The Kansas City Chiefs return to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday looking to extend the last remaining unbeaten record in the AFC, while the Los Angeles Chargers arrive desperate to avoid the first 0-6 start in franchise history.
Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs (4-0) come off their bye week after a 30-27 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Chargers (0-5) dropped a 23-17 decision to the Denver Broncos last week and have yet to score more than 23 points in a game this season.
This is a familiar AFC West matchup with recent history. The Chargers swept the Chiefs in 2025, including a 16-13 win in Kansas City in December that contributed to a difficult stretch for the home side. Kansas City still leads the all-time series 71-60-1 and has won seven of the last nine meetings overall.
Patrick Mahomes has looked sharp in his return from last year’s knee injury, throwing for 1,037 yards with nine touchdowns and only two interceptions. The addition of running back Kenneth Walker III has given the offense a true ground threat. Walker has 537 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 87 carries (6.2 yards per attempt) through four games, plus another 84 receiving yards and two scores. Against a Chargers defense that ranks sixth against the pass (193 yards allowed per game) but has struggled to contain balanced attacks, Walker’s presence should create favorable matchups for Mahomes and Travis Kelce (team-leading 246 receiving yards and two touchdowns).
Andy Reid’s post-bye track record provides another edge. Reid is 22-5 in regular-season games immediately after a bye across his coaching career, and the extra week has given Kansas City time to clean up details from an already strong 4-0 start. The Chiefs rank second in total yards (412 per game) and fifth in scoring (29.5 points per game), while their defense has held opponents to 19.2 points per contest.
Injuries remain a factor. Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is on injured reserve with a dislocated ankle, and Rashee Rice (hamstring/knee) has been limited or out of practice this week after exiting the Raiders game. Josh Simmons (back) and L’Jarius Sneed (knee) have also been limited. Even without full health at receiver, the combination of Walker, Kelce, Xavier Worthy, and the rest of the supporting cast gives Reid and Mahomes enough weapons.
Justin Herbert has struggled with turnovers (five touchdowns, seven interceptions) and protection issues. The Chargers rank near the bottom of the league in scoring and passing yards, and their injury list is lengthy—Joe Alt (neck), Derwin James (hamstring), and several others have been limited or sidelined in practice. Omarion Hampton has provided some production on the ground (271 yards, three touchdowns), but the offense has lacked consistency.
A winless team on the road against an unbeaten division rival at Arrowhead faces a steep climb. While the Chargers’ pass defense can create problems, the Chiefs’ ability to run the ball effectively and control tempo should tilt the game in Kansas City’s favor.
The Chiefs enter as clear favorites (most lines have settled in the 7- to 8.5-point range). This is an opportunity to reach 5-0 for the first time since 2024 and build separation in the AFC West. Expect Walker to carry a heavy load early, with Mahomes taking advantage of play-action and Kelce in the middle of the field. The Chargers will need a clean game and multiple turnovers to stay competitive.
Prediction: Chiefs 31, Chargers 17.
