Chiefs vs. Chargers Week 1 Preview: Mahomes, Herbert Set for Brazil Showdown

The NFL is heading to Brazil for the first time, and what better way to christen São Paulo’s Corinthians Arena than with a classic AFC West rivalry that’s been brewing for years? When the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers kick off Friday night at 8 p.em. ET, they’ll be writing history on multiple levels.

This isn’t just any Week 1 matchup. This is Patrick Mahomes versus Justin Herbert. This is the defending three-time AFC champions against the hungriest challengers in their division. This is a game that could very well determine whether Kansas City’s stranglehold on the AFC West continues for a tenth consecutive year or if the Chargers finally break through.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

The Chargers have been playing the role of bridesmaids in this rivalry for far too long. Over their past seven meetings with Kansas City, Los Angeles has held a fourth-quarter lead in five of those games and was tied in another. Yet somehow, some way, they walked away empty-handed in every single one of those contests.

That’s the kind of stat that keeps coaches awake at night and haunts players during the offseason. However, there’s a different energy around this Chargers team under Jim Harbaugh’s leadership. The man is 5-0 in season openers throughout his coaching career, and he’s brought that championship mentality from Michigan to Hollywood.

“If the Chargers can win in Week 1, they would make a very early statement that perhaps they should be included among the elite AFC playoff contenders,” and honestly, it’s about time someone said it out loud. This team finished with the league’s best defense last season, allowing just 17.7 points per game. That’s not a fluke, that’s dominance.

Herbert’s Time to Shine

Justin Herbert has been carrying the weight of expectations since the moment he stepped into the league, and his 2024 numbers tell the story of a quarterback ready to take the next step. A 23:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio doesn’t happen by accident. That’s elite decision-making paired with arm talent that makes defensive coordinators lose sleep.

Herbert’s mobility has become an underrated weapon too. He racked up 306 rushing yards last season, using his legs to extend plays and create magic when the pocket collapsed. Against a Chiefs defense that ranked 18th in pass defense last year, Herbert has the tools to exploit every weakness.

The supporting cast around him has never looked better. Najee Harris brings that physical running style that Harbaugh loves, while rookie sensation Omarion Hampton, fresh off back-to-back All-American seasons at North Carolina, could be the missing piece this offense has been searching for. When you add in the receiving talents of Ladd McConkey and the veteran presence of Tyler Conklin, this isn’t the same Chargers offense that’s been stuck in neutral for years.

Mahomes and the Championship Machine

But let’s not kid ourselves about what Kansas City brings to the table. Patrick Mahomes doesn’t just win games, he finds ways to break hearts, and the Chargers know this better than anyone. His 2024 campaign might not have been his flashiest, but championship quarterbacks don’t need flash when they have three rings to their name.

The Chiefs offense will look different this year with some new faces. Xavier Worthy brings that deep speed that stretches defenses, while Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Noah Gray provide the depth that makes this unit so dangerous. And then there’s Travis Kelce, the man who has absolutely torched Los Angeles over the years. In his past five games against the Chargers, Kelce has hauled in 41 catches for 608 yards and three touchdowns. Those aren’t just numbers, they’re nightmares for Chargers fans.

The loss of Rashee Rice to suspension for the first six games does hurt, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Andy Reid, it’s that he knows how to adapt his game plan better than almost anyone in the league.

Defensive Chess Match

This game will likely be decided by which defense can create more problems for the opposing quarterback. The Chiefs ranked fourth in points allowed last season at 19.2 per game, and their run defense was particularly stout, ranking eighth in the league. Steve Spagnuolo’s unit isn’t taking anything for granted, especially against a Herbert-led offense that can explode at any moment.

For the Chargers, their defense was historically good last season, and that starts with players like Derwin James Jr., who’ll likely draw the assignment of shadowing Kelce throughout the night. Khalil Mack is still bringing that veteran pass rush presence, while young players like Tuli Tuipulotu are ready to make their mark on the biggest stage.

The key matchup to watch might be Ladd McConkey against Trent McDuffie. McConkey showed flashes of brilliance last season, including a five-catch, 67-yard, one-touchdown performance against Kansas City. If he can win those contested catches over the middle, it opens up everything else for Herbert.

The Brazil Factor

Playing in São Paulo adds another layer of intrigue to this already compelling matchup. Neither team has experience playing in Brazil, and the energy from a crowd hungry for their first live NFL action could be electric. Sometimes those neutral site games can be equalizers, where preparation and mental toughness matter more than home field advantage.

Both teams arrived in Brazil ready for business. The Chargers have been preparing for this moment, understanding that a statement victory over the Chiefs on the international stage could announce their arrival as legitimate contenders.

The Bottom Line

This game feels different than years past. The Chargers aren’t just hoping to compete anymore, they’re expecting to win. Harbaugh’s culture change has been evident from day one, and this roster has the talent to back up the talk.

But Kansas City didn’t win three championships in five years by accident. They know how to win big games, especially when everyone’s watching. Mahomes has that clutch gene that separates good quarterbacks from legends, and he’ll be playing with the confidence of a champion.

The smart money might be on Kansas City because of their track record, but this may finally be the Chargers’ moment. After years of close calls and heartbreaking losses, maybe, just maybe, this is when everything clicks in Los Angeles.

In a game that could be decided by a field goal, the team that wants it more will probably walk away victorious. And right now, both teams want it badly — it will come down to who executes when it matters most.