Eagles seek to topple Chiefs at Arrowhead in critical showdown
Could the Kansas City Chiefs truly face the prospect of starting the season 0-2? It’s a distinct possibility. After a narrow 27-21 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil, the Chiefs find themselves in a precarious position. Now, they are set to host the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, who are riding high after their 40-22 victory over Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX.
With Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and head coach Nick Sirianni leading the charge, the Eagles have a golden opportunity to compound the Chiefs’ woes. Yet, for Kansas City, this game poses a pivotal moment: will it be another showcase for Patrick Mahomes, or could it signal the beginning of a troubling chapter for the franchise under Andy Reid? The outcome could also have implications for the cultural phenomenon that is the Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift pairing.
These pressing questions will be answered when the Eagles collide with the Chiefs in Week 2, a matchup that mirrors the intensity of the Baltimore-Buffalo game from Week 1, making it one of the week’s toughest predictions.
Historical Context for the Chiefs
The Chiefs have not started a season 0-2 since Reid’s second year at the helm in 2014. Last week, the picks on the matchup against the Chargers ended in a push. Reflecting on Week 1, the records are as follows:
Straight up: 11-4
Against the spread: 7-6-2
As the NFL landscape shifts, the stakes remain high for Kansas City as they prepare for this critical encounter.
Week 2 Matchup Previews
Washington Commanders at Green Bay Packers (-3.5)
Thursday, 8:15 p.m., Prime Video
In a clash of NFC contenders, memories of the 48-47 shootout in 1983 might resurface. Micah Parsons has amassed 10.5 sacks in just eight games against Washington. The Commanders are 4-4 straight up as road underdogs with Jayden Daniels, but expect Green Bay to find a way to secure a second victory at Lambeau.
Pick: Packers 24, Commanders 23
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
The Bengals eked out a win against the Browns, but with Joe Burrow attempting only eight passes of 10 yards or more, there are questions about their offensive capability. Jacksonville, despite a rocky past season, has shown resilience and will be looking to challenge Cincinnati’s defense.
Pick: Bengals 29, Jaguars 22
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
The Giants are still reeling from last year’s close losses at AT&T Stadium. Dak Prescott boasts an impressive 13-2 record against New York, and the Cowboys are poised to extend that dominance in their home opener.
Pick: Cowboys 30, Giants 19
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (-4.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
With former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson returning to Ford Field, the pressure is on Detroit to capitalize against rookie Caleb Williams. Expect to see a resurgence from Jahymr Gibbs and David Montgomery as the Lions aim to improve their home record.
Pick: Lions 31, Bears 22
Los Angeles Rams (-5) at Tennessee Titans
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
The Rams will bring relentless pressure after sacking the quarterback six times in their opener. Puka Nacua had an impressive game with 130 receiving yards, and the connection with Matthew Stafford should continue to flourish.
Pick: Rams 28, Titans 16
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins (-1.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
This matchup is gaining traction as a potential upset. The Dolphins struggled with turnovers in their opener, while the Patriots had a dismal rushing game. Both teams are under pressure to perform, making this a must-watch.
Pick: Dolphins 22, Patriots 20
San Francisco 49ers (-6.5) at New Orleans Saints
Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
Injuries are a concern for the 49ers, but Christian McCaffrey’s return should provide a boost. The Saints have faltered as home underdogs, and this could be another chance for San Francisco to capitalize.
Pick: 49ers 31, Saints 24
Buffalo Bills (-7.5) at New York Jets
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
The Bills, led by Josh Allen, are favored to win, but the Jets have shown resilience in past meetings. New York is looking to capitalize on their home advantage despite some early-season struggles.
Pick: Bills 27, Jets 21
Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
The Seahawks were strong on the road last season, but Pittsburgh is hard to beat at home. Expect a tough battle as both teams strive for early-season momentum.
Pick: Steelers 26, Seahawks 19
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-12.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
Cleveland has alternated between blowout losses and surprising upsets against Baltimore in recent years. With a strong defensive showing last week, the Browns aim to challenge the Ravens despite Baltimore’s recent struggles.
Pick: Ravens 29, Browns 17
Denver Broncos (-2.5) at Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, 4:05 p.m., CBS
Despite turnovers in their opener, Denver’s defense should make a significant impact in Indianapolis. Expect a fierce contest as both teams look to establish their early-season identities.
Pick: Broncos 28, Colts 21
Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals (-6.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
With turnovers plaguing the Panthers, they face a tough challenge in Arizona. Expect Kyler Murray to shine against a struggling Carolina defense.
Pick: Cardinals 30, Panthers 20
Philadelphia Eagles (-1) at Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, 4:25 p.m., Fox
This matchup is critical for the Chiefs as they seek redemption at home. With their 11-game winning streak on the line, Kansas City faces a formidable Eagles squad. Hurts and Barkley’s prowess adds pressure on the Chiefs, making this a must-watch game.
Pick: Chiefs 30, Eagles 27
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings (-4.5)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m., NBC
After a tough loss in Week 1, both teams are eager to find their footing. A historic rivalry adds intensity to this matchup, with the Vikings looking to seize the advantage at home.
Pick: Vikings 21, Falcons 20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans (-2)
Monday, 7 p.m., ABC/ESPN
The Texans find themselves in a tough spot, but Baker Mayfield’s early chemistry with rookie Emeka Egbuka could prove pivotal. This game could go either way, with both teams eager to avoid an 0-2 start.
Pick: Buccaneers 29, Texans 26
Los Angeles Chargers (-3) at Las Vegas Raiders
Monday, 10 p.m., ESPN
This AFC West rivalry promises to be another thriller. With the dynamics between Harbaugh and Carroll at play, expect a tight contest that could come down to the wire.
Pick: Chargers 24, Raiders 17
