The NFL released the full 2026 regular season schedule on Thursday, and while Chiefs fans are already circling key dates, a few matchups have us scratching our heads. Let's break down the three biggest misses from the schedule makers.
1. A Primetime Opener That Writes Itself
Kicking off the season against the Denver Broncos on "Monday Night Football" is undeniably exciting. The storyline is practically perfect: the Chiefs face the team that ended their decade-long AFC West reign. Patrick Mahomes, likely returning from injury, will have Arrowhead Stadium electric as he closes out the NFL's opening weekend. Meanwhile, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix's ankle fracture—which may have cost Denver a Super Bowl run—adds another compelling layer as the Broncos fight to hold onto the division. It's a heavyweight clash with all the drama you'd want in prime time.
2. The Week 2 Letdown: Colts at Chiefs
But here's where things go flat. Less than a week later, the Chiefs are back in prime time at home—this time against the Indianapolis Colts. Seriously, can anyone muster hype for this one?
These teams met in Week 11 last season, delivering a sloppy overtime win for Kansas City that left no one craving a rematch. To make matters worse, both quarterbacks are coming off serious leg injuries: Mahomes tore his knee ligaments, and Colts QB Daniel Jones ruptured his Achilles. That means two standalone games in the first two weeks featuring QBs recovering from major surgeries. "Chiefs fatigue" is real, and while it's fun when it comes from clutch wins breaking other fanbases' hearts, it's less enjoyable when it results from uninspiring spotlight games like this one.
3. The Bengals Rivalry: A Missed Opportunity
No list of Chiefs scheduling gripes is complete without mentioning the Cincinnati Bengals. Joe Burrow remains the last AFC quarterback to beat Mahomes in the postseason, and their rivalry has delivered some of the most electric football in recent years. Yet somehow, this marquee matchup didn't get the prime-time treatment it deserves. For a league that loves drama, leaving this potential thriller in a standard Sunday slot feels like a missed chance to showcase two of the conference's brightest stars under the lights.
As you gear up for the season, whether you're cheering from the stands or your living room, make sure you're outfitted in the latest Chiefs gear to show your support. From game-day jerseys to cozy sideline hoodies, we've got everything you need to rep the red and gold all season long.