the Super Bowl. Despite that, the Chiefs are still the class of the AFC. If you want to reach the top of the mountain, you have to go through them. As long as Patrick Mahomes is under center, they’ll be among the elite. They have the best coach in the league in Andy Reid and arguably the best quarterback currently playing. Speaking of Patrick, let’s touch on the GOAT conversation. He’s great, but he’s not in the same bracket as Tom Brady—at least not yet. Tom did it consistently, year in and year out. Let’s see if Mahomes can maintain that level of consistency over time. Then we can revisit the conversation. Tonight, the Chiefs kick off their 2025 season in Brazil.
Chargers:
Do you believe in the Jim Harbaugh effect now? Everywhere this man goes, success follows. It dates back to his first head coaching job at the University of San Diego, then Stanford, and then the 49ers—where he led them to three straight NFC Championship appearances and a Super Bowl. He returned to college to coach at Michigan, where things started off rocky. But once he got that first win over Ohio State, it all turned around. He left Ann Arbor on top as a National Champion and is now back in the NFL. Harbaugh is a great coach who brings out the best in players who want to compete. The identity of his teams is simple: run the ball, pound it between the tackles, play stingy defense, and don’t put everything on the quarterback’s shoulders—which has become far too common in today’s game. I’ve often said the same thing about the Chargers as I have about the Bills: they rely far too much on their quarterback. Justin Herbert is elite, but he can’t do it all. That’s why I liked what the Chargers did in the draft. They picked Omarion Hampton, the powerful RB from North Carolina, and Tre Harris, a wide receiver from Ole Miss—exactly the kind of downfield threat this passing game needed. Quentin Johnston hasn’t panned out, and Ladd McConkey, while solid underneath, isn’t the guy who can stretch the field. With more tape on him now, Ladd will likely see more double teams. I’m expecting Tre Harris to make an immediate impact and give Herbert a true WR1. The Chargers also begin their season tonight in Brazil.
Chiefs X-Factor: Hollywood Brown-
I’m excited to see how he’s incorporated into the Kansas City offense. The Chiefs have been looking for that receiver who can go over the top, similar to what Tyreek Hill once brought. Hollywood Brown is that guy and will be until Rashee Rice returns from his suspension. He’s quick off the snap, creates separation, and makes plays in the open field. To me, he’s just another dangerous weapon at the disposal of No. 15.
Chargers X-Factor: Keenan Allen
A familiar face returns. After one year in Chicago, the veteran Wide Receiver elected to return back to Los Angles and rejoin the Chargers. At this point in his career, Keenan is the one receiver you target on third down to move the chains and I see him picking up with Justin Herbert right where he left off. He’s always been one of the best route runners in the league and he will also be a great mentor to these younger receivers.
Final Thoughts:
These two have played in some memorable games over the years. The Chiefs won both matchups last season, but neither game saw them score over 20 points. Tonight, they face off on the international stage in Brazil. There are two things I’ll be watching closely: How the Chargers attempt to neutralize Chris Jones, who’s a disruptive force on the Chiefs’ defensive line and two, how both defenses scheme to throw the opposing quarterback—Mahomes and Herbert—off their rhythm. As I’ve said before: you won’t beat the Chiefs by kicking field goals. You must capitalize in the red zone. Kansas City has a strong track record in September, losing only four games in the Andy Reid–Mahomes era. I expect them to extend their winning streak against the Chargers to eight straight tonight. These games are always close—and I expect another tight one.
