In the wake of NFL Draft And free agency, this is a time of peak optimism for all football fans – looking at their team’s updated roster and seeing the best-case scenario for the new squad. So when the NFL releases the full regular season schedule, no team is expected to have a losing record, at least according to their followers.
However, no fanbase has a greater justification for their optimism right now than the Kansas City Chiefs, Defender power Champions. The way to defend the title is set in 2023, so it’s time to predict the outcome of each week to come up with a final record.
All times are Arrowhead Time.
Week 1: vs. Detroit Lions
Thursday, September 7, 7:20 p.m., NBC
I really am not a fan of the NFL putting the Lions in this position. The Chiefs have had some epic games at Arrowhead Stadium this year, and many of them were a better choice for Week 1 than Detroit. I think the Lions will be good in 2023, but will they come out right out of the gate? I think it’s a pretty big spot. I hope this game is later in the calendar.
Chiefs win (1-0)
Week 2: the hour Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday, September 17, at noon, CBS
After the emotional uplift to unveil the Super Bowl banner in Week 1, I can see a spot of disappointment in Week 2 — especially with the young rookie Jaguars opening their home schedule with revenge for the Finals on their minds. I think Jacksonville and coach Doug Pederson shaved it all off this off-season.
Chiefs lose (1-1)
Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears
Sunday, September 24, 3:25 p.m., Fox
Back home, I see chiefs grooming bears to get back on track. Chicago should be an interesting team this season, but Kansas City handles this post-loss situation like they usually do.
Chiefs win (2-1)
Week 4: the hour New York Jets
Sunday, October 1, 7:20 p.m., NBC
In one of the most exciting games in the early part of the schedule, we should finally get a quarterback matchup between Chiefs Patrick Mahomes and Jets’ Aaron Rodgers. I could have seen the Jets compete in the AFC this season, but I think the continuity advantage that the Chiefs have given them here in primetime.
Chiefs win (3-1)
Fifth week: the hour Minnesota Vikings
Sunday, October 8, 3:25 p.m., CBS
This seems like another candidate for the annual early-season loss that Chiefs fans didn’t necessarily expect. However, I see the Vikings falling behind on defense this season, and that could lead to fireworks in the Dome here. I see Kansas City doing business.
Chiefs win (4-1)
Week 6: vs. Denver Broncos
Thursday, October 12th, 7:15 p.m., Amazon
In the shortened week, the Chiefs welcomed their first division opponent of the season: the Broncos, who are coming off a home game against the Jets. Denver could be more competitive this season, but there are plenty of advantages to the Chiefs’ approach in this scenario.
Chiefs win (5-1)
Seventh week: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Sunday, October 22 at 3:25 p.m., CBS
Back-to-back divisional games at home can be physically grueling, but the Chiefs get a little bye week after Thursday’s game here. The Chargers will come out of Monday night’s game with Dallas Cowboys. I see Kansas City take on their foremost AFC West opponent this week.
Chiefs win (6-1)
Week 8: Denver Broncos
Sunday, October 29, 3:25 p.m., CBS
For the third week in a row, the Chiefs will face a passionate, all-out challenger who wants to dethrone the Kings on the throne—and I can see the Broncos achieving that in Denver. With the Germany trip coming up next week, there might be some looking forwards here.
Chiefs lose (6-2)
Week 9: vs. Miami Dolphin
Sunday, November 5, 8:30 a.m., NFL Network
At Frankfurt Stadium in Germany, the Chiefs will finally face their old friend: wide receiver Terek Hill. I think this is a great international showcase for the NFL, pitting its best team against one of its most exciting offensive skill sets. The Chiefs will win, but it should be an entertaining game.
Chiefs win (7-2)
Week 11: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Monday, November 20, 7:15 p.m., ESPN ABC
After the bye week, it’s impossible to take on Chiefs coach Andy Reid. In a rematch of Super Bowl LVII, the magic of Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night will add fuel to propel Kansas City to victory.
Chiefs win (8-2)
Week 12: The hour Las Vegas Raiders
Sunday, November 26 at 3:25 p.m. on CBS
In the first game with the Raiders this season, I think we’ll see a competitive battle — but that may not mean the Raiders are competitive in the division. I have questions about what Las Vegas will look like this year, and I don’t see the chiefs allowing a trip.
Chiefs win (9-2)
Week 13: The hour Green Bay Packers
Sunday, December 3 at 7:20 p.m., on NBC
I could see the Packers are NFC playoff contenders, but that’s because the conference isn’t impressive outside of a few teams. Here on Sunday night, this will be an important game for them, but the Chiefs will rise to the occasion too.
Chiefs win (10-2)
Week 14: vs. Buffalo bills
Sunday, December 10 at 3:25 p.m., on CBS
After so many years of early-season showdowns during the regular season, the Chiefs and Bills will finally fall behind – and I think that could make it their most interesting battle yet. I see Buffalo still competing at the top of the conference, and they’re going to want this game badly.
Chiefs lose (10-3)
Week Fifteen: The hour New England Patriots
Monday, December 18, 7:15 p.m., ESPN
After a decisive loss in the AFC, the Chiefs will come to Foxboro and put on a show for the crowd on primetime Monday night. The Patriots will be feisty in 2023, but they’re still not the Patriots of old, and that shows the stretch here.
Chiefs win (11-3)
Week 16: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Monday, December 25, at noon, CBS
On Christmas Day, there will be nothing better than beating up raiders–because that’s what’s going to happen here. This will be reminiscent of the 2016 Christmas game against the Broncos, where defensive tackle Dontary Boe threw a touchdown. Let’s hope for another such fun gift.
Chiefs win (12-3)
Week 17: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday, December 31, at 3:25 p.m., CBS
In one of the most anticipated matches in the final stage, I find this match to be as intense and gate-like as any other match on the schedule. It would be a perfect introduction to NFL playoffsThis is why I see presidents defending their throne and achieving this victory. This may be to keep the first seed in the conference.
Chiefs win (13-3)
Week 18: Los Angeles Chargers
TBD
To close out the regular season, I could see the Chiefs and Chargers needed a win for various reasons. Los Angeles will be home, but the Chiefs have made that their home over the years. To secure a bye week, Kansas City sweeps away its divisional rival.
Chiefs win (14-3)
Final record: 14-3
As reigning Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs will play a tough schedule like any team in the league. However, they will do so with a young and talented roster that has plenty of players still to prove themselves.
That’s why losing early in the season in Jacksonville is plausible, but it’s also why I think the team could finish the season 8-1 like I predicted; This team has the youngsters to keep them hungry and motivated. It all starts with Mahomes.
I think this team will be in great shape again to make it to the Super Bowl.