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Kansas City (0-0) at LA Chargers (0-0)
- When: Sep 5 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo
- Where to watch: YouTube
- Last Meeting: KC 19-17, December 8th, 2024
Kansas City vs LA Chargers Preview & Prediction
Spread: Kansas City -3.0
Moneyline: Kansas City -169
Total: 46.5
Kansas City Chiefs Betting Outlook
The Chiefs (-3.0 favorites, total 46.5) kick off the NFL season under the Friday night lights, this time in São Paulo, Brazil. It’s a rare international opener, but Kansas City is no stranger to big stages. Winners of nine straight AFC West titles, they’ve become the gold standard, appearing in five Super Bowls over the past six seasons.
Patrick Mahomes leads the charge again, and his track record against the Chargers is remarkable: 3,270 passing yards and 27 touchdowns in 12 games. Even without Rashee Rice (suspended), Mahomes has a mix of fresh and familiar targets in Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and of course, Travis Kelce. The uncertainty in the receiving corps doesn’t change the fact that Mahomes finds ways to elevate whoever lines up.
On defense, Steve Spagnuolo’s unit still leans on Chris Jones to dominate the trenches. Adding Kristian Fulton in the secondary should help slow down Ladd McConkey, a rising star for Los Angeles. Kansas City’s defense surrendered just two passing TDs to Justin Herbert in two meetings last season.
Chiefs Player Prop Picks:
Patrick Mahomes Over 2.5 passing touchdowns – he thrives against AFC West opponents.
Travis Kelce Over 5.5 receptions – with Rice out, Mahomes will lean on his most trusted target.
Los Angeles Chargers Betting Outlook
The Chargers are underdogs in Brazil, but Jim Harbaugh has quickly reshaped their identity. A year after installing a physical, run-first system, Los Angeles doubled down by signing Najee Harris and drafting Omarion Hampton, who flashed explosiveness in preseason. Harris missed camp with an eye injury but is cleared for Week 1, giving Harbaugh his one-two punch.
Justin Herbert is the centerpiece, coming off a strong 2024 with 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions under Harbaugh. Yet his biggest challenge remains the Chiefs’ pass rush, which has consistently made him uncomfortable. Herbert’s new top target is McConkey, who broke records last season with over 1,300 yards as a rookie. With Keenan Allen returning from Chicago, Herbert finally has depth at wide receiver again.
Defensively, the Chargers bring back one of the AFC’s more disciplined units from last season under Jim Harbaugh’s leadership. The secondary has experience, the pass rush can still flash, and the overall scheme is designed to keep games tight. Still, slowing down Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City’s offense on foreign soil will be the ultimate test
Chargers Player Prop Picks:
Justin Herbert Over 233.5 passing yards – volume will be there as LA plays from behind.
Ladd McConkey Over 72.5 receiving yards – he’s the engine of the passing game.
NFL Prediction & Betting Angle
Kansas City owns the matchup history, the quarterback edge, and the experience in winning big games. The Chargers are improved, and Harbaugh’s run game could keep things interesting early, but Mahomes and Kelce in primetime is a proven formula. Both offenses have the firepower to push this game into the 50s.
Final Score: Chiefs 27, Chargers 21
Lean: Kansas City -3.0
Total: Over 46.5
- NFL Football Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
