KC Chiefs Schedule 2023: Game-by-game predictions for upcoming season
By Matt Conner
WEEK 6, Oct. 12 (Thursday) – vs. Denver Broncos
What can be said about the most lopsided active team-vs-team series in the National Football League right now? How can we predict anything but a(nother) loss for the Denver Broncos in 2023, especially since the Chiefs are the defending champions?
It’s one thing for Chiefs fans to remember the longer trajectory of the team and cast doubt on the occasional performance. That has made sense in the past with the Broncos. It’s also worked to count on the general argument that rivals rise up to face each other regardless of record or talent level. But the Broncos have been the distressed carpet ‘neath the feet of Chiefs players since 2015 and it’s hard to see that changing this coming season.
That said, this matchup is not without its compelling reasons to watch (and even for Broncos fans to hold out hope). New head coach Sean Payton was the one move the team could have made this offseason to bolster its credibility most, and they did just that. Whether it works is another thing, but you can expect teams like the Chiefs to watch the film a bit more closely knowing a guy like Payton is on the sidelines across the field as Denver’s new head coach.
Prediction: Chiefs 31, Broncos 20
WEEK 7, Oct. 22 (Sunday) – Vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The divisional matchups between the Chiefs and Chargers are must-see television these days, offering up some of the most predictably compelling contests in the National Football League. Both teams know each other inside and out and can match each other on the field, talent for talent.
This season’s edition will feature an interesting storyline following the Chiefs’ decision to completely remake the bookend positions on the offensive line. While that would be important against any team, it’s especially so when you face Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa twice each season in important inter-divisional matchups. Last season featured a surprisingly effective job by Andrew Wylie against some strong pass rushers, but the Chiefs are now counting on new faces like Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor to handle the best pass rushers in the AFC West. If Smith can prove he’s healthy after a year of dealing with numerous injuries, the Chiefs will have a solid substitute for Orlando Brown Jr. on the left side and a clear upgrade on the right in Taylor, who arrives as this year’s top free agent prize.
On the flip side, it will be interesting to see how Drue Tranquill looks in red and gold facing his former teammates twice in 2023. The Chargers hope Eric Kendricks has enough in the tank to provide a spark in the heart of the defense, but the Chiefs look as stout as ever in the front seven.
Prediction: Chiefs 23, Chargers 21