Take a look at our predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs' matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the NFL preseason.
The Kansas City Chiefs will take the field for the first time since February when they take on the Arizona Cardinals in a preseason exhibition this afternoon.
As the defending AFC champions, Kansas City will face sky-high expectations in 2025. Arizona, which ended its 2024 campaign with an 8-9 record, will look to knock off the Chiefs in front of a home crowd at State Farm Stadium to gain momentum ahead of the regular season.
While preseason games are largely inconsequential, some of the lesser-known players on both squads will get an opportunity to show fans and coaches around the league why they deserve a spot on their team's 53-man roster.
Check out our staff predictions for Kansas City's matchup against the Cardinals in Week 1 of the preseason:
Ed Easton Jr.'s prediction
The Chiefs return to action in their first game since Super Bowl LIX, hoping to restart their journey back for another title. The game will be focused on shaking off the rust from starters and providing plenty of opportunities for players to prove themselves and try to make the final roster.
The offense should be able to show a brief example of the explosiveness they've been teasing with the first team. An efficient drive by Patrick Mahomes in the first quarter could go a long way in building confidence, especially with the offensive line intact.
The defense must show its depth and be able to handle potential injury concerns, especially in the secondary. The biggest keys to Saturday's game will be efficiency and staying healthy, as the Chiefs know firsthand the hazards of the opening preseason game that affected them last season.
Final score: Chiefs 17, Cardinals 20
Jon Ediger's prediction
The long offseason is finally coming to an end, and the Kansas City Chiefs are undoubtedly eager to see the field and silence the naysayers after last season's brutal loss in Super Bowl LIX.
The Chiefs' stars aren't expected to see more than one or two drives, so don't expect much in the way of offense.
All eyes will be on the team's newest additions, including offensive lineman Josh Simmons, who has been the golden boy of this year's training camp. If Simmons can put up a good effort against the Cardinals, Kansas City's coaches can breathe a sigh of relief.
Regardless of the outcome, the Chiefs must avoid injuries.
Final score: Chiefs 21, Cardinals 34.
John Dillon's prediction
Given the NFL's current three-game preseason format, teams across the league would be wise to maximize the opportunity they have to get in rhythm before the truly consequential contests kick off next month.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is known for playing his cards close to his chest in the preseason, but he may get a chance to unleash some creativity with veteran second-string quarterback Gardner Minshew under center against Arizona.
Fans should expect Kansas City's players to compete with near-reckless abandon, but also for them to do everything they can to avoid injuring themselves in a mostly meaningless preseason exhibition. The Cardinals are likely to be more motivated to play for bragging rights in front of their home crowd, so I'm predicting that Arizona will ultimately win the game.
Final score: Chiefs 24, Cardinals 41
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: NFL preseason: Predictions for Chiefs vs. Cardinals
Category: Football
