Chiefs vs. Chargers Preview: AFC West Division Rivals to Meet in Brazil

The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers will kick off their 2025 NFL seasons Friday in São Paulo, Brazil, giving international fans a marquee matchup. Our Chiefs-Chargers preview has you covered with the latest info, head-to-head record, PFSN player grades, and a prediction for this must-watch game.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers Details

• Date: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025
• Game time: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Corinthians Arena, São Paulo, Brazil
• Predicted Weather at kickoff: 69 degrees, partly cloudy, winds 3-10 mph
• How to watch: YouTube

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers Head-to-Head Record

As longtime division rivals, the Chiefs and Chargers have played twice a season for more than 30 years. Kansas City leads the all-time series with 69 wins, 57 losses, and one tie.

Last season, the Chiefs swept the Chargers, winning 17-10 in Los Angeles and 19-17 in Kansas City.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers Grades

Below are the PFSN team and positional grades for the highest-ranked players set to be featured in Kansas City vs. Los Angeles. Because this is the season opener for both teams, the grades are from 2024, showcasing the best returning players.

PFSN NFL OFFi

• Kansas City Chiefs (79.5, C+)
• Los Angeles Chargers (75.0, C)

PFSN NFL DEFi

• Kansas City Chiefs (74.8, C)
• Los Angeles Chargers (80.5, B-)

PFSN NFL OLi

• Kansas City Chiefs (72.7, C-)
• Los Angeles Chargers (69.9, D+)

PFSN NFL QBi

• Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (B-)
• Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (C+)

PFSN NFL RBi

• Isaiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (N/A, injured)
• Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers (N/A, rookie)

PFSN NFL WRi

• Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs (N/A, injured)
• Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (85.5, B)

PFSN NFL TEi

• Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (75.3, C)
• Will Dissly, Los Angeles Chargers (79.1, C+)

PFSN NFL EDGEi

• George Karlaftis, Kansas City Chiefs (76.9, C)
• Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers (78.7, C+)

PFSN NFL DTi

• Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs (86.6, B)
• Teair Tart, Los Angeles Chargers (74.9, C)

PFSN NFL LBi

• Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs (79.1, C+)
• Daiyan Henley, Los Angeles Chargers (85.5, B)

PFSN NFL CBi

• Trent McDuffie, Kansas City Chiefs (82.2, B-)
• Tarheeb Still, Los Angeles Chargers (77.8, C+)

PFSN NFL SAFi

• Bryan Cook, Kansas City Choefs (83.1, B)
• Elijah Molden, Los Angeles Chargers (81.3, B-)

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers Prediction

The division rivalry between the Chiefs and Chargers should be a treat for the São Paulo audience, as the teams have routinely produced competitive games in recent years.

For both teams, it starts at quarterback. Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes remains one of the league’s best, having already won three Super Bowls before turning 30.

.@Chiefs vs. @Chargers under the Brazilian lights 🔥🇧🇷

KCvsLAC– Friday at 8pm ET on @YouTube pic.twitter.com/QCbBd7Un78

— NFL (@NFL) September 2, 2025

Meanwhile, Justin Herbert has the stats to rank among the game’s top passers but has yet to win a playoff game in his five-year career. He’ll be looking to change that narrative this season, starting with a statement against the Chiefs.

Kansas City’s passing attack will look similar to last season, with wideouts Xavier Worthy and JuJu Smith-Schuster complementing All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. Their top receiver, Rashee Rice, is out against the Chargers while serving a suspension.

Los Angeles’ receiving corps isn’t much better, though second-year receiver Ladd McConkey is back after an impressive rookie season in which he caught 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. He’ll be Herbert’s No. 1 target.

Per our metrics, the Chargers will have an upper hand defensively. Coordinator Jesse Minter leads a unit that flies to the ball, anchored by pass rusher Khalil Mack and safety Derwin James.

The Chiefs’ defense graded out at a C last season but will look to improve behind defensive tackle Chris Jones and cornerback Trent McDuffie. Both are among the best at their positions but need help from a young, unproven supporting cast.

As for the outcome, the Chiefs simply have the Chargers’ number. Los Angeles usually puts up a fight but falls short in the end. That shouldn’t change, even in Week 1 on South American soil.

Prediction: Chiefs 24, Chargers 20