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In a typical year, the NFL’s schedule — a full listing of dates and times on the approaching season — is released to the public in mid-April. The coronavirus pandemic pushed that date to early May last offseason.
There is no release date set for this offseason, so for now, all we have is the Kansas City Chiefs’ upcoming opponents in 2021. The Chiefs play both the AFC North and NFC East in 2021.
2021 opponents
Home: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders, Bills, Browns, Cowboys, Giants and Steelers
Away: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders, Bengals, Eagles, Ravens, Titans and Washington
Strength of schedule
The Chiefs play the 19th-toughest schedule in the league in 2020 based upon a combined 2020 opponent record of 125-129-2 (.492)
A 17th opponent
The league is also expected to add in a 17th game for the 2021 season, which will pit the Chiefs against a first-place NFC team to be determined (Packers, Saints or Seahawks).
Some thoughts
The Chiefs-Chargers AFC West matchup seems like it could have some juice for a primetime nod now that the league has learned quarterback Justin Herbert is a franchise player. The Broncos’ matchup would instantly become more interesting if Deshaun Watson lands in Denver. By the way, the NFL would welcome Watson against Patrick Mahomes twice a year for the next decade.
The out-of-division matchups that seem possible for primetime are the AFC title rematch against the Buffalo Bills, the Divisional round rematch against the Cleveland Browns and in-conference games against the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans.
The Washington matchup might have had consideration for a spotlight if it could be assumed that Alex Smith is going to be the starter, but that seems rather unlikely at this writing. Washington signed Wild Card round standout Taylor Heinicke to a two-year extension this offseason and the club was reportedly in the market for Matthew Stafford before he was traded instead to the Los Angeles Rams.
Poll
Which out-of-division Chiefs matchup are you looking forward to the most?
This poll is closed
-
38%
Bills
(937 votes) -
10%
Browns
(257 votes) -
17%
Cowboys
(433 votes) -
0%
Giants
(17 votes) -
11%
Steelers
(273 votes) -
1%
Bengals
(30 votes) -
1%
Eagles
(45 votes) -
11%
Ravens
(268 votes) -
3%
Titans
(89 votes) -
3%
Washington
(84 votes)