Bijan Robinson leads the charge as Texas opens at No. 1, heading into Ohio State for a defining Week 1 test. The piece highlights Texas alums Xavier Worthy and Charles Omenihu, plus the Chiefs’ latest college connection with Josh Simmons heading to the NFL. Expect a weathered frontline on OSU’s end and a juice-up from Robinson as fantasy managers eye early-season workload signals.

Texas vs. Ohio State frames more than one matchup: Simmons’ NFL arc with Kansas City, Worthy and Omenihu orbiting KC, and Bijan’s goal to set the tone for a high-variance, high-upside season. Readers should watch how KC leverages college ties in Week 1 and how Texas’ star backcarves out early touches against a national-champion defense.

Patrick Mahomes praised Kansas City’s reshaped left side after Friday’s preseason finale against Chicago, highlighting real reps with Kingsley Suamataia and Josh Simmons and noting the pocket trust and progression from training camp. He called it a small step in the right direction with two weeks to prep for the Chargers, and pointed to the dynamic duo handling one-on-one drills and growing confidence even as NFL-level mistakes can pop up.

Mahomes’ lines were under duress at times, yet the starting O-line provided solid protection and helped the run game, with the mobility shown in an 18-yard keeper underscoring comfort in the pocket. The message: the Chiefs are building depth and continuity on the left side as they gear up for Week 1, turning preseason reps into tangible progress.

Two young blockers stepped forward amid the Bears test, and KC’s signal-caller stressed that progress is a collective effort—excited for the two-week window to refine, prepare, and show who they are when the regular season arrives against a formidable Chargers defense.

Kansas City’s rookie left tackle Josh Simmons is laser-focused on technique and communication as he prepares for the 2025 regular season. His preseason displays showed solid run-blocking moments, but pass protection remains a priority as he works to fix stance and balance under watchful coaching from Andy Heck. With a strong preseason and a likely Week 1 start, Simmons is positioned to anchor KC’s line and protect Patrick Mahomes, while still growing chemistry with a new-look unit.

Simmons emphasizes over-communication to keep the line aligned and directed, a nod to the Chiefs’ high-tempo offense. He acknowledges faster NFL edge rushers demand universal, square sets and improved footwork, promising improvement in pass sets. Friday’s game against Chicago looms as a pivotal test, offering a real-world gauge of his readiness and a potential signal of KC’s Week 1 lineup.

These developments matter for fantasy and betting angles: a confident Simmons could steady KC’s protection, enabling Mahomes to maximize downfield opportunities and keep the offense’s ceiling intact. If Simmons locks in left tackle, KC’s run game and overall offensive rhythm could gain clarity, reducing volatility on the blind side and opening more predictable blocks for KC’s playmakers.

Kansas City enters 2025 with a defense-first identity, hoping to carry the load as the offense seeks more explosive plays. The unit ranked second in defensive grade last season behind the Eagles, led by Chris Jones, Nick Bolton, and Trent McDuffie, with Steve Spagnuolo again orchestrating pressure schemes. Mahomes still wins in close games, but his target depth dipped to 7.0 yards on average, hinting at a more conservative approach and a prime chance for Rashee Rice to break out if KC can improve its tackle play and left guard. Creed Humphrey anchors a strong interior, and Josh Simmons—healthy or not—will be pivotal at left tackle as first-round buzz centers on his NFL adjustment. Expect Rice to be a steady fantasy contributor with upside if explosiveness returns to the passing game, while the defense remains a fantasy backbone.

Key fantasy angles: Rice’s trajectory hinges on the O-line’s upgrade and the efficiency of Mahomes’ delivering weapons. If the line stabilizes and Simmons acclimates, Rice could approach top-tier WR volatility, especially with Mahomes’ penchant for clutch production. Chris Jones remains a high-end DL option whose pressure count should keep KC’s defense elite. Humphrey’s durability and Bolton’s linebacker play add insurance for fantasy defenses and the Chiefs’ overall floor. In short, KC remains a top fantasy asset mix: Rice as a breakout candidate, Mahomes as a steady QB1, and Jones/ Bolton/McDuffie anchoring a stifling group that should maintain elite week-to-week upside.