The Pat Mahomes Era Starts With A Big Win

I typically don't try to make too much of one game, particularly the opening week when wonky stuff happens. But this was a big win for the Chiefs. Let's break it down.

In my head divisional games are worth 4 times as much as a single Chiefs result outside of the division. A win over say the Texans can be canceled out if the AFC West leaders win their game too. But beating the Chargers means giving them a loss, while a loss hurts the Chiefs and helps the Chargers.

The Chargers were the preseason favorite to win the division.

This was a Chiefs road game. Always good to start with a road win and still have 8 home games left. In fact, one of the Chiefs road games is actually a neutral site in Mexico City. Season just started and only 6 road games left.

This continues the streak of 9 straight wins for Chiefs over Chargers. It's nice to start the season by reminding the Chargers they can't stay on the same field as the Chiefs.

Mahomes is the real deal. He wasn't perfect and not every throw goes on the highlight reel. But for his first meaningful start, he played tough, smart and make enough plays to lead an offense to 31 points (the first TD was a punt return).

It helps that neither the 49ers nor the Steelers looked like world-beaters today. The path to opening 3-1 or even 4-0 seems more realistic now than it did 8 hours ago.

Oh yeah, and Eric Berry didn't play this game. Any time you can be down a great player and still get the W is a huge help.

In fact, the Chiefs were up 31-12. I think they let up off the gas on purpose, knowing they didn't need to pull out any more tricks.