Josh Simmons is out for Kansas City, and Jaylon Moore will start at left tackle with Wanya Morris in reserve. Mahomes has protected with a rotating blind side in five Super Bowls, and Moore’s first start this season adds urgency. Detroit’s secondary is decimated with four corners sidelined, though Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are active. Taylor Decker is inactive for the Lions, amplifying concerns about pass protection. Inactives: Chiefs – Fulton, Wiley, Mitchell, Herring; Lions – Arnold, Maddox, Decker, Vaki, Cunningham, Wingo, Strickland.

The matchup hinges on Chiefs' approach to slow down Detroit’s depleted secondary and Lions’ ability to pressure Mahomes despite injuries. Fantasy angles point to Chiefs pass-catchers benefiting from quicker reads and possible red-zone opportunities, while Detroit could lean on run-heavy looks and opportunistic defense if the Chiefs protect selectively.

Brashard Smith has emerged for Kansas City as a versatile rookie who can be used on the run, pass, and in returns. Through five games he’s shown reliability across multiple phases, including a 322-yard kickoff return tally on 12 attempts, underscoring the Chiefs’ willingness to lean on multi-skilled depth pieces as they grow a new class around Mahomes and Kelce.

Smith’s 8 carries for 28 yards and 6 receptions for 59 yards illustrate a developing floor, while his special-teams value keeps him in the Chiefs’ orbit as Worthy and Suamataia mature. With Josh Simmons anchoring the line and an established coaching staff guiding the process, KC bets on versatile players to maximize the dynasty potential of their offense.

Patrick Mahomes headlines a Chiefs-Eagles clash, chasing historic marks while Kansas City leans on a rebuilt line to unlock the offense. A 14-game TD streak and a push toward Manning’s nine-season TD record frame the narrative as Philly’s defense eyes a trap game after rest. Rookie Josh Simmons and Kingsley Suamataia have the chance to stabilize Mahomes’ pocket, making Kelce, Smith and the rest of KC’s weapons more viable for fantasy. The Eagles push back, but KC’s edge feels rooted in the line and Mahomes’ brilliance.

Chiefs adapt quickly after Worthy-Kelce collision, leaning on depth and Thornton’s emergence. Nagy stresses moving on, refining mesh routes, and sticking to details as Worthy recovers. The plan emphasizes more balance to ease Mahomes’ load and improve the run game and pass protection, with Taylor’s penalties being anchored down. A fast, aggressive start awaits against Fangio’s defense in Philadelphia.

Mahomes faces tighter pressure and shorter windows as the Chiefs’ attack adapts to injuries and a new-look line. Philadelphia’s improved edge rush and potential quarterback spy loom large in Week 2, with explosive plays and own-ball control swinging the outcome.

Philadelphia leans on a sharper rush plan and a more disciplined approach to limiting big plays, while KC must sustain drives and find rhythm with new receivers out. Fantasy angles hinge on Mahomes’ efficiency, Hurts’ handling of pressure, and which supporting cast members step up for both sides.