The Kansas City Chiefs went 6-11 during the 2025 season, experiencing a real Super Bowl hangover in the Andy Reid-Patrick Mahomes era. The year went from disappointing to devastating, with Mahomes' season at quarterback being cut short by a major knee injury.
The record, the failure to win a 10th consecutive AFC West title, and the absence from the playoffs for the first time since 2014 were a collective shock. But what would be more surprising is if the Chiefs let that happen again, even with Mahomes on the mend from a torn ACL.
The Chiefs made it a point to bolster their running game and reinforce their defense to put less pressure on Mahomes and work to be a more complete team. Here's breaking down their latest schedule in 2026 to see how well they are set up for a big rebound:
Kansas City Chiefs schedule 2026
Home opponents: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders, Patriots, Jets, Colts, 49ers, Cardinals
Away opponents: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders, Bills, Dolphins, Bengals, Rams, Seahawks, Falcons
Every NFL team's 2026 opponents are predetermined. Chiefs' full 2026 NFL schedule with dates, times and TV networks will be updated below when the NFL schedule is announced at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 14.
Week Date Opponent Kickoff time (ET) TV channel
1 Monday, Sept. 14 vs. Broncos 8:15 p.m. ABC/ESPN
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Chiefs strength of schedule
The Chiefs are no strangers to a challenging slate and face the league's fifth-most difficult schedule, based on the combined 2025 winning percentage (.536) of their 2026 opponents. The division rival Broncos and Chargers are responsible for titling that so high with their .735 clip as playoff teams last season.
Toughest tests: In addition to seeing Denver and Los Angeles twice each, Las Vegas should be more competitive in the AFC West. From the mighty NFC West, the Chiefs host the 49ers but must travel to the Rams and Seahawks. The Bills and Bengals games are also not in Kansas City. The Chiefs also draw the AFC champion Patriots at home.
Biggest breaks: The Chiefs, because of their setback last season, get the Jets, Cardinals, Dolphins and Falcons on their slate. The Colts are another favorable home game, while the Chiefs should still be better than the Raiders.
Chiefs record prediction
Over/under win total: 10.5
Bottom line: The Chiefs will rebound thanks to an improved running game with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and a rejuvenated playmaking defense for Steve Spagnuolo. Mahomes will return to a more streamlined passing game called by Reid with a big assist from returning offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Here's betting on Mahomes missing little to no time to affect the season outcome.
Although it feels like a trap that the Chiefs' "over" is put at five wins above their total of six, they have too high of a floor when healthy to think 2025 was anything more than an anomalous stumble.
Record prediction: 12-5