After a long offseason, football is finally back in the desert. The Arizona Cardinals will kick off their preseason on Saturday evening when they host the Kansas City Chiefs in Glendale. Unlike last year, the Cardinals’ biggest names, including quarterback Kyler Murray, are expected to take the field, as head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed his starters will play in the opener.
Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals
Start time: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 5:00 p.m. MST
Channel: CBS 5 (Arizona), KSHB 41 (Kansas City)
Live stream options: NFL+
Radio stations: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (Cardinals); KFNZ 96.5 FM, WDAF 106.5 FM (Kansas City)
Starting QBs: Kyler Murray (Arizona), Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City)
Betting lines:
- Spread: Chiefs -3
- Total: 39.5
- Moneyline: Cardinals +125, Chiefs -145
Cardinals Key Stats
- Murray had a good last season, but still has things to improve. Stats: 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns, but 11 interceptions.
- Trey McBride emerged as one of the NFL’s top tight ends, finishing with 111 catches for 1,146 yards.
- Arizona’s defense allowed 22.3 points per game in 2024.
Chiefs Key Stats
- Mahomes threw for 3,928 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.
- Lackluster rushing game for Kansas City; Kareem Hunt led the team with 728 yards.
- Kansas City’s defense played crucial last season, allowing 17 points per game.
Cardinals vs. Chiefs: Preview
The game will be an early look at how Arizona’s offseason changes might pay off. The Cardinals added key veterans such as defensive end Josh Sweat, quarterback Jacoby Brissett, and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson while re-signing wideouts Zay Jones and Greg Dortch. Marvin Harrison Jr. will also look to build on his rookie season and get more involved in the offense, which we didn’t see much of in 2024.
For the Chiefs, the trip to Arizona marks the first step in their quest for redemption after falling short in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles. Kansas City has ruled the AFC for the past three years, winning three straight conference titles, but they’re aiming to return to the top of the NFL.
Star tight end Travis Kelce briefly considered retirement after the Super Bowl loss but chose to come back for another year, citing his desire to win more championships. Kelce is returning from a career-low in touchdowns with only three, but remains Patrick Mahomes’ top target. The Chiefs enter the season with the fourth-best Super Bowl odds (+850) and are favored to win the AFC.
Although Kansas City’s 2025 schedule is the sixth-toughest in the league, Arrowhead will host many of its most challenging games. The Chiefs will utilize this preseason game to assess roster depth and give new players a chance to establish themselves before traveling to São Paulo, Brazil, for their Week 1 regular season matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
