Staff predictions favour Chiefs in Rams preseason opener

Staff predictions have been released for the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 1 NFL preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, scheduled for August 15. The Chiefs are looking to build momentum following a disappointing 2025 campaign and have integrated new players, including running back Kenneth Walker III and defensive back Mansoor Delane. The game is expected to feature limited snaps for starters, with a focus on rookies and backup quarterbacks such as Justin Fields. Predicted final scores range from 20-14 to 24-17 in favour of the Chiefs.

Ed Easton Jr. predicts a 20-14 victory for the Chiefs, highlighting the performance of backup quarterback Justin Fields and young defensive linemen Peter Woods and R Mason Thomas. The opening preseason game will not feature Patrick Mahomes or many other starters, with the main objective being valuable playing experience for rookies and the trio of backup quarterbacks on the roster. Each wide receiver playing against the Rams will need to make plays and stand out, as the depth chart is constantly facing criticism after the front office decided not to pursue a veteran in free agency.

Samuel Teets predicts a 24-17 win, noting the Chiefs' offensive line depth and the potential for the secondary to challenge Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett. The Chiefs face the Rams on Thursday Night Football in Week 13, but Saturday’s preseason game provides a chance to test offensive line depth against the Rams’ pass rush. After years of investing in the offensive line through the NFL Draft, the Chiefs finally have young, quality depth pieces at several spots. Expect Kansas City to establish the run early and execute long scoring drives as the battle in the trenches swings in their favor later in the game.

Jon Ediger's prediction is incomplete in the source text, but notes that the game will be Patrick Mahomes' first appearance since his season-ending knee injury in December. The contest will be Mahomes’ first game under center since his season-ending knee injury in December, so fans shouldn’t expect much from the two-time MVP. Kansas City is likely to develop its ground game early against Lo. The result doesn't matter, but the Chiefs went winless during last year's preseason, and a victory will be a great way to start 2026.

The source text contains conflicting information regarding the date of the regular-season matchup, mentioning Week 13 on Thursday Night Football, while the primary event is the Week 1 preseason game. The accuracy of the predicted scores is speculative and based on staff opinions rather than confirmed outcomes. The completeness of Jon Ediger's prediction is unknown as the source text cuts off.