With training camp underway and the preseason fast approaching, Last Word on Pro Football is analyzing the schedules of all 32 NFL teams. Each team’s 16-game slate will be split into its most difficult (1-8) and easiest games (9-16). For this article, the toughest games on the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2020 schedule are under the microscope.
Kansas City Chiefs Most Difficult Games in 2020
1. Week 3: at Baltimore Ravens
The previous two winners of the NFL’s MVP award, quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, face off in Baltimore for a Monday Night Football clash. It will be a challenge for the Chiefs’ defense to slow down the electric Baltimore Ravens offense. The Ravens will also be looking to avenge one of their losses last year that came down to the wire. This is an early-season test for the Chiefs against one of the top teams in the league and could play a crucial role in seeding down the line.
2. Week 16: at New Orleans Saints
An end of year battle between Mahomes and quarterback Drew Brees could be a possible Super Bowl preview. The New Orleans Saints are coming off many years of playoff failures and likely will use the Chiefs as a tune-up before the postseason. The Chiefs will have to navigate the loud Mercedes-Benz Superdome crowd as they look to make a statement on the road. Barring injuries to either team, look for this game to be close down the stretch as both the Saints and the Chiefs have potent offenses.
3. Week 6: at Buffalo Bills
A road trip to Buffalo puts the Chiefs up against the favorite to win the AFC East. Fresh off a playoff appearance, quarterback Josh Allen and his new wide receiver Stefon Diggs will be looking to make a statement against the Chiefs. Defensively, the Bills return First-Team All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White, a player that surely will provide challenges for wide receiver Tyreek Hill and the rest of the offense.
4. Week 1: vs Houston Texans
In week one, the Kansas City Chiefs will begin the defense of their second Super Bowl title against a revamped Houston Texans team. The Chiefs will enter their first game coming off an abnormal offseason thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. The game once again has Patrick Mahomes facing off another star at the quarterback position in Deshaun Watson. After blowing a 24-0 lead in the divisional round of last year’s playoffs, the Texans will be looking for redemption.
5. Week 12: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The off-season acquisitions of future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski have made the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a Super Bowl contender. With weapons at every skill position on offense and a pass rush led by 2019’s sack leader, defensive end Shaquil Barrett, the Chiefs will have their hands full. However, the Chiefs have weapons of their own so this game may be a shootout. The week 12 matchup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of the year.
6. Week 2: at Los Angeles Chargers
The Chiefs Week 2 matchup in Los Angeles is a classic trap game. In between the games against the Texans and Ravens, the Chiefs can’t look back or ahead and must maintain their focus. An early-season matchup, the Los Angeles Chargers should enter the game healthy with a talented roster. That being said, the Chiefs can get an early lead on the division if they can get this win over a division rival.
7. Week 13: vs Denver Broncos
The Chiefs could enter this Sunday Night Football matchup fresh off a win over the aforementioned Buccaneers. It’ll be important for them to stay level entering another division matchup. The Denver Broncos have a young, but explosive offense led by quarterback Drew Lock and rookie receivers Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler. On the opposite end, Mahomes will have to avoid sacks from outside linebacker Von Miller as the Chiefs look for another primetime win.
8. Week 16: vs Atlanta Falcons
When the Chiefs face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16, it will be the second straight week the Chiefs face an NFC South opponent. The Falcons have arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in Julio Jones adding to an offensive starting lineup complete with 11 former first-round picks. The Chiefs defense will have challenging matchups across the board. A win for either team in this game can impact their playoff positioning so it’s important for Kansas City to bring their best in the late-season game.
Be sure to check out the eight easiest games on the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2020 schedule.
