KC Chiefs: Predicting each game of the 2023 season
Before the 2023 regular season kicks off, let’s predict the Kansas City Chiefs’ final record and playoff result game by game.
The preseason has drawn to a close, signaling the start of the highly anticipated 2023 season. The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to defend their Super Bowl LVII victory. With a schedule brimming with formidable opponents, the Chiefs are still favored in all 17 games, undeterred by the challenging array of teams looking to take them out.
Despite the demanding schedule, the Chiefs find themselves in a favorable position. Notably, they will have the benefit of facing perhaps their four most dangerous non-divisional rivals – the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and Cincinnati Bengals – either on their home turf or on a neutral field. This quartet of matchups is also in the second half of the season, when the Chiefs have usually played their best football under Andy Reid.
With that said, let's delve into a comprehensive preview of each game on the 2023 Kansas City Chiefs schedule. Along the way, we will provide game-by-game predictions and offer insights into their journey through the 2023-24 season.
Week 1 (TNF): vs Detroit Lions (7:20 CST, NBC)
The NFL's 2023 season kicks off with the Detroit Lions making the journey to Arrowhead Stadium on September 7th for the first time since 2003. While they might still bear the moniker of the Motor City Kitties for many, myself included, a prevailing sentiment within the NFL circles anticipates their transformation into the fully realized Detroit Lions.
Despite a playoff victory eluding them for the past three decades, the Lions are poised to take the next step this season, propelled by their high-octane offense and a youthful, talent-rich defense.
However, the timing of their clash with the Chiefs in Week 1 presents a significant challenge. The Chiefs stand as a formidable opponent, not only due to the suspension sidelining their promising young wide receiver, Jameson Williams, for the initial six games of the season but also because the Chiefs have established a remarkable track record in opening games. Under the guidance of Andy Reid, their record stands at an impressive 9-1 in such matchups, highlighted by an exceptional eight-game winning streak tracing back to 2015.
I fully expect this game to be fun to watch, but Kansas City should come out on top.
Result: Chiefs WIN 37-30 and start off to 1-0.
Week 2: at Jacksonville Jaguars (12:00, CBS)
Noteworthy Nugget: Among their entire season's schedule, the Chiefs are slated for just one noon Sunday game, Week 2 against one of their more difficult opponents, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars stand as a prominent team forecasted to break out this season. The ascent of Trevor Lawrence places him among the ranks of the premier quarterbacks in the league, while the team enters its second season under the guidance of Doug Pederson, a head coach who has a Super Bowl ring.
Anticipate a demanding contest for the Chiefs in this matchup. The September heat in Florida adds an extra layer of challenge, compounded by the Jaguars' prowess. Lending some advantage to the Chiefs is their mini-bye week following their Thursday game against Detroit in Week 1. This breather affords Andy Reid and his coaching team the opportunity to concoct a strategic blueprint to overcome the Jaguars in Week 2.
Result: Chiefs WIN 26-24 and improve to 2-0.