The Philadelphia Eagles are taking on the Kansas City Chiefs at “GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium” on Sunday afternoon.
In order to preview this Week 2 battle between the two Super Bowl LIX teams, I reached out to our enemies over at Arrowhead Pride. The jolly John Dixon kindly took the time to answer my questions about this upcoming tilt. Let’s take a look at the answers.
1 – Do you feel like the Chiefs are especially motivated to get “revenge” for losing Super Bowl LIX? How do Chiefs fans feel about the Eagles and Eagles fans right now? Is that game water under the bridge or more of a sticking point since it prevented the Threepeat?
The longer the Kansas City’s success lasts, the less often I hear Chiefs fans (or players, for that matter) talking about revenge for bitter losses. It wasn’t that long ago that it was easy to get people riled up about what happened against the Colts in the postseasons of 1995, 2003 and 2013. But over time, people’s unpleasant memories have been replaced by happy ones. I honestly can’t remember the last time I heard someone say they wanted revenge against the Dolphins for the Christmas Day playoff loss of 1971. (I admit, though, that this might be because so many of the people who watched that game now keep up with the NFL from the Great Sports Bar in the Sky). Still, there’s no doubt that the Chiefs’ players want to get the taste of Super Bowl LIX out of their mouths — and since fans come in all different shapes, sizes and personality types, I’m sure there are Kansas City fans who’d love to “spill” their beer on a nearby Eagles fan. But does that disdain come close to the revulsion Kansas City fans feel toward Raiders or Broncos fans? Nope. It’s not even close. Well… not yet, anyway.
2 – The Chiefs’ defense struggled in Week 1. What are the biggest concerns with that unit?
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The longer I’ve thought about it — and the more information about the game I have absorbed — I’ve come to believe that the Chargers landed in Brazil with a brilliant game plan that they executed to perfection. Sometimes that’s all it takes to win an NFL game, yes? And I also think Xavier Worthy’s shoulder injury on the third play of the game was an enormous buzzkill. On multiple levels, it was ridiculously reminiscent of the problems the team encountered with its wideouts in 2024 — so it’s easy to imagine it had a big emotional impact on every member of the team. In a parity-driven league, those two factors could have made all the difference. I recognize, however, that these might sound like lame excuses. So it might also be that the Chiefs’ pass rushers need to get it together — and the secondary needs to figure out how to find its butt without a road map. That could be it, too.
3 – KC is looking thin at wide receiver with Rashee Rice suspended and Xavier Worthy dealing with a dislocated shoulder. What’s the WR picture look like and what’s the confidence level there?
Hollywood Brown now leads the group — and after Week 1, leads the league with 10 receptions for 99 yards. Behind him is JuJu Smith-Schuster — who at the age of 28, has suddenly found himself to be the group’s senior member. Then there is GM Brett Veach’s current reclamation project: Tyquan Thornton, who was a second-round pick for the Patriots in 2022. Against the Chargers, Brown caught passes all over the field. Smith-Schuster specialized in getting open while Patrick Mahomes was freelancing, catching all five of his targets — including Mahomes’ two newest highlight-reel passes. Meanwhile, Thornton was streaking down the field. Mahomes overthrew the speedster twice before connecting with him for a 38-yard completion that set up Kansas City’s second score. Thornton also returned the opening kickoff 28 yards to midfield. Veach’s projects don’t always work out — but so far, this one has been productive.
4 – Besides Patrick Mahomes, because, duh, what’s the biggest reason for Chiefs optimism in this matchup against the Eagles?
You’re going to think this is crazy, but it might be special teams coordinator Dave Toub. He’s held the job ever since head coach Andy Reid came to town. Riding high after coaching Devin Hester with the Chicago Bears, Toub’s units were a weapon during the early years of Reid’s tenure. In the years since then, he’s continued to be one of the league’s most respected special teams men — but through no fault of his, the importance of these units steadily declined. Now, however, the league has re-established kickoffs as a play worth watching — and in 2025, has moved touchbacks back to where they should have been all along: the 35-yard line. In a world where special teams once again matter, Toub can still manage an important portfolio. In Friday’s game — with 14 seconds left in the half and the clock ticking down — his field-goal team raced onto the field. With two seconds remaining, Harrison Butker’s 59-yard kick sailed between the uprights. In 2025, Toub is going to win games for Kansas City.
5 – Who wins this game and why? With the Eagles currently listed as 1.5-point road favorites, what’s your score prediction?
Over the 12 seasons Reid has been in charge, the Chiefs have the NFL’s best record at 0.722. (Yes… this includes the postseason. The Patriots are second at 0.614, while the Eagles are fourth at 0.603). That means I always feel safe predicting a Kansas City victory. I also think there’s every reason to believe this will be a close game. So if I were a betting man (and I’m not), I’d take the Chiefs 31-27. But honestly, there’s no outcome that would surprise me. It’s going to be a hell of game.
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