​The NFL’s Top 100 Players is a yearly tradition that takes place in the NFL offseason, sparking conversations about the league’s best talents and setting the stage for upcoming matchups. Among the anticipated names from the Kansas City Chiefs this year, a number of their opponents also earned spots in this year’s rankings, highlighting the league’s intensified competition heading into the 2026 season. One player on the list stands out as a noteworthy challenge for the Chiefs in the upcoming campaign: No. 84, Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young.
Byron Young had a standout 2025 season, starting all 17 games for the Rams and delivering a statistically impressive year. He tallied 12 sacks, 82 total tackles with 45 of those being solo stops, and he contributed 12 tackles for loss along with forcing a fumble. These numbers reflect a player who can disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage and provide consistent run support, making him a formidable adversary for any offensive line. His path to the Pro Bowl last season, following his selection in the 2023 NFL Draft during the third round, underscores the trajectory of a rising star who has established himself as a disruptive presence on defense.
The Chiefs will face Young and the Rams in a high-profile Week 13 matchup during the 2026 season. The game is scheduled for Thursday Night Football on December 3, and it will be played at SoFi Stadium. That contest promises to be a test of Kansas City’s offense against a Rams defense anchored by Young, who has proven capable of creating pressure and generating losses for opposing offenses. Such a showdown adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Chiefs’ schedule as they navigate a slate designed to highlight both familiar rivalries and emerging challenges.
The NFL Top 100, produced by NFL Films and the X Original Series, is built around short-form episodes that spotlight the league’s top players as determined by the votes of current NFL players. This format emphasizes peer recognition and current standing among players who understand the nuances of the game at its highest level. Episodes are released on X on weekdays leading up to September 4, offering fans a preview of the season’s elite talents. The series will later air on NFL+, along with other NFL-owned and operated social media platforms, giving fans multiple avenues to engage with the rankings and the players who populate them.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire as part of coverage surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs and their 2026 season. The focus on Byron Young and No. 84 in the NFL Top 100 adds depth to the conversation about the Chiefs’ schedule and the major matchups that could shape the team’s path to success in the upcoming year. As the league prepares for another season of battles between top offensive minds and defensive playmakers, the Chiefs’ ability to prepare for players like Young will be a critical piece of their game-planning strategy come December and beyond.