Chiefs vs Chargers Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 9/5/25
- J.A. Cavalier
- Sep 5
- 4 min read
KANSAS CITY vs. LA CHARGERS (KC -3.5, 46.5)
NFL ODDS, NFL PREDICTIONS, NFL PREVIEWS
CHIEFS @ CHARGERS 9/5/25
The NFL's second consecutive Friday night Week 1 matchup will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, tonight. Before losing to the Eagles in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs finished 15-2 in 2024 and made it to the big game for the third consecutive year. Now in their second season under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers will try to improve on their 11-6 record from last year, which guaranteed them a postseason berth.
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After a successful 2024 season, the Kansas City Chiefs are back and ready to go. But by the Chiefs' high standards, the season wasn't entirely successful. In an attempt to become the first team in league history to win three consecutive Super Bowls, the Chiefs finished 15-2 on the season and easily advanced through the AFC playoffs and into the championship game. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Chiefs 44–20 instead. After a disappointing conclusion, they aim to forget the emotion as they enter 2025.
With a redesigned offensive line and running back Isiah Pacheco, who the team hopes will have a full, healthy season, Mahomes will have plenty of assistance this season. After it was revealed that returning receiver Rashee Rice would miss the first six games due to off-field issues, the receiving group remains uncertain. Hollywood Brown makes a healthy comeback, and Xavier Woods improved toward the end of his rookie campaign. Travis Kelce, a 36-year-old tight end who has been an All-Pro for a long time, is losing ground. To move this offense along, the Chiefs will need Mahomes to step up once more.
The Chiefs will have to rely on their defense once more. Although they gave up three more points per game than they did in 2023, the Chiefs' defense once again restricted the opposition's output in the previous campaign. Under the leadership of Chris Jones, a multiple Pro Bowler, Kansas City's defensive front will continue to produce. With safety Justin Reid leaving for New Orleans in free agency, the secondary may be exposed.
In terms of points per game, the Chiefs placed 12th in the NFL last season. Even with Mahomes leading the way, they were only 15th through the air and next to last in rushing the football. In terms of points given up per game, the Chiefs' defense ranked sixth in the NFL. They were 19th against the pass and sixth against the run. The Chiefs placed 11th in red zone defense and 13th in sacks per game.
In 2024, head coach Jim Harbaugh's first season back in the NFL with the Chargers went even better than expected. Harbaugh led his team to 11 victories and an AFC playoff berth, and has transformed the culture in Los Angeles. Harbaugh's Chargers are expected to perform even better this season.
Justin Herbert's reliable play at quarterback is probably where the Chargers' fortunes start and finish. Following an outstanding regular season, Harbaugh lost badly to the Texans in Houston during the wildcard round. With a stronger offensive line led by second-year right tackle Joe Alt and young right guard Makhi Becton, Herbert should benefit this season. Additionally, the Chargers will have a new running back tandem in Pittsburgh's rookie Omarion Hampton and veteran Najee Harris. Ladd McConkey leads the Chargers' receiving group, but they will need more output from Quentin Johnston, a gifted but underperforming receiver.
Under Harbaugh, the Chargers' defense was among the best in the NFL in 2024. Khalil Mack is still available to interfere with opposing passing games. Daiyan Henley, a second-year linebacker, leads the Chargers' young linebacking group. Henley is the best coverage linebacker on the team. Denzel Perryman has exceptional run-stopping skills.
In terms of points per game, the Chargers placed 13th in the league the previous season. Despite Harbaugh's insistence on pounding the football, they only ranked 27th in terms of rushing the ball. They placed 19th in the league for passing. When it came to turning red zone opportunities into touchdowns, the Chargers were only 22nd in the NFL. Last season, they were 19th in sacks allowed. In terms of points allowed per game, the team's defense placed second in the NFL. They finished an impressive 7th against the pass but 26th against the run. In terms of sacks last season, the Chargers ranked seventh in the league. The defense finished second in red zone defense thanks to its strong play in the area.tackle Perrion Winfrey. The Cowboys' injury report no longer includes left tackle Tyler Guyton and left cornerback Trevon Diggs, who both practiced throughout the week.
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NAJEE HARRIS OVER 5.5 RUSHING ATTEMPTS
The Chargers will run the football. That’s a Jim Harbaugh-coached team - run the football, play great defense. LA went out and drafted Omarian Hampton and added Harris in free agency last year. You can bet they both see their fair share of carries tonight. Harris was the feature back for the Steelers last season and went Over this number in all 18 of his games last season. Harris missed some time during the preseason, but Harbaugh has said Harris is ready to go for tonight.
