The Kansas City Chiefs kick off their 2026 NFL preseason today against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium, with both teams resting their star quarterbacks.
Why it matters: This matchup marks the beginning of the preseason for both teams, providing a chance to assess young players and evaluate roster depth ahead of the regular season.
The game is set for Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Patrick Mahomes and Matthew Stafford will not play, allowing younger players to take center stage.
Both teams are considered Super Bowl contenders this season, making this matchup an intriguing preview of potential future matchups.
Driving the news: The Chiefs are entering the preseason with a focus on evaluating their backup quarterbacks, particularly Justin Fields, who is expected to start in place of Mahomes.
Fields joined the Chiefs via trade and has extensive NFL experience, making him a key player to watch.
The Rams will start Stetson Bennett, a rookie quarterback, providing him with valuable game experience.
With both teams opting to rest their starters, the game will feature a mix of rookies and veterans vying for roster spots.
Key facts
Game location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO.
Chiefs favored by 2.5 points, with a game total set at 35.5 points.
Broadcast on NBC locally (KSHB) and available on NFL Network and NFL+.
Rams' key players like Davante Adams and Tyler Higbee are unlikely to play.
State of play: As both teams prepare for the preseason opener, they face unique challenges and opportunities to showcase their depth.
The Chiefs are looking to solidify their backup quarterback position, with Fields competing against Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun.
The Rams, under coach Sean McVay, are expected to utilize a conservative approach, allowing rookies like Ty Simpson and C.J. Daniels to shine.
With several key veterans sitting out, young players will have a chance to impress the coaching staff and secure a spot on the final roster.
The big picture: This preseason matchup serves as a litmus test for both teams as they gear up for what they hope will be successful campaigns.
The Chiefs, coming off a season where they finished 6-11, are aiming for a turnaround with a mix of experienced and new talent.
The Rams, who had a strong 12-5 record last season, are looking to maintain momentum and assess the readiness of their younger players.
Both teams have high expectations, and this game is an opportunity to build chemistry and identify areas for improvement before the regular season begins.
What they're saying: Coaches and analysts are expressing excitement about the potential of the younger players taking the field.
“This is a great chance for our rookies to show what they can do,” said Rams head coach Sean McVay.
Chiefs fans are eager to see how Fields performs in his first game under center, especially after a tough previous season for the team.
Analysts predict that the matchup will be competitive, with both teams looking to establish a rhythm early in the preseason.
By the numbers: Key statistics highlight the stakes of the game and the players involved.
Last season, Patrick Mahomes threw for 4,800 yards and 38 touchdowns, but he is resting due to recovery from an ACL injury.
Matthew Stafford led the league in passing yards last season with 4,707 yards and 47 touchdowns, but he won't be on the field today.
Justin Fields has completed 61.4% of his passes in 59 NFL games, totaling 9,039 yards and 52 touchdowns.
What's next: After today's game, both teams will continue their preseason schedules, with the Chiefs and Rams looking to finalize their rosters.
The Chiefs will host the Minnesota Vikings next week, providing another opportunity to evaluate their depth.
The Rams will face the Seattle Seahawks, where they will likely implement more game strategies as the preseason progresses.
Fans can catch the action live on NBC and NFL Network, with coverage starting at 3:00 p.m. CT.