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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes Reuters

The Kansas City Chiefs travel to face the Arizona Cardinals on Friday, 09 August 2025, at 20:00 (Mountain Standard Time), at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Although it is officially a preseason match, this fixture has real stakes for players battling for places on the final 53-man roster. It's also a key opportunity for both teams to test strategy, execution and squad depth ahead of the regular season.

How the Chiefs' Depth Actually Gives Them the Upper Hand

The Chiefs head into this encounter with a deep, battle-hardened squad and a clear identity.

While Patrick Mahomes is expected to play only a single series, Kansas City's second and third-string players have significant experience in Andy Reid's system. The preseason will be used to assess position battles at wide receiver, linebacker and backup quarterback, all areas where the Chiefs boast proven depth.

Kansas City scored an average of 28.6 points per game in 2024, the second-highest in the league. Even without starters on the field, their attacking cohesion presents a major threat to Arizona's defence.

Why Arizona's Rebuild Is Still a Work in Progress

The Cardinals, who finished 8–9 in the 2024 regular season, are clearly in rebuilding mode.

They have several exciting rookies, most notably Marvin Harrison Jr., who was selected fourth overall in the 2025 draft. However, according to CBS Sports, Harrison is questionable for the match due to a mild hamstring strain.

Other new names, including defensive tackle Walter Nolen and cornerback Will Johnson, are expected to see substantial minutes. But cohesion takes time. Without seasoned veterans to stabilise the lineup, Arizona may struggle to contain a well-drilled Kansas City team.

As head coach Jonathan Gannon remarked in training camp: 'We're not chasing wins, we're chasing standards'.

Prediction: Kansas City to Win 24–17

Preseason games are unpredictable, but the numbers offer some insight.

According to data from MediaPredict, the Chiefs have a 57% win probability. They have also won four of their last five preseason openers, while Arizona have lost three in a row.

With better roster continuity and sharper execution, Kansas City are likely to pull away in the second half. A final score of 24–17 in favour of the Chiefs seems likely.

How to Watch the Match Live and Ticket Information

Match Details:

  • Date: 09/08/2025
  • Time: 20:00 MST (23:00 ET / 04:00 BST on 10/08/2025)
  • Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Broadcast and Streaming:

  • Television (US): KSHB 41 and other NBC affiliates
  • Streaming (US): NBC Sports app (subscription required)
  • UK and International: NFL Game Pass International or authorised broadcasters

Ticket Information:

  • Entry starts from £15–£17 ($20+), with digital ticketing required for all attendees

What This Match Really Means for Both Teams

For Kansas City, this match is about continuing their high-performance culture. Even in August, setting standards matters.

For Arizona, the focus is on development. There's raw talent on this roster, but questions remain about depth, fitness and consistency.

As Gannon put it: 'Preseason is when we find out who we can trust in December'.

Win or lose, this game is a chance for both franchises to define their season's foundation, long before Week 1 officially begins.

Writer's pick