Some years, the AFC West is a lopsided affair. In 2026, the division might be the most competitive of all.
The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers were already AFC contenders a year ago, and both teams are ready to build on that success toward a hopeful Super Bowl run. The Kansas City Chiefs, meanwhile, only won six games a year ago, but dominated the AFC West for nearly a full decade before that. As Patrick Mahomes returns from a torn ACL, the Chiefs are hoping to start a new streak of supremacy in the division. And even the lowly Las Vegas Raiders might just have a franchise quarterback for the first time in forever.
It's likely that the division sends three teams to the playoffs in 2026.
Since the division is so tough, it makes sense that each team within it is viewing the matchups against its rival as some of the toughest games on the newly released regular-season schedule. For the Chargers, the first of two contests against the Chiefs looms as the the most difficult game of all in 2026.
The Chiefs will meet the Chargers at a pivotal point for L.A. in Week 6.
Grant Bellchamber, site expert for Bolt Beat, points to the Chiefs-Chargers matchup in Week 6 as the one he's dreading most. Not only are the Chiefs going to be rested and ready for it, but the Chargers are likely coming with sustained wounds from an early-season gauntlet.
"The Chiefs don't play the Chargers until Week 6. It will be the end of a brutal slate for the Chargers, with matchups against the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, and Denver Broncos. Kansas City also gets its bye in Week 5, leaving Patrick Mahomes ample time to get back into top shape in perfect time for a revenge game."
The Chiefs have their own stretches on the schedule like the one described above. In fact, those same teams loom for Kansas City as well. But like most things, timing plays a big role in NFL games and a team's readiness and health can play a major role in a given matchup. Catching L.A. at a point where they've already had to summon their best efforts week after week could prove instrumental as the Chiefs come off the bye.
No one in Kansas City is thrilled to have their lone stretch of rest in Week 5 but it will give them a leg up over the Chargers in what should be a tight race for the AFC West crown.
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