What a great start it was for the Kansas City Chiefs, who ran out as 27-17 winners over the Arizona Cardinals in their preseason opener at Arrowhead.

Probably the most positive thing to come out of the victory was the sharpness showed by the first-team offense.

Matt Cassel put together a great first drive, completing five of his six passes for 67 yards and a touchdown. It was a highly efficient day for the starter.

His touchdown was caught by Peyton Hillis, who also had a nice day. He ran four times for 41 yards to go along with the receiving touchdown.

It was also fantastic to see Jamaal Charles back on the field and healthy. He had three rushes for 12 yards and added on a reception for another 11 yards, but the stats are irrelevant. Having Charles available again is a huge boost for the Chiefs.

The defensive signs were promising too, with Kansas City holding Arizona to three first-half points. Kevin Kolb was 1-of-5 for 21 yards while John Skelton was 3-of-6 for 35 yards and an interception.

Looking ahead to the second week of the preseason, the Chiefs take the short trip to St. Louis to take on the Rams, now headed up by former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher.

The NFL odds could not be any closer for the game, with the betting spread currently listed as a pick-em. Clearly sportsbooks think Kansas City is the better team, but home-field advantage, even in the preseason, has made its mark once again.

We’re thinking another win should be in the cards for the Chiefs after St. Louis got slammed 38-3 by the Indianapolis Colts last weekend. The Rams let Andrew Luck walk all over them so who knows what the more experienced Cassel will be able to do with more weapons around him.