The chiefs depth chart is making headlines as Kansas City readies for its 2025 season opener in São Paulo. With key roster moves, suspensions, and lineup adjustments, the Chiefs are strategically reshaping their depth map to tackle Week 1’s high-stakes matchup against the Chargers.
Even from the first 20 words, the chiefs depth chart takes center stage—highlighting real-time shifts shaping Andy Reid’s starting lineup dynamics.
Wide Receivers Rearranged
Kansas City’s receiving corps faces early upheaval. Rashee Rice begins a six-game suspension and won’t play until Week 7, leaving a big gap in the lineup.
Rookie Jalen Royals, a WR3 candidate coming out of preseason, will miss the opener due to a knee tendinitis issue—declaring him unavailable for the Brazil game.
With both gone, the starters are:
- Xavier Worthy
- Hollywood Brown
- JuJu Smith-Schuster
Tyquan Thornton also supplies depth behind them, putting added pressure on these three to deliver explosive plays early in the season.
Offensive Line Faces Crucible
The biggest question marks litter the Left Side of the O-Line. Rookie Josh Simmons and second-year guard Kingsley Suamataia are set to face a fierce Chargers pass rush spearheaded by Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu.
Kansas City may need to shift center Creed Humphrey to support the left side—though that risks exposing the right side to pressure. This unit’s performance could make or break Patrick Mahomes’ comfort level under center.
Rushing Attack Balanced and Experienced
The backfield remains stable with Isiah Pacheco carrying the workload. Kareem Hunt brings veteran savvy into the mix, while Elijah Mitchell and Brashard Smith round out the depth.
This trio offers a blend of power, shiftiness, and fresh legs, supplying a solid foil to the passing game.
Tight End Core Remains a Stabilizer
The Chiefs’ tight end room continues to offer stability:
- TE1: Travis Kelce, recently shedding 25 pounds and ready for what could be his final run.
- TE2: Noah Gray
- Depth: Veteran Robert Tonyan and rookie Jared Wiley provide reliable support for multiple tight-end sets.
Kelce’s veteran savvy remains a cornerstone of this offense.
Defensive Line Shifts
Kansas City has officially released Mike Pennel and brought back Derrick Nnadi. The starting tandem features Chris Jones and Nnadi, but depth remains thin behind them.
Rotational support comes from Jerry Tillery and others, but this group faces a stiff test against a Chargers rushing attack that resembles a wartime offensive push.
Secondary Battles and Matchups
The secondary includes several high-stakes matchups from the first whistle: standout slot corner Trent McDuffie is expected to shadow dynamic receiver Ladd McConkey. Newly signed Kristian Fulton bolsters the outside, while Jaylen Watson’s return from injury adds stability.
At safety, Bryan Cook starts alongside rookie Jaden Hicks—infusing youth and athleticism but also calling for quick chemistry in a challenge-heavy opener.
Linebackers, Special Teams, and Practice Squads
Linebacker duties fall to Nick Bolton, Willie Gay Jr., and Leo Chenal, giving the Chiefs a balanced core of leadership and athleticism.
Special teams remain consistent:
- Kicker: Harrison Butker
- Punter: Tommy Townsend
- Return game: Nikko Remigio and Brashard Smith headline punt and kick return duties.
On the practice squad, notable names include running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and safety Mike Edwards, both bringing veteran experience as developmental depth for a grueling season.
Week 1 Depth Chart Snapshot
| Unit | Starters | Top Backups/Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Patrick Mahomes, Gardner Minshew | — |
| RB | Isiah Pacheco; Hunt; Mitchell; Smith | — |
| WR | Worthy, Hollywood Brown, Smith-Schuster | Tyquan Thornton, (Rice & Royals unavailable) |
| TE | Travis Kelce, Noah Gray | Robert Tonyan, Jared Wiley |
| O-Line | Simmons (LT), Suamataia (LG), Humphrey (C), Smith (RG), Taylor (RT) | Center sliding option possible on left side |
| DL | Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi | Jerry Tillery, limited rotational prospects |
| LB | Bolton, Gay Jr., Chenal | — |
| Secondary | McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Kristian Fulton, Cook, Hicks | — |
| ST | Butker (K), Townsend (P), Remigio/Smith (Returns) | — |
| PS Highlights | Edwards-Helaire, Mike Edwards | — |
Implications for the Season Opener
- Passing Game Pivot: Without Rice and Royals, the Chiefs will rely on their revamped wideout trio—expect Mahomes to spread the field using Worthy’s explosiveness and Brown’s athletics.
- Offensive Line Trial by Fire: The rookie duo on the left side will be under immediate and consistent duress. How they respond will significantly influence Mahomes’ rhythm and game tempo.
- Defensive Resilience Tested: The defensive front’s depth is fragile. Chris Jones must anchor the interior, while the secondary’s cohesion—including high-profile matchups—will shape the game’s outcome.
- Veteran Value: Kelce’s leadership, combined with Hunt’s experience, could be the difference-makers in pivotal moments when youth shows fleeting weaknesses.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City’s chiefs depth chart entering Week 1 underscores the team’s resilience and adaptability. With suspensions and injuries reshaping key units—including receivers and the offensive line—the team leans on a blend of rookies, veterans, and strategic shifts. The opener in São Paulo will be a true test of that depth.
Fans should keep a close watch on how these positional battles unfold on the field—this Week 1 performance could set a tone for the entire season.