Chiefs vs. Seahawks: Players, position battles to watch in preseason finale
Outside of attempting to snap a weird preseason losing streak dating back to 2023, not much is on the line for the Chiefs as a team Friday night against the Seattle Seahawks.
Starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes isn't playing. Several other veterans and established starters will barely see the field, one would think.
Plenty of snaps will involve players who you won't see much, if at all, this regular season.
However, if you're a true football fan who cares deeply about the team, there are some things to look out for.
How far along is rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier?
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Nussmeier will get the start and could play the entire game, a rarity in the preseason.
Nussmeier, who was drafted in the seventh round of this past April's draft, has made some standout plays for the team during the preseason. He led the Chiefs on their only touchdown drive of the preseason. He's made some quality throws and moved well.
He got some reps with the first-team offense at practice this week.
This could be his first full game in the NFL, and while it's a preseason game, it's a great opportunity to evaluate him.
You'll get to see how he may respond to mistakes when they happen. You can see how comfortable he will be throughout the game.
It may not matter for the depth chart in 2026, but a good performance could go a long way for 2027.
How will the offensive line shape up before the regular season?
Kahlil Benson, the rookie out of Indiana, has played at guard and right tackle during the preseason and training camp.
On Friday, he'll see action at perhaps the most important position on the offensive line: left tackle.
Jaylon Moore has also played guard and tackle this preseason and was the favorite to win the right tackle position entering training camp.
So, the Chiefs may not necessarily be searching for the starting five, but they will be looking for depth.
They'll keep an eye on guys who could be the "next man up" in the event of injuries to the offensive line, which, let's face it, will happen.
It's a physical sport, and few positions are more physical in all of sports than offensive line.
Will Felix Anudike-Uzomah continue his impressive performance?
The Lee's Summit native had arguably the best game for any defender last weekend in Tampa Bay.
He finished with a sack and multiple quarterback pressures.
He's battled injuries throughout his career with the Chiefs, missing last season.
One more preseason performance doesn't guarantee much, but if Anudike-Uzomah can continue delivering, that's another player who could help a defensive line that battled injuries in 2025.
How will the wide receiver group round out?
Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton are your likely three starters heading into the 2026 season.
Barring an injury or unexpected event, that's your trio of wide receivers.
But what about the fourth, fifth and sixth guys?
Jalen Royals and Cyrus Allen have both played extensive time this preseason. Royals, the second-year player, had the most targets against Tampa Bay. Allen, the rookie out of Cincinnati, was targeted the most against Los Angeles.
One name to keep an eye on: Andrew Armstrong.
While he was born in Dallas, Armstrong grew up rooting for the Chiefs, and if you're looking for a sentimental story to root for, keep an eye on him.
He entered the league as an undrafted free agent for the Miami Dolphins, then moved around to Detroit and Kansas City.
Can the Chiefs clean up the mistakes?
Again, it's only preseason, but sloppy football is sloppy football. Penalties have cost the Chiefs several points this preseason, including a touchdown against the Rams and an extra point against the Buccaneers.
Penalties have also killed momentum on drives for the offense.
One position area to keep an eye on: the offensive line.
That's where most of the trouble has been with penalties during the preseason.
Could there be competition for the kickoff and punt return game?
It hasn't received as much attention in the preseason, but keep an eye on the return game.
Nikko Remigio entered the preseason as the expected primary returner.
The Chiefs have used several other players in special teams, including Brashard Smith and Emmett Johnson.
Last week, Johnson got his opportunity on kickoffs against the Buccaneers and made the most of it, returning two kicks for 51 yards.
His longest went for 27 yards.
One way the Chiefs could justify a fourth running back on the roster is by moving said running back to special teams.
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