Chiefs 2026 schedule release date rumors, leaks, opponents and more

In every other Kansas City Chiefs' season since Patrick Mahomes took over as starting quarterback, fans have clamored after the idea of a high-octane opener, some sort of thrilling contest to kick off the season in a memorable way as the team chases postseason glory once again. The schedule hopes for 2026, however, hold a decidedly different feel.

Chiefs Kingdom is throwing pennies in the proverbial fountain this season while wishing for a backloaded regular-season schedule in '26. Since Mahomes is coming off a season-ending injury, Andy Reid and company may lean on Justin Fields to serve as the starting quarterback until he's completely ready to take over. Even with encouraging rehab reports, the truth is that no one really knows how Mahomes will look until he's back under center.

Even if Mahomes is ready, a defense that will be heavily reliant on rookies will face a steep learning curve. So if the NFL wants to throw the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1, that'd be just fine with most of us. But we can't make the schedule. We can only report it. And here's what we're hearing regarding the Chiefs' 2026 regular-season schedule. (By the way, if you're interested in a full prediction of the 17-game schedule, we have you covered.)

Chiefs 2026 opponents
Chiefs 2026 schedule leaks
Chiefs official 2026 regular-season schedule

Chiefs 2026 opponents

The Chiefs' slate of opponents in 2026 includes the familiar divisional rivals in the AFC West mixed with some games that look rather unintimidating as well as dates with some of the best teams in football in 2025. The biggest matchup will be a road test against the defending Super Bowl champs, the Seattle Seahawks, but the Chiefs also face last year's runner-up, the New England Patriots, at Arrowhead as well.

Home games

Away games

Chiefs 2026 schedule leaks

Week 7 - The Kenneth Walker revenge game

The Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks will square off in the Pacific Northwest in a highly-anticipated matchup between last year's defending champs and the most successful team of the last decade. What raises the stakes is the chance for Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III to play against his former team for the first time since leaving in free agency. Should be a must-watch match-up for even the most casual football fan.

Week 1 - Chiefs will face Denver Broncos

The Chiefs and Broncos have been summoned to open up the 2026 Monday Night Football slate, following an announcement from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Arrowhead Stadium will host a pivotal matchup for AFC West supremacy between the team that owned the division for a full decade and the franchise that took it from them.

The biggest impact of this, of course, is what this means for Patrick Mahomes. Early reports for a hopeful Week 1 return have been positive, but there's no way to tell with any certainty how he might heal from torn ACL and LCL injuries until it's time. Either way, the NFL isn't holding K.C. back for a couple of weeks for its broadcast partners. MNF gets a primetime showdown first thing—Mahomes or not.

Chiefs official 2026 regular-season schedule

Week #	Opponent	When?
Week 1	vs. Denver Broncos	Mon., 9/14 @ 7:15 p.m.
Week 2	vs. Indianapolis Colts	Sun., 9/20 @ 7:20 p.m.
Week 3	@ Miami Dolphins	Sun., 9/27 @ 12:00 p.m.
Week 4	@ Las Vegas Raiders	Sun., 10/4 @ 3:25 p.m.
Week 5	BYE	BYE
Week 6	vs. L.A. Chargers	Sun., 10/18 @ 3:25 p.m.
Week 7	@ Seattle Seahawks	Sun., 10/25 @ 7:20 p.m.
Week 8	@ Denver Broncos	Sun, 11/1 @ 3:25 p.m.
Week 9	vs. New York Jets	Sun., 11/8 @ 12:00 p.m.
Week 10	@ Atlanta Falcons	Sun., 11/15 @ 12:00 p.m.
Week 11	vs. Arizona Cardinals	Sun., 11/22 @ 12:00 p.m.
Week 12	@ Buffalo Bills	Thu., 11/26 @ 7:20 p.m.
Week 13	@ L.A. Rams	Thu., 12/3 @ 7:15 p.m.
Week 14	@ Cincinnati Bengals	Sun., 12/13 @ 3:25 p.m.
Week 15	vs. New England Patriots	Mon., 12/21 @ 7:15 p.m.
Week 16	vs. San Francisco 49ers	Sun., 12/27 @ 3:25 p.m.
Week 17	@ L.A. Chargers	TBD
Week 18	@ Las Vegas Raiders	TBD

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