Kansas City’s defense is being sculpted for Week 1 with a wary eye on cuts. Four safeties stay in the fold, and the linebacker corps may swell to six, while the interior line could see a targeted upgrade. The plan hinges on depth and special-teams value, with practice-squad flexibility looming as trades and IR moves realign the roster. Nazeeh Johnson’s health and the versatility of the back end drive how the Chiefs approach Week 1.

With Bolton and Tranquill anchoring the linebacker unit, Cam Jones and Nazeeh Johnson offering hybrid versatility, and a defensive-tackle upgrade in play, the Chiefs’ defense could swing fantasy upside. The offense remains elite, but the defense’s ability to stay ahead of opposing ground games and generate stops will be the difference-maker all season.