Kansas City Chiefs schedule 2024: Game by game and final record predictions
Week 2: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (September 15, 3:25, CBS)
For their second game of the season, the Chiefs will host Joe Burrow (if he’s even healthy) and the Cincinnati Bengals. Although facing the Ravens and Bengals back-to-back is a tough start, Kansas City will have extended rest before both games.
Despite a down season in 2023, Cincinnati will likely return to their competitive ways in 2024. They strengthened both the offensive and defensive lines and drafted a high-ceiling wide receiver, Jermaine Burton, to support Burrow.
Although the Bengals have been a thorn in the Chiefs’ side for the past few years, they generally struggle in September and into October. Burrow was still recovering from an appendix procedure early in the 2022 season and dealt with a calf injury at the start of 2023 before his season-ending hand injury in November.
If this game were in December, I might predict a different outcome, but the Chiefs start their season 2-0 against teams they might be competing with for the #1 seed.
PREDICTION: Chiefs 20, Bengals 17 and the Chiefs improve to 2-0.
Week 3: @ Atlanta Falcons (September 22, 7:20, NBC)
Until the NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons were having one of the best offseasons in the league. They hired Raheem Morris, regarded as one of the top defensive head coaching candidates, and significantly upgraded their quarterback situation by acquiring Kirk Cousins. Despite signing Cousins to a contract with $90 million in guarantees, they decided to draft Michael Penix Jr. as his successor.
Nevertheless, the Falcons will be competitive, and this won’t be an easy game for Kansas City. Atlanta boasts an elite offensive line and a solid group of young skill players, including Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. However, the Chiefs' defense will prove to be too much for them.
PREDICTION: Chiefs 23, Falcons 20 and the Chiefs rise up to 3-0.
Week 4: @ Los Angeles Chargers (September 29, Noon, CBS)
The standout coaching hire of the recent cycle undoubtedly was Jim Harbaugh joining the Los Angeles Chargers from the University of Michigan. Following the disappointing tenure of Brandon Staley, the Chargers appear poised for a resurgence.
Heading into the 2023 season, Patrick Mahomes had maintained an impeccable record, never succumbing to a road defeat against a divisional rival. However, the Chiefs suffered a setback in Denver, ending this remarkable streak. Despite the Chargers undergoing a period of adjustment, the duo of Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh alone instills a sense of competitiveness in most matchups.
When the time comes, will I actually pick the Chiefs to lose this game? Perhaps not, but it's plausible that they'll encounter an unexpected loss that leaves fans exasperated. I venture to nominate this particular game as a prime contender for such an outcome.
PREDICTION: Chargers 22, Chiefs 21 and the Chiefs stumble to 3-1.
Week 5: vs. New Orleans Saints (October 7, 7:15, ESPN/ABC)
Derek Carr and Arrowhead Stadium go together like oil and water. While he's not winless, his record is a dismal 1-8, with a passer rating of 76.1, 10 passing touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
The Saints are in a state of purgatory, largely due to their complicated salary cap management, leaving them in a precarious position. They have too much talent to finish with a top 5 draft pick, but they're not good enough to be a genuine threat in the NFC.
The Chiefs will continue to make Derek Carr's life miserable, handing him yet another loss.