Week 11: @ Buffalo Bills (November 17, 3:25, CBS)
Not many teams have had a more eventful offseason than the Buffalo Bills. They first had to deal with yet another playoff loss to the Chiefs, and then they traded their star wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, to the Texans for a future second-round draft pick.
Love him or hate him, Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and was a nominee for the MVP award last season. After Mahomes, there's a strong argument that he’s the next-best quarterback in the league. While Kansas City has dominated the crucial matchups, the Bills are 3-0 against the Chiefs in their last three regular-season games, all played at Arrowhead.
Unfortunately, I believe the Chiefs’ bad regular-season luck against the Bills will continue in 2024. Despite the Bills taking a step back, this game is in Orchard Park. Regular-season games against the Chiefs are their Super Bowl, while for Kansas City, it’s just another game.
PREDICTION: Bills 25, Chiefs 20 and the Chiefs fall to 8-2.
Week 12: @ Carolina Panthers (November 24, Noon, CBS)
The Carolina Panthers have become one of the biggest jokes in American sports during David Tepper’s tumultuous tenure as owner. Even the Washington Generals look down on them with shame. Unless Bryce Young undergoes a miraculous transformation and Dave Canales channels the spirit of Sean McVay, Carolina's prospects for the season appear bleak.
Despite being on the road, the Chiefs should cruise to victory without much resistance. Carolina's pass rush leaves much to be desired, providing Patrick Mahomes with ample protection, and their secondary poses little threat. While their offense may show signs of improvement, the Chiefs boast one of the strongest defenses in the league.
Even if Carson Wentz were under center for Kansas City, they would still be heavily favored to emerge victorious
PREDICTION: Chiefs 29, Panthers 9 and the Chiefs climb to 9-2.
Week 13: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (November 29, 2:00, Amazon Prime)
After the Christmas Day disaster of 2023, Patrick Mahomes will not lose to the Raiders at home two seasons in a row, especially in a standalone game like this one on Black Friday. There's no need to spend more time analyzing this one.
PREDICTION: Chiefs 31, Raiders 19 and the Chiefs and go to 10-2.
Week 14: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (December 8, 7:20, NBC)
The Chiefs' superiority over their AFC West rivals is undeniable, making any home defeat to any of them unacceptable. Is it impossible No, but certainly intolerable.
Despite Jim Harbaugh taking the helm (pun unintended), the Chiefs should secure a convincing victory in this matchup. The Los Angeles defense fails to impress, and their offense lacks the spark needed to keep pace with the Chiefs.