Who will start Week 1 for the Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs suddenly have one of the most fascinating quarterback situations in the NFL—and it all comes down to one question:

Who is under center in Week 1?

On paper, it’s simple. Patrick Mahomes is still the guy. He’s the face of the franchise, the best quarterback in football, and if he’s healthy, there’s no debate.

But that “if” is everything.

Mahomes is coming off a torn ACL and LCL suffered late in the 2025 season, a brutal injury that typically takes close to a full year to recover from. He’s targeting a Week 1 return, but even he admitted there’s no guarantee.

That opens the door—and the Chiefs prepared for it.

They went out and brought in Justin Fields, a former first-round pick who specifically wanted to learn under Mahomes and play in Andy Reid’s system. But let’s be real—he’s not coming just to hold a clipboard.

If Mahomes isn’t ready, Fields is the clear favorite to start Week 1. The Chiefs didn’t bring him in for gimmicks—they brought him in as a legitimate insurance policy who can run the offense if needed.

And honestly, he might be the most intriguing wildcard here.

Fields gives Kansas City something completely different: mobility, designed runs, and a new dimension to the offense. If he plays well early, it could even create a real conversation—something that would’ve sounded crazy a year ago.

Then there’s Garrett Nussmeier.