Behind Enemy Lines: Top intel on Los Angeles before Chiefs vs. Rams

The Kansas City Chiefs will face their first test of the 2026 NFL preseason in an exhibition matchup against the Los Angeles Rams this afternoon.

While preseason football rarely gives fans much to cheer about, the crowd in attendance for today's contest will get to see star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suit up for the first time since a serious knee injury prematurely ended his 2025 regular-season campaign.

Veteran defensive back Trent McDuffie — once a key member of the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVII and LVIII rosters — is set to make his first appearance at Arrowhead Stadium after he was traded from Kansas City to Los Angeles on March 11. McDuffie joined former Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson, who signed with the Rams as a free agent on the same day.

This week, Chiefs Wire sat down with Cam DaSilva of Rams Wire to get the inside scoop on Los Angeles ahead of today's game.

Take a look at DaSilva's answers to our top questions:

How has Trent McDuffie looked at Rams training camp? Should fans expect him to play in Week 1 of the preseason?

"He’s been better than expected. McDuffie has had the task of covering Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, which is a challenge every day, but he’s lived up to the hype as a key newcomer for the Rams. His versatility is what makes him particularly valuable, playing in the slot and on the outside, just as Jalen Ramsey did for the Rams. Considering what the Rams had at cornerback last year, he’s going to be a huge upgrade. But like the rest of the Rams’ starters, he won’t play in the preseason at all."

What is your assessment of the Aaron Donald situation?

"It sure seems like he’s going to come out of retirement, and if he does, it’ll be for the start of the season, not just a playoff run. He’s been working out at the Rams’ facility, training with Braden Fiske and Desjuan Johnson, and Sean McVay has the look of a guy who can’t keep a secret. All signs point toward Donald coming back in time for Week 1, and Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk thinks he could announce his decision this week."

Who else (besides McDuffie and Watson) did the Rams pick up this year? Has anyone flashed at training camp?

"They traded for a guy named Myles Garrett, who’s been pretty good in practice so far. He’s got some potential as an edge rusher. But in all seriousness, those three are their main three additions. They did bring in Grant Stuard as a special teamer and linebacker, as well as Joe Cardona to be their long snapper, but no one has really stood out among the newcomers besides McDuffie, Watson and Garrett. Even their draft class was more forward-looking rather than filling immediate needs."

What is your way-too-early Rams season prediction?

"I think the Rams will go something like 13-4, win the NFC West and make it all the way to the Super Bowl. I'm not sure there’s a team in the AFC that can rival their talent, so if they get out of the NFC, I think they’ll win it all. Depth is a slight concern at some positions like offensive tackle, cornerback and edge rusher, but if they can stay relatively healthy, they’ll make a deep run."

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Behind Enemy Lines: Top intel on Los Angeles before Chiefs vs. Rams