Kansas City Chiefs Football Schedule 2023: Week by Week Breakdown

The Kansas City Chiefs football schedule for the 2023 season offers a blend of high-stakes matchups, divisional rivalries, and prime-time showdowns. As the Chiefs take off for their quest to defend their Super Bowl title, understanding their schedule’s nuances is important for predicting their season trajectory.

Kansas City Chiefs Football Schedule 2023: Complete Details

Week-by-Week Breakdown

• Week 1: vs. Detroit Lions

  • Date & Time: Thursday, Sept. 7, 8:20 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: NBC
  • Analysis: The season opener against the Lions, a team that missed the playoffs last season, sets the tone. Playing at home, the Chiefs have a solid chance to start their campaign on a winning note.

• Week 2: at Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Date & Time: Sunday, Sept. 17, 1 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: CBS
  • Analysis: Jacksonville, despite being a young and developing team, could pose a challenge. The Chiefs, however, have historically performed well against them.

• Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears

  • Date & Time: Sunday, Sept. 24, 4:25 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: FOX
  • Analysis: The Bears, who had a dismal record last season, might not present a significant challenge, but it’s vital not to underestimate any opponent.

• Week 4: at New York Jets

  • Date & Time: Sunday, Oct. 1, 8:20 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: ESPN
  • Analysis: Playing the Jets away could be tricky, especially if their revamped squad gels well.

• Week 5: at Minnesota Vikings

  • Date & Time: Sunday, Oct. 8, 4:25 p.m. ET
  • Analysis: The Vikings, a playoff team last season, could be a formidable opponent, especially at their home ground.

• Week 6: vs. Denver Broncos

  • Date & Time: Thursday, Oct. 12, 8:15 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: Amazon Prime
  • Analysis: A divisional game against the Broncos, under the lights of Thursday Night Football, adds extra spice. The Broncos’ performance in the offseason could make this a key game.

• Week 7: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

  • Date & Time: Sunday, Oct. 22, 4:25 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: CBS
  • Analysis: The Chargers are expected to be one of the main contenders in the AFC West, making this a crucial game for divisional supremacy.

• Week 8: at Denver Broncos

  • Date & Time: Sunday, Oct. 29, 4:25 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: CBS
  • Analysis: The second match-up with the Broncos, this time away, could have significant implications in the division standings.

• Week 9: vs. Miami Dolphins (Frankfurt)

  • Date & Time: Sunday, Nov. 5, 9:30 a.m. ET
  • Broadcast: NFL Network
  • Analysis: A unique international game in Germany against the Dolphins not only showcases the NFL’s global appeal but also tests the Chiefs’ ability to handle travel and a different environment.

• Week 10: BYE

• Week 11: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

  • Date & Time: Monday, Nov. 20, 8:15 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: ESPN
  • Analysis: A Super Bowl rematch on Monday Night Football makes this perhaps the most anticipated game of the Chiefs’ season.

• Week 12: at Las Vegas Raiders

  • Date & Time: Sunday, Nov. 26, 4:25 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: CBS
  • Analysis: The Chiefs’ ability to handle the hostile environment in Las Vegas will be crucial.

• Week 13: at Green Bay Packers

  • Date & Time: Sunday, Dec. 3, 8:20 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: NBC
  • Analysis: A prime-time game against the Packers at the historic Lambeau Field will be a significant test, especially in December’s likely cold weather.

• Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills

  • Date & Time: Sunday, Dec. 10, 4:25 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: CBS
  • Analysis: The Bills, one of the top contenders in the AFC, will provide a stern challenge at Arrowhead Stadium.

• Week 15: at New England Patriots

  • Date & Time: Monday, Dec. 18, 8:15 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: ESPN
  • Analysis: A late-season match-up against the Patriots, led by the strategic brilliance of Bill Belichick, will be crucial for playoff positioning.

• Week 16: vs. Las Vegas Raiders

  • Date & Time: Monday, Dec. 25, 1 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: Nickelodeon and CBS
  • Analysis: The Christmas Day game adds a festive backdrop to this divisional rivalry.

• Week 17: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

  • Date & Time: Sunday, Dec. 31, 4:25 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: CBS
  • Analysis: A pivotal game against the Bengals, who have emerged as key rivals in the AFC, could have major playoff implications.

• Week 18: at Los Angeles Chargers

  • Analysis: The season’s final game, with its date and time still to be determined, could be decisive for the AFC West title.

Read:

• NFL Schedule 2024: Preseason Details, Broadcast and Playoffs Schedule & Key Dates
• Dallas Cowboys Football Schedule 2023: Full Schedule, Tickets and Streaming Details

Divisional Rivalries and Prime-Time Showdowns

The Kansas City Chiefs football schedule 2023 is dotted with crucial divisional games, notably against the Chargers, Broncos, and Raiders. These matchups often prove pivotal in determining the division winner and are always intensely contested.

Moreover, the Chiefs are slated for several prime-time games, which not only highlights their status as one of the NFL’s marquee teams but also puts them under the spotlight in high-pressure situations. These games, including the season opener against the Lions, a Thursday night clash with the Broncos, and the Super Bowl rematch against the Eagles, will be eagerly awaited by fans and analysts alike.

Easiest Stretch: Weeks 1-4

The Chiefs kick off their season with what appears to be a relatively smoother path. Their first four weeks pit them against teams that did not make the playoffs last year:

• Week 1: vs. Detroit Lions
• Week 2: at Jacksonville Jaguars
• Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears
• Week 4: at New York Jets

This initial stretch offers the Chiefs an opportunity to build momentum, especially with two of these games being home fixtures at Arrowhead Stadium. The Jaguars, despite being a developing team, could present an exciting matchup, but the Chiefs hold a competitive edge over them, as demonstrated by their victory in the previous season’s playoffs.

Toughest Stretch: Weeks 14-18

The concluding weeks of the regular season present a formidable challenge for the Chiefs. They face a series of matchups against some of the AFC’s best teams:

• Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills
• Week 17: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 18: at Los Angeles Chargers

These games are not just against playoff contenders from the previous season but also feature teams with high Super Bowl odds, such as the Bills and Bengals. The outcome of these games will likely be crucial in determining the playoff seeding in the AFC. With the Chiefs aiming to repeat as Super Bowl champions, navigating this tough stretch successfully will be essential.

Key Matchups and Rivalries

Amidst the schedule, certain matchups stand out, notably:

• Week 11 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: A Super Bowl LVII rematch on “Monday Night Football,” this game is particularly rare and significant as one of the few Super Bowl rematches in MNF history.
• Week 17 vs. Cincinnati Bengals: This game is not just a rematch of the AFC Championship but is also burgeoning into a notable rivalry, adding extra significance to this late-season matchup.

The Driving Force: Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid

The synergy between head coach Andy Reid and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is a crucial factor for the Chiefs. Reid’s impressive win rate since joining the Chiefs, combined with Mahomes’ dynamic play, sets a high bar for the team. Mahomes, often regarded as one of the best players in NFL history, remains the centerpiece of the Chiefs’ offense, and his performance will be pivotal throughout the season.

Young Receivers: A New Generation of Talent

Despite the departure of some seasoned receivers, the Chiefs are optimistic about their young receiving corps. Players like Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Justyn Ross, and Rashee Rice bring fresh energy and versatility to the team’s passing offense. This young group’s ability to step up and complement Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce will be key to maintaining the Chiefs’ offensive potency.

Defensive Prospects: Strengthening the Pass Rush

The Chiefs’ defense, while effective in many areas, showed room for improvement, particularly in pass rush and turnover rate. The addition of Charles Omenihu and Felix Anudike-Uzomah, alongside George Karlaftis, could enhance the team’s defensive capabilities. A stronger pass rush and improved defensive performance will be crucial, especially against high-caliber offenses in the latter part of the season.

Season Expectations: Pursuing Excellence

The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2023 season with high expectations, driven by their recent Super Bowl victory and consistent performance over the past few seasons. The team’s ability to navigate a challenging schedule, combined with contributions from key players, will determine their success. While the road ahead includes tough matchups, the Chiefs’ talent and coaching expertise position them well to contend for the top spot in the AFC and make another deep playoff run.