The Kansas City Chiefs enter 2017 with high expectations. After a heroic comeback season in 2015, and a seizure of the AFC West in 2016, the Chiefs are thinking beyond simply making the playoffs. However, they also enter 2017 with one of the NFL’s most difficult schedules.
It’s been a strange off-season for Chiefs Kingdom, but they have to put that behind them. This must happen early, when the Chiefs visit the defending Super Bowl champs. This season, the Chiefs will face the division winners of each AFC division, as well as the whole of the AFC East and the NFC East.
Kansas City Chiefs Easiest Games of 2017
9. Week 14 vs. Oakland Raiders
This game comes in on this list because it is played at Arrowhead, where the Raiders haven’t won a game there in a long time. It will take a lot for Derek Carr to overcome the Kansas City Curse, and even more to overcome it in front of a rowdy Chiefs Kingdom. The Chiefs will only torment him for 60 minutes just as they have the previous seasons.
10. Week Eight vs. Denver Broncos
The Broncos are looking for a rebound season. They will face the Chiefs at Arrowhead a week before the Chiefs travel to Dallas. Being a divisional game, expect it to be loud. Last season the Broncos were blown out by the Chiefs in Arrowhead, and while a blowout may not happen again between the two this year, expect the Chiefs to pull away with a “W”.
11. Week Two vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles looked good last season. With former Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson leading them, and sophomore Carson Wentz seeking a strong year, expect a good game. However, like the previous two games, this game is in Arrowhead and in warm weather.
12. Week 15 vs, Los Angeles Chargers
Last time the Chargers visited Kansas City, the Chiefs launched the greatest comeback in franchise history. The Chargers are a talented team, but they are going through a coaching change, along with other organizational changes. The Chiefs will torment Philip Rivers like normal, but do expect another nail-biter.
13. Week 4 vs. Washington Redskins
The Redskins could be a great game this season. Prime-time in Arrowhead with Kirk Cousins fighting for a big check and Alex Smith fighting for survival. The Chiefs defense will need to get to Cousins, and force turnovers. Apart from that, seeing Tyreek Hill and Josh Norman duke it out could be fun to watch.
14. Week 3 at Los Angeles Chargers
This is a game that has me conflicted. The reason I put this game here is because of the move to Los Angeles. The Chargers wont be able to call on a loud home crowd like the rest of the NFL, and that could make things a little cozy. That isn’t to say we wont see a good game played in Los Angeles, though.
15. Week 11 vs. Buffalo Bills
Tyrod Taylor doesn’t have the trust of his leadership. That puts him in a tough spot when the Chiefs show up later in the season to be his career nightmare. The last time Taylor faced the Chiefs he played a close game. Even down this far on the list I still think the Chiefs can lose this game, unless they do everything they need to do.
16. Week 12 at New York Jets
Okay okay, I say that, but then the Chiefs play the Jets. I don’t expect the Chiefs to lose this game. If they do? I will be angry. The Jets aren’t looking so good, and are looking beyond 2017. If this game isn’t a blowout I will be worried for Alex Smith. This would be the perfect opportunity for him to prove himself against rookie Patrick Mahomes.
Looking Back
The Chiefs have a very tough road ahead. However, I think the team has a good enough roster to still win enough games to make another playoff run. This is a great defense, and Smith is competing against the rookie Mahomes. Smith has to keep the offense rolling in order to win another season in Kansas City. This competition is a win-win for Kansas City. If Smith shows up with a strong season then the Chiefs have another chance at a championship. If he doesn’t? Say hello to our new friend, Mr. Patrick Mahomes.
Be sure to check out the Kansas City Chiefs most difficult games in 2017 as well.
Main Photo:
