Chiefs schedule release 2015: Breaking down every matchup

Week 6: Minnesota Vikings

Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

This will be the first look that Kansas City gets against Teddy Bridgewater. The Vikings failed to reach the playoffs last year but did improve to 7-9 in Mike Zimmer’s first year in charge. Zimmer is a former defensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals, and he is hard at work trying to get the defense into fine form.

Minnesota will not be an easy out, especially if Adrian Peterson stays there and finds his old form. The receivers are underwhelming, although that could change in the NFL Draft with the Vikings holding the 11th-overall pick. One area of concern for the Vikings in this game will be pass protection. Last year, Minnesota allowed 44 sacks despite having Bridgewater’s mobility.

Look for Smith to have a big game for the Chiefs. The Vikings struggled to cover anybody in 2014 and didn’t do much to address the situation, even though they ranked 31st against the pass. With Kansas City’s new weapon in Maclin and whoever it drafts, Smith will have no shortage of options to choose from.

Next: A rematch with the Steelers