The premise of this article is pretty straightforward. We’re going to go game by game and predict whether the Kansas City Chiefs are going to win or lose each week.
Here’s an attempt at an honest look at where the Chiefs are now that the preseason is behind us.
So, in the words of the legendary referee of MTV’s “Celebrity Deathmatch,” Mills Lane, “let’s get it on!”
Kansas City Chiefs — 2026 Regular-Season Schedule
Week 1: vs. Denver Broncos
Right off the bat, we get a game that could decide the fate of the division. There are a couple of things the Chiefs have going for them
in this one.
1. It will be quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ first game back from injury, and I expect him to be highly motivated.
2. I have faith in the Chiefs’ improved secondary to limit what Dever can do through the air.
Still, Denver boasts one of the best defenses in the NFL. My gut says this is a low-scoring affair that will be decided by a field goal.
Verdict: Win
Week 2: vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are essentially the same team as a year ago, sans wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
I thought the Colts were midseason “paper-tiger” champions last year, and I think the same this time around.
Verdict: Win
Week 3: at Miami Dolphins
This is Kansas City’s first road game, and luckily it’s against a team that, by all accounts, seems to be tanking for Texas quarterback Arch Manning or someone similar. Not only is Malik Willis the starting quarterback, but the top two wide receivers had less than 550 yards combined in 2025.
Verdict: Win
Week 4: at Las Vegas Raiders
I was born a Raider hater, and I’ll die one. I’d rather eat broken glass or French kiss a snapping turtle than pick the Raiders to win.
Verdict: Win
Week 5: BYE WEEK
4-0 Record!
Week 6: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
I can’t stand cheaters. So I can’t stand Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers have surrounded quarterback Justin Herbert with numerous offensive weapons, guys like running back Omarion Hampton or wide receiver Ladd McConkey. But if it’s one thing I know and believe in my heart, it’s that the Chargers are going to Charger and find a way to mess things up.
Verdict: win
Week 7: at Seattle Seahawks
I don’t think the defending Super Bowl Champion Seahawks are unbeatable. In fact, on the contrary. I think the loss of Kenneth Walker will hurt this team more than it realizes.
But I don’t think the Chiefs pull this one out. I may be a Homer, but I’m not disingenuous.
Unfortunately, the Kenneth Walker revenge game comes up short.
Verdict: lose
Week 8: at Denver
Hopefully our offensive line is healthy at this point in the season, and Patrick Mahomes is back or close to 100%. Even so, Denver’s defense is too good to let the Chiefs sweep them this season.
Verdict: lose
Week 9: vs New York Jets
Chiefs fans get the Jets as a palate cleanser in week nine. I like the Jets’ young receivers and tight ends, but I’d be hard-pressed to pick a team led by quarterback Geno Smith to present too much of a threat in Arrowhead.
Verdict: win
Week 10: at Atlanta Falcons
It doesn’t matter if it’s Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. playing quarterback, Atlanta’s offense will only go as far as running back Bijan Robinson can take them. Atlanta’s defense is mid, and I think the Chiefs can score on them.
Verdict: win
Week 11: vs. Arizona Cardinals
This Cardinals team has one of the best starting skill position groups in the NFL, headlined by running back Jeremiyah Love, receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride.
Still, quarterback Jacoby Brissett might as well be named Geno Smith.
Verdict: win
Week 12: at Buffalo Bills
This is the biggest game of the season, hands down. Any time Mahomes and Bills quarterback Josh Allen face off, you have the makings of a game for the record books.
I’m sticking to the historical pattern we’ve followed with Mahomes and Allen. Bills win the regular season game. The Chiefs win a postseason matchup.
Verdict: lose
Week 13: at Los Angeles Rams
With defensive tackle Aaron Donald coming out of retirement to play with edge rusher Myles Garrett, I fully expect Mahomes to be running for his life.
Verdict: lose
Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
This is going to be a fun year. We get to play all the teams we love to hate. I think the Bengals are going to be worse than Skyline Chili that’s been left out all night.
Verdict: win
Week 15: vs. New England Patriots
Despite having an owner and a head coach who like to find themselves in the tabloids, the Patriots are still a really good team with Drake Maye at quarterback.
Verdict: lose
Week 16: vs. San Francisco 49ers
I think the Chiefs bounce back here and jump on the 49ers early, repeating the results of Super Bowls LIV and LVIII.
Verdict: win
Week 17: at Los Angeles
The Chargers are guests in their own stadium. The Chiefs will sweep the NFL’s redheaded stepchild.
Verdict: win
Week 18: vs. Raiders
I hope the entire Raiders team gets shingles and they have to forfeit. Even if head coach Andy Reid is in a position to rest starters, I think the Chiefs still roll these scabs with ease.
Verdict: win
Final prediction: 12-5 (1st in the AFC West)
There you have it.
Tell me what a homer I am, and why I’m wrong in the comments below.
