Last year I was so psyched for the then-unknown Patrick Mahomes that I broke down the schedule. Then he became NFL MVP. Let's do it again.
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Chiefs open on the road for the third consecutive year. The Chiefs beat the Jags last year and sent them into a spiral. Now they have Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, so who knows what to expect from the Jags this year.
Last time the Chiefs played the Raiders it was 35-3. This year, Antonio Brown is a divisional rival. Serious test for the new Chiefs defensive unit/scheme.
Same as last year, the home opener isn't until week 3. Chiefs get the Ravens in a rematch of one of last year's best games. Should be a good one.
Then the Chiefs play their 3rd road game in September in Detroit. This will be Mahomes first NFL dome game. In theory, assuming Tyreek is active, this would be a track meet.
Week 5 is the first primetime game, SNF at Arrowhead. The Colts come to town in a rematch of Mahomes' first playoff game and win. (Chiefs fans are annoyed that KC has had to play at NE so much, but Ravens and Colts should be annoyed that they are coming to KC in back to back years.)
I've theorized that Watson vs Mahomes should be the next Brady vs Manning in the AFC over the next 10 years. The Texans come to Arrowhead for their first glimpse at Mahomes.
Week 7 is 4 days later. The Chiefs have to go to Mile High. In their last 26 divisional games, Chiefs are 1-3 on Thursdays. 22-0 on any other day. So I was hoping they wouldn't get a divisional TNF game. The good news is that the Broncos will be likely be starting Joe Flacco. But on the road, on short rest, in altitude, anything can happen.
Chiefs are back on SNF in Week 8, again at home, for the Packers. NBC is already salivating about running Rodgers vs Mahomes graphics. Marquee game. I like that Chiefs have an extra 3 days to get ready for the game that Green Bay doesn't have.
The Vikings come to Arrowhead in Week 9, part of a stretch with 4 home games in 5 weeks.
Chiefs go to Tennessee in Week 10. Who even knows if Mariota will be healthy at that point?
Instead of going to Stubhub Center (Arrowhead East) the Chiefs will go to Mexico City to play the Chargers. With any other team, you like a neutral over a road game, but this one could be tougher there than in LA. It's on MNF.
Bye week comes just before Thanksgiving.
Raiders come to Arrowhead. They should be 4-7 by that point, right?
Week 14. Chiefs at Patriots. The big rematch. Who knows what the records will be, but very much ought to have some playoff implications, likely bye week if not homefield.
Then the Broncos come to town. Again, hoping they're thinking draft by this point in the season.
Last road game is at Chicago on SNF. Nagy vs his mentor Reid. Cold night game with wind swirling should be ideal conditions for the Bears.
Chiefs close the season at home vs the Chargers. The first goal of any season is win the division. If it comes down to needing to beat the Chargers for the division, or a bye, or home field, I like to have that game at Arrowhead.
Home Games That Would Be The Most Fun To Go To
All the home games have appeal this year.
Home opener.
Colts rematch on SNF.
Mid-October vs Texans, the best football weather.
Packers on SNF.
eh, Vikings, last game with great weather
Then close with the 3 divisional games in December, always fun.
Home Games on Chiefs Hit List
Of home opponents, I've yet to see the Chiefs beat: Ravens, Colts, Texans, Packers, Vikings, Chargers.
I really love October games, when it's just the right amount of chill in the air. I also like night and day games about equally. Night games are special, but there's something great about day games too. Also, it's pretty fun to watch SNF games on TV. Texans game happens to be on my new anniversary.
I wouldn't pick Week 17 because you never know if you're resting players or not.
So when it comes to picking a game to go to...
Colts, Texans or Packers would all be A+
Nothing wrong with the home opener or the Vikings in early November either.
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