The chiefs depth chart is set into motion as Kansas City gears up for tonight’s season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil. With the official depth chart finalized just hours ago, fans now know exactly which players are expected to lead the charge—and who’s waiting in the wings.
Offensive Depth Chart (Week 1 Starters & Key Backups)
| Position | Starter | Notable Backups |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Patrick Mahomes | Gardner Minshew |
| RB | Isiah Pacheco | Kareem Hunt, Brashard Smith, Elijah Mitchell |
| WR1 | Xavier Worthy | Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster |
| WR2 | Hollywood Brown | JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Nikko Remigio |
| LT | Josh Simmons | Wanya Morris |
| LG | Kingsley Suamataia | Mike Caliendo |
| C | Creed Humphrey | Hunter Nourzad |
| RG | Trey Smith | — |
| RT | Jawaan Taylor | Jaylon Moore |
| TE | Travis Kelce | Noah Gray, Robert Tonyan, Jared Wiley |
Several immediate changes and storylines impact tonight’s projection:
- Rashee Rice is suspended for the first six games—including tonight—receiving discipline related to a legal issue. That void elevates Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster into more prominent offensive roles.
- Rookie Jalen Royals is inactive due to a knee issue, further thinning the wide receiver rotation. Expect Brownlee and Thornton to absorb his reps.
- The offensive line features two rookies—Josh Simmons at left tackle and Kingsley Suamataia at left guard—trusted to protect Mahomes against an aggressive Chargers front.
- Travis Kelce, shedding 25 pounds in the offseason, enters Week 1 noticeably lighter, attuned to delivering at the highest level amid speculation that this could be his final campaign.
Table of Contents
Week 1 Key Spotlights
1. Receiver Corps Depth Test
With Rice suspended and Royals sidelined, Kansas City leans on youthful energy and proven tools—Worthy, Brown, JuJu—to drive downfield. Expect explosive plays and vertical routes to offset the absences.
2. Offensive Line Trial by Fire
Rookies Simmons and Suamataia face one of their biggest challenges yet—holding their blocks against elite pass rushers from the Bolts. Their early performance could determine Mahomes’ comfort moving through his reads.
3. Leadership at Tight End
Kelce’s lighter build seems to have sharpened his game. With Gray, Tonyan, and Wiley available, the tight end group looks both secure and dangerous in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
4. Running Game Stability
Pacheco anchors the backfield as the workhorse, supported by the crafty Hunt, and younger talents Smith and Mitchell—who provide both blitz pickup help and rotational spark.
Final Thoughts
The chiefs depth chart for tonight’s opener reveals a blend of seasoned stars, resilient veterans, and rising rookies—all positioned for pivotal moments. Kansas City appears poised to lean into explosive plays, strategic offensive line support, and reliable leadership in tight spaces. Their opener tonight in Brazil isn’t just a game—it’s a statement.
What adjustments do you expect to see as game time unfolds? Share your picks, standout players, or predictions below—let’s dive into Chiefs football together.