The Kansas City Chiefs' season is finally here, and with it comes a matchup against the rival Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil. While this is technically a road game for the Chargers, it won't offer a home-field advantage for the Chiefs. Fortunately, Kansas City has the advantage in nearly every position group, including the backfield, where Los Angeles has just announced its starter.
According to NFL Underdog, rookie RB Omarion Hampton is going to get the start on Friday with Najee Harris still recovering from an off-field accident. Although Hampton getting the nod likely caught the Chiefs off guard, the Chargers' surprise backfield decision could benefit the defending AFC Champions.
Chiefs Will Face Los Angeles Rookie RB Omarion Hampton in Week 1
The Chiefs' veteran defense is salivating at the opportunity to be the first to give Hampton a "Welcome-to-the-NFL" message. The Chargers would be better off putting Harris in the lineup, who understands what it means to play a Kansas City defense. The veteran runner has averaged 5.2 rushing yards on 32 carries in two all-time clashes with the Chiefs.
Hampton is going to feel the weight of the moment and have the full attention of an incredibly underrated defense. The Chiefs need to maintain focus on making life difficult for Hampton and forcing quarterback Justin Herbert to drop back and beat them. With the pass-rushing options the Chiefs have, and the underwhelming receivers at Herbert's disposal, head coach Andy Reid's team has to like their odds.
The only chance the Chargers have in this opener is if Hampton goes off and allows Jim Harbaugh's offense to sustain long drives. Los Angeles isn't beating Patrick Mahomes if the three-time NFL MVP can consistently take the field. The only path to an upset is running the ball and controlling the clock, not allowing the Chiefs' offense time to figure things out.
With this in mind, the Chargers have set up their rookie for a frustrating debut with the Chiefs' full defensive attention focused on stopping the run and forcing Herbert's limited weapons to make plays. If Los Angeles falls behind early, it will have to abandon Hampton and the run game.
As exciting as Hampton's potential might be, he doesn't have the needed experience or talent level to beat a fully prepped Kansas City defense.
Hampton's debut could be a long night; one that is going ot end with the Chiefs 1-0 and looking to take momentum back to Arrowhead for a pivotal Week 2 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.