The wait is over. The Kansas City Chiefs are back on the field, kicking off their journey toward another Super Bowl run with a preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals. But this time, Andy Reid’s squad enters as the underdog.

Analysts expect Reid to start his first-string lineup, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. However, many believe this won’t be enough to secure a win at State Farm Stadium.

On the Cardinals’ side, head coach Jonathan Gannon is also expected to start his top players for the opening offensive series. Quarterback Kyler Murray and his crew will likely get a couple of drives to warm up before handing the reins to the second and third-string units.

First quarter crucial for Kansas City

While preseason games don’t impact playoff standings, they offer valuable insights for coaches and analysts. Experts anticipate the Chiefs will dominate early while their starters are on the field, but momentum may shift once the backups take over.

From that point on, the Cardinals could take control. Some pundits even predict a potential Arizona win by as much as 17 points. Still, most expect a tight contest, with Mahomes and his offense possibly making a brief but meaningful impact.

Spotlight on the rookies

With only three preseason games on the schedule, time is tight for both coaching staffs and players. Starters must quickly find their rhythm, while rookies have limited opportunities to prove themselves.

Chiefs rookie offensive lineman Josh Simmons will need to step up and protect Mahomes. Meanwhile, Cardinals first-round pick Walter Nolen will aim to showcase his skills by challenging Simmons and pressuring the Chiefs’ star quarterback.

The stage is set for a competitive and entertaining matchup–preseason style.

Mahomes’s new protector vs. Cardinals’ defensive beast–NFL rookies face off today

This is the moment they’ve been waiting for. For the rookies of the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals, the race to earn a spot on the starting lineup–or even secure a place on the roster–kicks off this afternoon at State Farm Stadium.

The Chiefs and Cardinals open their preseason in Glendale, Arizona, following an intense offseason where rookies worked hard to showcase their skills to their respective coaching staffs.

Kansas City’s training camp buzzed with updates, especially surrounding first-round pick Josh Simmons. On the Arizona side, coverage was more subdued, but defensive tackle Walter Nolen managed to leave a strong impression.

Simmons vs. Nolen: rookie showdown in the desert

Josh Simmons is Kansas City’s top hope to protect Patrick Mahomes’s blindside. The Ohio State standout is coming off a stellar college career, but experts expect him to begin the season as a backup to veteran Jaylon Moore–unless he can change head coach Andy Reid’s mind during the preseason.

Nolen, meanwhile, has flown under the media radar, but the former Ole Miss star could earn a starting role as early as Week 1. To do so, he’ll need to convince Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon that he’s ready for the challenge.

If Simmons and Nolen face off on the field, fans could witness a thrilling rookie duel–Simmons defending Mahomes, and Nolen proving why he was the 16th overall pick in the 2025 Draft.

Other rookies to watch

Chiefs fans can expect to see defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott and defensive end Ashton Gillotte, selected in the second and third rounds, get some reps. For the Cardinals, cornerback Will Johnson and defensive tackle Jordan Burch are also expected to take the field.

With the shortened three-game preseason format, the rest of the 2025 rookie class may have limited opportunities to shine. Still, coaches will be eager to evaluate their new talent in live action, making this afternoon’s game a crucial proving ground for these young players.