With training camp in full swing and the preseason approaching, Last Word on Pro Football is breaking down the schedules of all 32 NFL teams. This series will consist of the most difficult (1-8) and easiest (9-16) games among each team’s 16-game slate. The focus for this article is the eight easiest games on the 2020 Kansas City Chiefs’ schedule.
Kansas City Chiefs Easiest Games in 2020
9. Week 17: vs Los Angeles Chargers
Kansas City ends its season with a game against an AFC West rival. The Los Angeles Chargers have failed to live up to their potential the past few years but have always remained competitive. For a Chiefs team that projects to be at the top of the standings once again, the end of season matchup with the Chargers could be meaningless as they may have already locked themselves into their playoff seed. With Super Bowl aspirations, this game may be easy for Kansas City as they look to rest their starters like quarterback Patrick Mahomes before the postseason.
10. Week 14: at Miami Dolphins
When the Chiefs travel to Miami, there’s no telling who will be the starting quarterback for the Dolphins. Will it be veteran journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick or will Tua Tagovailoa be in the midst of his rookie campaign? Regardless of who is at quarterback, this could be a trap game for the Chiefs as it falls after a game with a division rival, the Denver Broncos, and before a game with a perennial Super Bowl contender, the New Orleans Saints. So long as Kansas City can avoid this trap, they should defeat a young and inexperienced Dolphins team.
11. Week 7: at Denver Broncos
Kansas City travels to Mile High Stadium for a key division matchup. They will face the challenge of stopping a new look Denver Broncos offense plus Von Miller and the Denver pass rush. However, the Chiefs will have extra time to prepare after playing on Thursday Night Football a week before. This may be the difference-maker going into this game.
12. Week 5: vs Las Vegas Raiders
The Kansas City Chiefs’ first game in franchise history against the now Las Vegas Raiders will come at home. The Chiefs lead the all-time series 67-53-2. This year, the Chiefs will face a revamped Raiders team as head coach Jon Gruden continues to make his mark on the organization. The game features speed at the wide receiver position as the Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill and Raiders rookie Henry Ruggs are two of the fastest at the position. An explosive game offensively is a possibility.
13. Week 11: at Las Vegas Raiders
The Chiefs’ first trip to play in Las Vegas comes in Week 11. This game ranks easier than their game against the Raiders at home for one reason. The Chiefs will be entering the game off of their bye week giving them extra preparation and rest. This added advantage should make this another easy division game.
14. Week 4: vs New England Patriots
If this game was played in either of the previous two years it would go on the list of most difficult opponents. However, the New England Patriots have a question mark at their most important position now that quarterback Tom Brady has changed teams. The Patriots also lost numerous pieces from the league’s number one defense in 2019. A once formidable foe for Kansas City should be a winnable game early in the season. While Patriots head coach Bill Belichick might have some tricks up his sleeve, the Chiefs are the more talented team in this game.
15. Week 8: at New York Jets
As the easiest road game for the Chiefs in 2020, the game with the New York Jets is one that Kansas City cannot afford to lose. The Chiefs should be better than the Jets in all phases of the game and should have a dominating performance. While the Jets do have talented players like All-Pro safety Jamal Adams, they are not yet ready to challenge the reigning Super Bowl champions.
16. Week 9: vs Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers might be one of the worst teams in the NFL during 2020. They enter the season with a new head coach and a new quarterback in Matt Rhule and Teddy Bridgewater, respectively. By the time the Panthers travel to Kansas City, their season may be in the midst of a downward spiral. The Chiefs should be able to take advantage of this and get an easy win.
Be sure to check out the eight most difficult games on the Kansas City Chiefs 2020 schedule.
