Here is who national experts predict will win Chiefs-Chargers game on Friday
The Chiefs’ quest for a fourth straight Super Bowl appearance begins in earnest Friday night below the equator.
It’s an AFC West matchup. The Chiefs will play the Chargers in Brazil, as LA gave up its home game
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. and the game will air on YouTube and KSHB-TV (Ch. 41).
Here is who national experts are picking to win the game:
The Chiefs are the pick for five of eight writers at CBS Sports: Pete Prisco, Cody Benjamin, Jared Dubin, John Breech and Tyler Sullivan. Picking the Chargers are Ryan Wilson, Jamey Eisenberg and Dave Richard. Prisco predicts a 30-21 score. This is an excerpt of what he wrote: “The Chiefs appear to have solved their offensive-line issues while the Chargers suffered a big loss there losing Rashawn Slater for the season. That matters. Patrick Mahomes with time is a bad thing for a defense. And he will have that here as he gets off to a fast start in a season where he will rack up big numbers again. Chiefs take it.”
The Chiefs are the pick for five writers at NFL.com: Ali Bhanpuri (24-20 final score), Brooke Cersosimo (26-21), Dan Parr (23-19), Gennaro Filice (30-20) and Tom Blair (25-21). This is part of what Parr wrote: “These teams played tight, low-scoring games both times they met last season, with the Chiefs coming out on top in each contest. I’m expecting them to stick to the same script and deliver the same outcome in Brazil. I know Kansas City wants to get back to taking the top off opposing defenses, but it’s about to run into a team that ranked second in yards allowed per pass attempt and first in scoring defense last season.”
The Chiefs are the choice for 10 of 11 ESPN experts: Stephania Bell, Matt Bowen, Mike Clay, Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano, Kalyn Kahler, Pamela Maldonado, Moses Moody, Jason Reid and Lindsey Thiry. Picking the Chargers: Seth Wickersham.
The Chiefs will win, say both Pro Football Talk writers. Mike Florio sees the Chiefs winning 28-24. Chris Simms picked a 21-17 score.
A 26-20 Chiefs win is the prediction from the Associated Press’ Rob Maaddi. This is a snippet from his story: “Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have something to prove after a 17-win season ending with a lopsided loss to the Eagles in the Super Bowl. The Chargers drafted running back Omarion Hampton in the first round to take pressure off Justin Herbert. They were 9-0 when they had more than 100 yards rushing last season. “
A 24-20 Chiefs victory is the pick for the Sporting News’ Bill Bender. Here is an excerpt of his story: “The Chargers have a revamped running game with rookie Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris. Justin Herbert averaged 196 yards with two TDs to Kansas City last season. He’ll have to take more risks to beat the Chiefs here. In a game with a lot of field goals, Patrick Mahomes makes the plays down the stretch to secure a one-score victory.”
This story was originally published September 5, 2025 at 10:07 AM.
