Los Angeles Rams vs Kansas City Chiefs Picks and Prediction for Saturday, August 15, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday at 4:00 PM ET at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for the preseason opener for both teams. Kansas City is a 2.5-point favorite after opening at -1.5, while the total remains 36.5. Los Angeles finished last season by reaching the NFC Championship Game, losing 31-27 at Seattle after playoff wins over Carolina and Chicago. Kansas City ended last season with five straight losses and missed the playoffs. Saturday’s forecast calls for 97-degree weather in Kansas City. Cash in a winner with our free NFL picks

Los Angeles Rams Evaluating Backup Quarterbacks

Los Angeles enters the preseason with one of its main competitions behind Matthew Stafford. First-round pick Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett are battling for the backup quarterback job, giving Sean McVay an important decision to evaluate during August. Bennett started the Rams’ first two preseason games last year when Stafford and the primary backup were rested. The supplied information does not confirm Saturday’s quarterback rotation, so playing time should not be assumed. Los Angeles also has depth to examine at running back behind Kyren Williams, including Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter and Ronnie Rivers.

The Rams made major defensive additions during the offseason, acquiring All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Garrett recorded an NFL-record 23 sacks and 33 tackles for loss last season, although he is questionable Saturday with a lower-body issue. Cornerback depth is another area worth watching behind McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, with Josh Wallace and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. among the projected roster options. Los Angeles can also use the preseason to evaluate young defensive linemen behind Kobie Turner, Poona Ford and Braden Fiske.

Injuries: Myles Garrett (Questionable, Lower Body), Alaric Jackson (Questionable, Illness), Justin Dedich (NFI, Hand), Eddie Walls III (IR, Undisclosed), Kobie Turner (Questionable, Undisclosed).

Kansas City Chiefs Examining New-Look Roster

Kansas City’s biggest concern entering the season is Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from the torn ACL and LCL he suffered in December. Mahomes is trying to return for Week 1, but the Chiefs have considered holding him out of the preseason. No Saturday playing-time decision was included in the supplied information. Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier are the other quarterbacks projected on the roster, giving Andy Reid options to evaluate. Kansas City also added Kenneth Walker III and wants to determine how his rushing and receiving skills fit into the offense.

The Chiefs used the offseason to add youth on defense after finishing last season 6-11. First-round cornerback Mansoor Delane is expected to replace McDuffie, although Delane is questionable with a shoulder injury. Kansas City also drafted defensive tackle Peter Woods in the first round to provide help alongside Chris Jones. Defensive end is another position to evaluate, with Ashton Gillotte and rookie R Mason Thomas competing for opportunities. At cornerback, L’Jarius Sneed, Kristian Fulton, Nohl Williams and others are competing for roles in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.

Injuries: Xavier Worthy (Questionable, Shoulder), Patrick Mahomes (Questionable, Knee/ACL), Mansoor Delane (Questionable, Shoulder), Ashton Gillotte (Questionable, Hamstring), Ethan Downs (IR, Knee/ACL).

Los Angeles Rams vs Kansas City Chiefs Game Pick

• Los Angeles Rams +2.5

Los Angeles is the pick as a 2.5-point underdog because the Rams have a meaningful backup quarterback competition that should give McVay reasons to evaluate Simpson and Bennett throughout the game. Kansas City also has quarterback depth, but Mahomes’ recovery makes his preseason involvement uncertain based on the supplied information. The Rams have several young offensive players competing for roles and defensive depth to examine after an aggressive offseason. Kansas City moved from -1.5 to -2.5, but Los Angeles +2.5 is the pick in a preseason matchup with uncertain rotations.

Los Angeles Rams vs Kansas City Chiefs Over/Under Pick

• Over 36.5

The over 36.5 is the pick with both teams carrying several offensive players who need preseason evaluation. Los Angeles has a direct competition between Simpson and Bennett behind Stafford, while Kansas City has Fields and Nussmeier behind Mahomes. The Chiefs also need opportunities to examine how Walker fits into the offense, and the Rams have multiple running backs competing behind Williams. The total has remained at 36.5, leaving a relatively modest scoring requirement. With quarterback and skill-position depth likely receiving important evaluation opportunities, the over is the play Saturday.