Chiefs vs Seahawks Prediction, Odds & Starters/Inactives (Friday, Aug. 15)

• Seattle is a 3-point home favorite with Sam Darnold and starters expected to play Friday night
• Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce will likely sit while Gardner Minshew leads Kansas City’s offense
• See my favorite Chiefs vs Seahawks prediction, plus the latest odds and who’s suiting up below

The AFC juggernaut Kansas City Chiefs hit the road for their second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks on Friday night. But don’t expect to see Patrick Mahomes under center at Lumen Field.

Andy Reid plans to rest his stars while Mike Macdonald gives Sam Darnold and Seattle’s starters their first action of the preseason. That’s flipped the NFL odds from Kansas City opening as favorites to the Seahawks laying 3 points at home. The total sits at 39.5, suggesting more scoring than we saw in week one.

Keep reading for my Chiefs vs Seahawks prediction, along with odds and a breakdown of who’s playing.

Chiefs vs Seahawks Prediction

• Seahawks -3 (-110 at Bet365)

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The line tells you everything you need to know. Seattle opened as 3-point underdogs before news broke about the quarterback situations. Now they’re 3-point favorites. That’s a massive swing for preseason football.

Sam Darnold gets his first reps in Seattle’s new offensive system alongside Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Even if it’s just one or two drives, that’s a huge advantage over Gardner Minshew and the Chiefs’ backups. Darnold’s coming off the best season of his career in Minnesota. He knows Klint Kubiak’s system from their time together in San Francisco.

Meanwhile, Kansas City’s offense looked anemic after Mahomes left last week against Arizona. They managed just one touchdown pass — from Mahomes on his only attempt. Bailey Zappe threw two picks, and the unit completely stalled. Now they’re on the road without their best players.

Drew Lock provides quality backup experience for Seattle when Darnold exits. He put up 16 first-half points against the Raiders last week. Rookie Jalen Milroe brings dynamic athleticism that could cause problems late. The Chiefs counter with Zappe and Chris Oladokun, who Reid praised but hasn’t proven anything at the NFL level.

Seattle’s defense gets to attack a makeshift Chiefs offensive line that’s still sorting out positions. The left side remains unsettled with first-rounder Joe Thuney at tackle and uncertainty at guard. Mahomes took 47 sacks last year, including the playoffs. Without him, this protection could be even worse.

Mike Macdonald learned under preseason legend John Harbaugh in Baltimore. He’s 2-1-1 straight up in four preseason games with Seattle. Andy Reid? He’s below .500 in his preseason career, and the Chiefs have lost four straight exhibitions dating back to last year. Give me the home team getting their starters some run.

Kansas City vs Seattle Odds

Seattle sits as a 3-point home favorite and -160 on the moneyline, while Kansas City comes back at +135. The Chiefs were actually favored early in the week before the quarterback news broke.

The total of 39.5 points is higher than most preseason games, but the over went 14-2 in week one.

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Odds as of August 15th at bet365. New customers can claim the bet365 promo code and get a bonus to use on Chiefs vs Seahawks.

Starters/Inactives: Chiefs vs Seahawks

The quarterback decisions changed everything for this game. Andy Reid confirmed there’s “a good chance” Patrick Mahomes doesn’t play, and when the three-time Super Bowl MVP sits, so do the other stars. Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, and most first-teamers will watch from the sideline.

Gardner Minshew gets the start for Kansas City. The journeyman quarterback is on his fifth team and looked competent in limited action last week. Bailey Zappe and Chris Oladokun will follow, though Zappe’s two-interception performance against Arizona doesn’t inspire confidence.

Notable Chiefs and Seahawks Playing Tonight

On the flip side, Mike Macdonald wants his starters to “go let it rip” after sitting them last week. Sam Darnold makes his Seattle debut with a revamped offense featuring new coordinator Klint Kubiak. Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba should see their first action together as the starting receivers.

Macdonald said “there might be a couple guys” who don’t play, but most starters will see action. The offensive line needs work with questions at right guard between Anthony Bradford and Christian Haynes. Running back Kenneth Walker III could get a few touches in Kubiak’s zone scheme that might actually favor Zach Charbonnet’s style.

The Chiefs focus shifts to evaluation mode. Reid wants “good reps” for younger players with roster decisions looming. Running back Carson Steele impressed with over five yards per carry last week. Rookie receiver Jaylen Royals from Utah State has been flashing in camp and could see extended time with Rashee Rice’s situation uncertain.

Seattle’s defense likely won’t risk veterans like Leonard Williams and DeMarcus Lawrence for long. That opens opportunities for young linemen Mike Morris and Tyreke Smith, who both had strong showings against the Raiders. At cornerback, Josh Jobe looks to lock down the third spot ahead of Shaquill Griffin and Nehemiah Pritchett.