Chiefs vs Chargers NFL Pick: KC and LAC Meet in Brazil (Sep 5)

• Our Chiefs-Chargers NFL pick analyzes defending AFC champs KC and their divisional rival LA in their opener in Brazil
• KC won its two matchups over LAC in 2024
• The Chiefs are aging, and this could be the last run for Travis Kelce
• The Chargers are still building up their roster under Jim Harbaugh, hoping to get off to a solid start against the best the AFC has to offer

KC Hopes for Another Run to the Super Bowl

By now, the Chiefs have grown accustomed to the distractions of being a star-studded, championship-caliber team. In many ways, it might be better for them to open the 2025 season in Brazil rather than in the U.S. They can focus on the game itself rather than the nonstop attention they get, particularly with Travis Kelce now engaged to Taylor Swift.

But Kelce still has his day job, at least for one more season.

The Chiefs’ core, led by Patrick Mahomes, returns. Isiah Pacheco is healthy again. Star receiver Rashee Rice is suspended for the first six games of the season. Expect the Chiefs to test the Chargers’ rebuilt defensive line, now without Joey Bosa, who has left for the Bills.

LAC Dramatically Improved Its Rushing Attack

Harbaugh likes to run the ball, and with Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris, that’s what he will try to do.

Quarterback Justin Herbert should have an easier time getting the ball downfield with a stronger rushing attack. The Chargers’ receiving corps is still missing that game-breaker that it will need if it wants to supplant the Chiefs at the top of the AFC pecking order.

Harbaugh’s style is to make sure his teams hit hard and control the clock.

Chiefs vs Chargers NFL Pick

Both matchups between the teams in 2024 were close, with KC winning 17-10 and 19-17. Although this game is at a neutral site in São Paulo, the overwhelming likelihood is that it will be a pro-KC crowd in what is technically a Chargers home game.

Mahomes no longer lights up the stat sheet as he did earlier in his career, focusing on efficiency and executing Andy Reid’s offense. Still, the Chargers have a drastically better running game and will make the Chiefs pay by hitting their smaller wide receivers. Kelce is not young, and Noah Gray will be a key to the offense.

Even if the Chargers are not ready to jump to the top of the AFC hierarchy, they are a tough matchup. Our Chiefs-Chargers NFL pick is for LAC to cover as 3-point underdogs.