Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are 12-1 through the first 14 weeks of the 2024 NFL season, claiming first place in the AFC West and clinching a playoff berth for the 10th year in a row.
While the reigning Super Bowl champions are in good position at this point in the season, they have a grueling schedule ahead over the next three weeks.
In Weeks 15, 16 and 17, the Chiefs will play three games over an 11-day span.
Kansas City will face off against the Cleveland Browns this coming Sunday, then have a shortened week to prepare for the Houston Texans on Saturday, Dec. 21. Then, the Chiefs will matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Christmas Day contest on Dec. 25.
Patrick Mahomes admits this isn't an ideal schedule, and voiced concerns over playing three games over a short period of time.
"It is not a good feeling," Mahomes said. "I'm excited to play on Christmas to hopefully get back from what we did last year, but you never want to play this many games in this short of time. It's just not great for your body. But at the end of the day, it's your job, your profession. You have to come to work and do it."
"You just have to manage it. It is what it is," head coach Andy Reid continued. "You make the best of it. One thing is you've got to get guys ready for a game, give them the chance to do whatever you present to them. So, I help them out now. We've got a normal week right here. So, we've got to take care of business."
The Chiefs' Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos is still TBD. Regardless, Mahomes and his team will have an extended break following their Christmas Day contest against the Steelers.
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This story was originally published December 12, 2024, 12:21 AM.