2-0 feels great, it feels even better when you look at the Chiefs schedule, going forward. Chiefs have eight games remaining that look to be easily winnable games. They have two games against an 0-2 Chargers team, and play home games against the Redskins, Bills and Dolphins. Chiefs also have road games against three teams who look awful right now: the Texans, Giants and Jets. Assuming Chiefs win all of those games, they’ll be sitting pretty with 10 wins. Of course, in the AFC West, that’s not enough to win the division. For Chiefs to repeat as division winners, they’re going to need to do well in the six hardest games on their schedule, and a big chunk of those games begin at home, week six, against the Steelers.
Week 6 Steelers at Chiefs Oct 15th
Chiefs have had a tough time with the Steelers lately, they‘re not alone. While sample size is limited, Steelers have managed to go undefeated and post some pretty impressive stats, while doing so. Steelers currently rank 6th in scoring defense, 5th in total defense (yards allowed) and 8th in run defense (rushing yards per game). They combine that with a competent offense, ranking 11th in points per game and 15th in yards per game. Playing this game at Arrowhead should certainly help the Chiefs. Last year, Chiefs got stomped on the road by the Steelers with a final score of 43-14. By contrast, Chiefs lost by a mere two points at home in the playoffs. This Chiefs team boasts a much more potent offense. Provided Chiefs D can continue to stiffen in the red zone, Chiefs should have a solid shot at winning this game.
Week 7 Chiefs at Raiders Oct 19th
Bob Sutton has dominated the Raiders recently, however, the last time they beat the Chiefs, was on a Thursday night, in Oakland. This is a bad time and place for Chiefs to have their first game against their division rival. Raiders offense has continued to be dominant this year. They currently rank 1st in points per game and 4th in yards per game. They’ve also looked improved on defense, ranking 11th in scoring D, but only 18th in total D and 19th against the run. That said, there sample size isn’t great. Beating the Jets and the Titans is something a good team should do, but it’s not impressive. If Chiefs want to win this game, they’re going to have to have a strong running game. This is a bit concerning, because, on a short week, Chiefs will have to spread the ball around, because Hunt will be gassed from the Steelers game. Raiders should have a significant advantage in this game and badly want to beat the Chiefs. A lot rests on Bob Sutton and Kareem Hunt, if either of them has a bad day, Chiefs walk away with a loss here.
Week 8 Broncos at Chiefs Oct 30th
Broncos look significantly improved from last year, but the Raiders gain is the Broncos loss. Chiefs get an extra three days to prepare for the Broncos, and Andy Reid is deadly with extra time. Chiefs get to roll into Arrowhead, with a great game plan, a great crowd, and a great addition to the run defense, as Reggie Ragland will likely play his first complete game with the Chiefs. If these teams met on an equal field, it could be a tough game, but Chiefs should be holding all the cards, and should come out with a win.
Week 9 Chiefs at Cowboys Nov 5th
Before the season started, this looked to be one of the tougher games for the Chiefs. This is why I tell people not to judge the schedule before the season starts. Dallas has been average on both offense and defense. Their lone win was against a Giants team who’s closer to competing for a top draft pick than a playoff berth. They got absolutely crushed by Denver. While I expect the Cowboys to bounce back a little bit, and Chiefs are on a slightly short week, this should still be a very winnable game for the Chiefs.
Week 14 Raiders at Chiefs Dec 10
If Chiefs lose their first match-up in Oakland, this game could be the difference between winning the division and settling for a wild card spot. This time, the deck is stacked in favor of the Chiefs. This game will be played in Arrowhead and they’ll be coming off an easy game against the Jets. Chiefs should be closer to full strength, with Steven Nelson back from IR and Bob Sutton has plenty of time to plan his usual shut-down of Carr.
Week 17 Chiefs at Broncos Dec 24
This game could go a couple different ways. Chiefs‘ whole season could be hinging on this game, or they could be resting starters to prepare for the playoffs. Chiefs should hope to take care of business early, because late season division games, on the road, are no walk in the park. This will be a tough match-up to be sure, but Chiefs can come out victorious if they play smart football and avoid penalties and costly mistakes. Whether this game has playoff implications or not, you can be sure Denver will bring their A game.
After Chiefs strong start, 5-0 seems all but inevitable. Chiefs face a tough slate of opponents weeks 6-9 with a brief reprieve, before they have two late division games. If Chiefs can go .500 in these six games, they should win the division and earn a first round bye. Anything less than that and they’ll be hoping that Oakland and Denver beat up on each other a little. The AFC West could have three teams with more than 10 wins, but there should only be one favorite to win it: the Kansas City Chiefs.
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The best thing about the Chiefs is that, despite their impressive wins, they have played pretty sloppy. If Chiefs can stay as good as they’ve been, while also eliminating dumb penalties and bad kick returns, they’re going to be danged near unstoppable.
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