Chiefs Fall to Rams in Preseason Opener as Rookie Standouts Shine Amidst Offensive Struggles

Key points

• The Kansas City Chiefs lost 20-12 to the Los Angeles Rams in their first preseason game on August 15, 2026, without scoring a touchdown.
• Rookie running back Emmett Johnson had 59 yards on 12 carries, suggesting a potential shift toward a stronger running game for the Chiefs.
• Backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier appeared more confident than Justin Fields, who struggled with decision-making in the first quarter.
• Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, earning a 125.0 passer rating.
• The Chiefs' offensive line committed six of the team's seven penalties in the first half, hindering offensive progress.

Background

The Chiefs entered the 2026 preseason following a 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 season finale. They had signed free agent Kenneth Walker III and drafted several defensive linemen to address a pass rush that recorded only 33 sacks in the previous season. Patrick Mahomes returned from an ACL injury, prompting the team to invest in a running game to reduce pressure on the quarterback.

How outlets are covering it

Arrowhead Pride emphasized the potential of a new running game led by Emmett Johnson and the promising performance of backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. KCTV highlighted Johnson, R Mason Thomas, and Cyrus Allen as winners, while criticizing the offensive line's penalty issues. Fox News focused primarily on the Rams' Ty Simpson, praising his efficiency and dismissing earlier draft criticisms. The Kansas City Chiefs official site provided only logistical details for the broadcast, offering no analysis.

Why it matters

The preseason performance offers early indicators for the Chiefs' 2026 regular season strategy. The success of rookie running back Emmett Johnson and the confidence of backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier could influence starting lineup decisions. Conversely, the struggles of the offensive line and wide receivers highlight areas needing improvement before the regular season begins. The strong debut of Rams rookie Ty Simpson also signals a potential future for Los Angeles.

What to watch

The Kansas City Chiefs have two remaining preseason games before the regular season begins. They will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Preseason Week 2 and the Seattle Seahawks in Preseason Week 3. The team will continue to evaluate depth chart decisions, particularly for quarterback and running back positions, as training camp concludes.