After an electric first game to begin the 2025 NFL season, the league will be hoping for an even better encore as the focus shifts to the Kansas City Chiefs, who will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in a special Friday Night game. As part of the international expansion for the NFL, the game will take place in Brazil at the Arena Corinthians.
With two teams that are far closer to each other on paper, as compared to the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles, fans will be expecting another great game between two divisional rivals. However, even at the start of the year, neither team is going to have its full roster available. With injuries and suspensions playing a major role in deciding the lineup for the night, here is what the depth chart could look like for the Chiefs and the Chargers.
Who Are the Inactives for Chiefs vs. Chargers?
Kansas City Chiefs Inactives
- DE Malik Herring
- OL Hunter Nourzad
- DL Omarr Norman-Lott
- TE Jared Wiley
- RB Elijah Mitchell
- WR Jalen Royals
Los Angeles Chargers Inactives
- S RJ Mickens
- CB Nikko Reed
- OLB Kyle Kennard
- DL Naquan Jones
- T Foster Sarell
- TE Oronde Gadsden
- TE Tucker Fisk
Who Is Starting for the Chiefs and the Chargers?
Los Angeles Chargers Starters
After nine consecutive division titles, it feels like Kansas City’s vice grip on the AFC West is loosening just a little bit. As a result, all the other three teams will try to take over that pole spot, with the Chargers arguably best suited to take the jump.
Their quest will begin in Week 1 itself when they battle the Chiefs. In a “home” game for LA, all eyes will be on their superstar quarterback, Justin Herbert, who is coming off the worst game of his career, which was against the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.
He will receive snaps from Bradley Bozeman, while being protected by Mekhi Becton and Trey Pipkins III on the right, whereas Zion Johnson and Joe Alt handle responsibilities on the left, as compiled on the latest depth chart by the organization.
The biggest hole in that offensive front line is the absence of Rashawn Slater. A two-time Pro Bowler and a former All-Pro selection, the four-year veteran has become a vital part of the Chargers, and Herbert in particular.
However, a torn patellar tendon during practice in the first week of August spelled doom for his entire 2025 campaign. As a result, Los Angeles has to make do without one of their premium players on the offensive side of the ball.
His wide receiver core is going to primarily feature the trio of Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston. However, he will also have opportunities to make plays with tight end Will Dissly.
For the first time in 635 days: Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen will play a regular season game together with the Chargers. pic.twitter.com/NTgQSnCBYZ
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) September 5, 2025
The run game, a major feature of a Jim Harbaugh-led offense, will see rookie Omarion Hampton get the start as Najee Harris rounds back into form from an eye injury. The offense will also have the support of underrated fullback Scott Matlock.
The defense, which was the number one scoring defense in the league last year, will see Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack handle the edge rusher roles, while the trio of Da’Shawn Hand, Teair Tart, and Otito Ogbonnia form the defensive line.
Both Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley are the designated linebackers, with Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Derwin James Jr., and Alohi Gilman forming the secondary. The latter two will hold the fort at safety, while the former duo takes over the corner spots.
On special teams, Cameron Dicker will handle kicking duties, with JK Scott assuming punter and holder roles. Derius Davis will be the primary returner for kicks and punts, with Josh Harris as the designated long snapper.
Kansas City Chiefs Starters
Undoubtedly, the biggest missing pieces for the Chiefs are once again in the skill position groups. Rashee Rice is slated to miss the first six games of the year with a suspension, while rookie Jalen Royals is out for the night with a knee injury.
As a result, last year’s rookie sensation Xavier Worthy will handle a majority of the wide receiver duties alongside Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. They’ll have the reliability of Travis Kelce, which adds a wrinkle to the offense.
However, for a large section of the fan base, the biggest thing to monitor will be the performance from the offensive line. With major changes to the unit, Creed Humphrey will be a familiar name at center, alongside the guard tandem of Trey Smith and Kingsley Suamataia.
The tackle positions are going to be the most interesting part to monitor, with Jawaan Taylor on the right side and rookie Josh Simmons assuming the role at left tackle after an overwhelmingly impressive offseason.
Josh Simmons plays football today pic.twitter.com/AoVbgySClr
— ASF (@Chiefs7183) September 5, 2025
The entire operation only functions, though, with its centerpiece, Patrick Mahomes. Widely regarded as the best quarterback in the NFL, his legacy is virtually unblemished. However, after back-to-back down seasons, fans are expecting a bounce-back year from the two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion.
The defense, which has become a true credit for the team, will have its centerpiece in Chris Jones. He will be supported by Mike Danna, Drue Tranquill, Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, and George Karlaftis up front.
Omarr Norman-Lott is questionable for the game, but he could handle the right defensive tackle spot if he is upgraded to active before the game. The corner slots will be manned by Kristian Fulton and lockdown defender Trent McDuffie.
The safety spots will have Chamarri Conner and Bryan Cook as the strong and free safety, respectively. Jaylen Watson is the lone player to receive the nickelback designation on the latest depth chart for the Chiefs.
On special teams, one of the best names in the business, Harrison Butker, will handle the kicking duties. He will be supported by the trio of Matt Araiza (punter and holder) and James Winchester (long snapper). Nikko Remigio is the primary returner for both kicks and punts.
Chiefs-Chargers Week 1 Preview
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.
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.
PATRICK MAHOMES PLAYS FOOTBALL TODAY‼️ pic.twitter.com/075pw2lLwU
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 5, 2025
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
