So much for the idea that the NFL is going to great lengths to Patrick Mahomes.
So far, the National Football League's schedule leaks before the Thursday night reveal of the 2026 regular season slate has ignored the Kansas City Chiefs. It was, to this point, an interesting development because the Chiefs are the premier franchise with household names on the field, and yet other teams were being whisked away to Australia or featured in early primetime games. The thought was that maybe—just maybe—the NFL was looking out for Patrick Mahomes.
As it turns out, the Chiefs will be playing in primetime as early as Week 1.
On Tuesday morning, ESPN reporter Adam Schefter broke the news that the Denver Broncos and Chiefs will be kicking off the season's Monday Night Football programming with a Week 1 divisional showdown that could end up playing a big part in what should be a very contentious AFC West battle all year long.
The NFL will keep the Chiefs in the broadcast limelight to start the season, no matter what questions remain about Patrick Mahomes.
Schefter notes that the NFL has not yet revealed whether the game will be a special night at Arrowhead or a Mile High showdown as of yet, which teases fans enough to stay tuned in to the league's schedule unveiling on May 14.
With Mahomes recovering from torn ACL and LCL injuries suffered in Week 15, it made sense for fans and analysts to wonder if the league was going to allow for K.C. to avoid any early season scheduling perils—not as some sort of favoritism for the team, but rather its broadcast partners. It's a lot easier to sell high-priced ad slots and expect banner ratings for Mahomes versus Bo Nix than it is Justin Fields versus Bo Nix. Just look at how often the New York Jets were on primetime a year ago.
The good news for all parties involved is that Mahomes has been attacking his rehabilitation like he does everything else—with an all-in approach committed to excellence. Every report thus far emerging from Arrowhead or elsewhere has been very positive about Mahomes' progress and expectations are that he will be ready to go for Week 1. That said, things can change very quickly when Mahomes is forced to take actual hits in the pocket, so it's hard to know how anything will play out with any certainty until it's time to play the games.
For the NFL, the show must go on. Mahomes or not, the Chiefs remain one of the league's primary draws, a team with more global market expansion than any other, so it makes sense that K.C. would still be front and center in any broadcast package. Travis Kelce's (likely) final opener. Andy Reid and a rebound from a 6-11 season. Rashee Rice's contract year following another dramatic offseason. A completely revamped defense.
The storylines remain strong enough for the NFL to keep the Chiefs in the limelight. Now, the organization can only hope that Mahomes is going to be strong enough to stand under center with them in such an important Week 1 game.
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