Mark your calendars for Thursday, and then get ready to mark them up for the fall. The NFL will release the 2026 schedule on May 14th, giving [Kansas City Chiefs](http://ArrowheadPride.com) fans a chance to plan when they will see their favorite football team this year.
We already know who the team will play next year:
Given that nine of the 17 games will be against teams that made the playoffs in 2025, there are bound to be a handful of primetime games featuring the Chiefs, regardless of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ recovery status.
His knee injury may prevent Kansas City from being scheduled to face the defending-champion Seahawks in the season opener, the first-ever Wednesday-night Week 1 game. Besides that, all bets are off.
The NFL rule is that a team can be initially scheduled for a maximum of six primetime games, otherwise called “standalone” games in the evening.
So which six games will be in primetime? Here’s my best guess:
Home: Chargers, Patriots, 49ers
Away: Raiders, Rams, Seahawks
I see the NFL schedulers valuing nostalgia with two of the Chiefs’ three primetime games. The broadcasters of the Patriots matchup would love to reflect on the 2014 _Monday Night Football_ game that ended in a beatdown of New England and quarterback Tom Brady, and whoever’s on call for a 49ers matchup in Arrowhead Stadium can reflect on either of the two Super Bowl matchups between the franchises.
On the road, I see the NFL valuing the unique matchups with the Rams and Seahawks as primetime matchups. I also believe the Raiders, with a new head coach and the No. 1 overall pick potentially starting at quarterback, will get a chance to host Kansas City in a big spot this year.
_Which games do you see getting scheduled in primetime? Let us know in the comments!_
See More:
* [Kansas City Chiefs Schedule](/kansas-city-chiefs-schedule)