4. What’s a matchup to watch?
This game will feature plenty of high-profile names including quarterbacks Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes, plus head coaches Jim Harbaugh and Andy Reid.
Defensively, Khalil Mack and Chris Jones lead their respective units on that side of the ball.
But if you’re looking for a matchup to watch, the bi-annual battle between Derwin James, Jr. and Travis Kelce is among the best in the league.
James is coming off an All-Pro season that saw him help that Chargers lead the NFL in points allowed per game (17.7).
The safety played 1,077 defensive snaps in 2024, but 795 of them were either at slot cornerback, in the box or near the line of scrimmage.
In other words, he was disruptive closest to the ball and constantly wreaked havoc on opposing offenses while usually guarding the opponents’ tight end.
That would be Kelce for the Chiefs, a surefire future Hall of Famer who holds Kansas City franchise records for catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Keep an eye on this matchup when the Chargers are on defense.
5. What’s at stake in Week 1?
The Chiefs have won the AFC West nine straight seasons, so you know the rest of the division is surely hoping to end that streak.
The Chargers might have the best chance, and could make an early statement but getting a Week 1 win in South America.
Can the Bolts win the division in Week 1? Of course not.
But getting a season-opening win would be a boon, especially considering the Chargers then play two more AFC West rivals (the Raiders and Broncos) in Weeks 2 and 3.
And while a loss wouldn’t be ideal, it’s just one game and would up the urgency early in the 2025 season.