The NFL is kicking off its 2025 season with a global flair, as the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs meet longtime AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers in the inaugural NFL São Paulo Game on Friday night. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. EDT, streaming live on YouTube.
Kansas City enters as a 3-point favorite, holding a commanding 78-51-1 series lead, including a 19-17 victory in their most recent matchup on Dec. 8, 2024.
The Chiefs begin pursuit of their 10th consecutive AFC West crown and are eyeing a sixth Super Bowl appearance in the past seven seasons. Kansas City has been nearly unbeatable within the division over the past decade, going 51-9 against AFC West foes.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes still has his most trusted target in Travis Kelce, who owns the Chiefs’ receptions record (1,004) and ranks third all-time among NFL tight ends in receiving yards (12,151). Kelce needs three touchdowns to tie Priest Holmes (83) for the most in franchise history.
The offense will be without suspended No. 1 receiver Rashee Rice, leaving Mahomes to rely on second-year speedster Xavier Worthy and veteran Marquise Brown, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury. The Chiefs also rebuilt the left side of their offensive line, drafting Josh Simmons to play left tackle and moving Kingsley Suamataia inside to guard after being exposed in February’s Super Bowl.
On defense, star tackle Chris Jones needs 5 ½ sacks to pass Neil Smith (85 ½) for third most in franchise history. The Chiefs also reacquired Derrick Nnadi in a trade with the Jets last week to shore up a shaky run defense exposed in preseason.
The Chargers come into Brazil under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is 5-0 in season openers. Harbaugh has reshaped the offense around quarterback Justin Herbert, signing Keenan Allen, Najee Harris, and Tyler Conklin, while drafting rookie playmakers Omarion Hampton and Tre’ Harris.
Hampton, in particular, is expected to be a focal point, bringing speed and power to a rushing attack that struggled in 2024. His debut will be tested against Kansas City’s front, which struggled in the preseason.
Defensively, the Chargers quietly put together the league’s No. 1 scoring defense last season (17.7 ppg allowed), a unit that will be tasked with slowing down Mahomes in a hostile international spotlight.
Chiefs’ defensive line vs. Chargers’ run game. The Chargers believe they’ve found a ground presence in Hampton and Harris, but injuries to the offensive line—including season-ending losses of LT Rashawn Slater and LB Junior Colson—could make establishing the run difficult. The Chiefs will try to prove their investment in reinforcing the defensive front pays off early.
This is the second time the Chiefs and Chargers have played overseas; Kansas City won 24-17 in Mexico City in 2019.
The Chargers become the first NFL franchise to play on five different continents. Kansas City has won seven straight against Los Angeles, with the last three decided in the final seven minutes of regulation.
Friday night in São Paulo offers more than just the first look at the defending champions—it’s a chance to see how Harbaugh’s Chargers stack up in the division immediately. With history on Kansas City’s side and fresh intrigue surrounding a revamped Los Angeles roster, the NFL’s international showcase has the makings of a classic.
Injury Report: Chiefs: WR Jalen Royals (knee) out. Chargers: RB Najee Harris (eye) questionable; LS Josh Harris (IR-R), CB Eric Rogers (ankle, IR), CB Deane Leonard (leg, IR-R), LT Rashawn Slater (knee, out for season), LB Junior Colson (shoulder, out for season).
