Predicting The Kansas City Chiefs' Starting Lineup: A Week 1 Depth Chart For 2025

David

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Post on Sep 05, 2025

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Predicting the Kansas City Chiefs' Starting Lineup: A Week 1 Depth Chart for 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off another Super Bowl appearance, are always a team to watch. But predicting their starting lineup even a year out is a challenge, let alone two. Will Patrick Mahomes still be throwing touchdowns? What will the roster look like after free agency and the draft? Let's dive into a speculative, yet informed, Week 1 depth chart for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025.

The Uncertainties of the Future

Predicting a starting lineup two years out is inherently speculative. Player performance, injuries, free agency departures, and the NFL Draft all play significant roles. This projection assumes a relatively healthy roster and typical player progression, acknowledging the inherent volatility of the NFL. We’ll analyze each position group, considering both established players and potential rising stars.

Quarterback:

• Starter: Patrick Mahomes
• Backup: This is the biggest question mark. The Chiefs might draft a high-potential QB in 2024 or 2025, or rely on a veteran free agent signing. For now, we'll assume a veteran backup like Blaine Gabbert (if he's still playing) or a promising young player developed within the system.

Running Back:

• Starter: Isiah Pacheco. Assuming he remains healthy and continues to improve, Pacheco should secure the starting role.
• Backup: This position could see significant turnover. The Chiefs may look to add a complementary back through the draft or free agency. A potential candidate could be a player currently on the roster or a new addition.

Wide Receiver:

• Starter 1: Kadarius Toney – If he can stay healthy, Toney's electrifying potential could make him a key starter.
• Starter 2: Skyy Moore – This promising young receiver needs to take a significant step forward, but his potential is undeniable.
• Starter 3: This spot is wide open. The Chiefs may draft another receiver high in the draft or look for a veteran addition in free agency. Marquez Valdes-Scantling might still be a factor, depending on his contract and performance.

Tight End:

• Starter: Travis Kelce – While Father Time is undefeated, Kelce defies expectations. In 2025, he might be nearing the end, but his experience and skill still make him a likely starter. However, the team needs to plan for his eventual succession.
• Backup: This position also needs strengthening. The Chiefs may invest draft capital or free agency dollars to find a suitable successor to Kelce.

Offensive Line:

• This unit is the biggest wildcard. Several current starters will be approaching or in the twilight of their careers. The Chiefs will likely need to invest heavily in the offensive line through the draft and free agency to maintain their elite protection. Predicting specific names here is difficult at this stage.

Defensive Line:

• Significant changes are expected here. The Chiefs will likely be rebuilding this unit significantly. The 2024 and 2025 drafts will be crucial in bolstering this position group.

Linebacker:

• A similar story to the defensive line. Rebuilding through the draft and free agency is highly probable.

Secondary (Cornerback & Safety):

• Expect some turnover here as well, likely requiring a draft and free agency focus to replenish talent.

Special Teams:

• The kicking game will depend on performance and contract situations for Harrison Butker and Tommy Townsend.

Conclusion:

Predicting the Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 starting lineup is a complex task. While some positions seem relatively secure (Mahomes at QB, potentially Pacheco at RB), many others will depend heavily on player development, free agency acquisitions, and the NFL Draft. The offensive line and defensive line, in particular, appear primed for significant roster turnover. Keep an eye on the Chiefs' draft picks and free agency moves over the next two years to see how this speculative depth chart evolves. What are your predictions for the Chiefs' 2025 roster? Share your thoughts in the comments below!