3 Key Matchups To Watch For In Los Angeles Chargers – Kansas City Chiefs Brazil Showdown

The Los Angeles Chargers kick off the season by heading to São Paulo, Brazil, to play against the Kansas City Chiefs, in what’s expected to be another classic between the two division rivals.

With that being said, here are 3 of the positional matchups to hone in on as the Chargers’ 2025 season gets underway.

Los Angeles Chargers, Key Positional Matchups

WR Ladd McConkey vs. CB Trent McDuffie

The rise of phenom Ladd McConkey will garner extra attention from defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, which likely signals placing their top CB, Trent McDuffie, on him.

The last time the Chiefs faced McConkey was in week 4 of the regular season, where the rookie receiver was still getting acclimated to the NFL. He ended the contest with 5 receptions for 67 receiving yards and 1 TD.

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With the return of veteran WR Keenan Allen, who can line up as the slot and as an outside boundary receiver, it gives McConkey a chance to thrive as the primary slot receiver, where he didn’t get as many opportunities as the team wanted, given the deficiencies at X receiver last season.

The matchup against one of the top corners in the game will be one of the most highlighted matchups and deserves all eyes on it.

RT Trey Pipkins III vs. DT Chris Jones

The loss of All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater was a brutal blow to the Chargers’ offensive line, as it forced the team to shuffle right tackle Joe Alt over as the blindside protector and insert swing tackle Trey Pipkins III on the other end.

While Pipkins has ample experience playing the position, it still doesn’t prepare him against one of the most lethal interior defensive linemen in DT Chris Jones.

Although Jones is listed as a DT, he’s extremely versatile, being able to line up out wide as a 5 or even 9 technique. He actually played significant snaps out at DE last season, as the Chiefs lacked viable pass rushers from the rest of their players.

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It makes this match-up even more likely, as the Chiefs will likely single him out as one of the weaker links on this offensive line.

The star defensive player will undoubtedly be a destructive force to the Chargers’ offense. If Pipkins is able to mitigate the damage from Jones and keep QB Justin Herbert upright, then it could very well be the key to victory in this season opener.

S/Nickel Derwin James vs. TE Travis Kelce

The legendary matchup between the two perennial All-Pros is always must-see TV, especially with it possibly being the final season they go against each other as Kelce turns 36 in October.

With defensive coordinator Jessie Minter opting to play James at nickel in their base package on defense, it should give ample opportunities to face each other.

According to the 33rd team, James was the only defensive back who allowed fewer than 250 receiving yards on 50 targets last season, which speaks to the elite level of play the star player possesses.

Los Chargers Week 1 Wrapup

In what’s expected to be another exciting game between the two franchises, the matchups highlighted here could be what makes or breaks the tipping scale for each team to secure its first win of the season. Be sure to watch the game on Friday at 5:00 PM PT on YouTube as NFL football returns once again.