Kansas City opened Week 1 of the 2025 NFL preseason with a 20-17 loss at State Farm Stadium as the Cardinals stayed within striking distance behind a shaky night from KC’s depth. Patrick Mahomes connected on an early TD pass to cushion a backup-heavy drive, but a string of turnovers by third-string Bailey Zappe and untimely penalties derailed late Chiefs possessions. KC’s defense produced a spark, as Chris Roland-Wallace and Jaden Hicks intercepted passes, while Janarius Robinson logged the lone sack and Jack Cochrane forced a fumble on the opening kickoff. This outing underscores depth-chart questions for fantasy managers: the Chiefs’ backups aren’t set yet, and Week 1 regular-season workload for the starters could influence lineup decisions.

Arizona’s defense held firm enough to keep the game tight, and the Cardinals’ late stops left KC with a reminder that preseason results don’t count toward the regular season record. For fantasy players, the takeaway centers on how KC manages its QB room and which depth options emerge as viable stashes. The contest also highlighted immediate IDP opportunities for KC’s second unit, with interceptions and a sack from role players signaling potential early-season value if injuries or rotations create opportunities.