Happy NFL schedule release day!
Today is another milestone along the highway between seasons. There is no longer an offseason. It's more like bridges and tunnels on the highway. Free agency and the draft processes leading into them are the tunnels because we don't know what's really going on. Schedule release is like that magnificent bridge over a majestic river that's a part of the iconic city skyline.
One of the first things people do when the schedule drops is take a look at the way it's laid out. Who plays who when? Will there be any solid prime-time matchups? Are we going to see some high-profile position players going against one another?
Here's a look at the top five games on the Chiefs' schedule heading into this season:
5 must-watch games on Chiefs' 2024 NFL schedule
Week 1 vs. Ravens on Sept. 5 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
The Chiefs kick off their back-to-back title defense with the Thursday Night season-opener against the Ravens. This'll be the fifth matchup of Patrick Mahomes vs Lamar Jackson — two of the best quarterbacks in the league today. This is the Brady vs Manning head-to-head of this generation. Every game they've played have been exciting. Expect nothing less here.
Week 11 at Bills on Nov. 17 X at 4:25 p.m. ET
The Bills are a team that has/can give the Chiefs problems. With the Bills retooling their receiving corp, it could be more favorable for the Chiefs. Another head-to-head with another top quarterback in the league. This time against Josh Allen. While Allen has yet to win an MVP award like Jackson, he's still considered one of the best. Bills' vaunted defense has taken some hits as well. It's going to be interesting to see if the Bills can still hang with the Chiefs, or if they've regressed.
Week 2 vs. Bengals on Sept. 15 at 4:25 p.m. on CBS
The Chiefs last lost a home playoff game on January 30, 2022, to the Bengals. They haven't lost a playoff game since that home playoff loss. Another top game on their schedule due to them playing another top quarterback. Imagine that! Joe Burrow came into the league on a heater. Injuries have cut short some of his time and have now caused some to question his durability. He's much like Allen in that he has to prove himself worthy of staying in that conversation of top quarterbacks.
Week 15 at Browns on Dec. 15 at 1p.m. on CBS
This one is a combo. The Browns have one of the scariest defenses in the league. They also have Deshaun Watson at quarterback. He was once considered to be on that list of top young quarterbacks in the league. Controversy and injuries have derailed his past few seasons. If he can step up and match the intensity and level of play that defense brings, this could get ugly for the AFC. As the resident measuring stick, they'll be looking to test themselves against the Chiefs.
Week 16 vs Texans on Dec. 21 at 1p.m. on NBC
C.J. Stroud hit the ground running last year as the rookie starter in Houston. Paired with rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans surprised everyone by making the playoffs after winning the AFC South. With the additions they've made, they're determined to stave off the dreaded sophomore slump for their quarterback and coach. The Texans are one of those young AFC teams that are gunning for the Chiefs.
