Top 5 most intriguing games on the Kansas City Chiefs' 2023 schedule
The Kansas City Chiefs, as the defending Super Bowl champions, will undoubtedly participate in a lot of major games in 2023.
Every week, the Chiefs are a showcase game for each of their opponents, and they must take everyone's best shot. In 2023, Kansas City will be the only NFL game shown on television eight times. If the Chiefs are the AFC's No. 1 seed for the second year in a row, they will have earned it.
Let's take a look at the six most important games on the Chiefs' schedule in 2023.
#5. Week 18 @ Los Angeles Chargers
The Chiefs and Chargers have had some nail-biting games in recent years. Five of their last seven games have come down to a single possession. The Chargers have had a loaded roster for the last few years, but they have consistently underperformed.
At the very least, they'll be in the heart of the playoff race. A loss against Los Angeles in the final week of the season might be devastating. If the Chargers reach their full potential, this game might decide the AFC West. Even if the Chiefs have already clinched the West, they might still be vying for the No. 1 spot in the AFC in the final week of the season.
#4. Week 4 @ New York Jets
Will we finally see the long-awaited quarterback matchup between Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers? It should be an excellent one if we do. Four of the last five AP NFL MVP awards have gone to Mahomes and Rodgers.
Some predict Rodgers' performance to decline as he ages, but a change of environment could be precisely what he needs. The Jets have a strong supporting cast around Rodgers, including the No. 4 total defense from last season. After winning seven games in 2022, the arrival of Rodgers should be enough to get the team into the playoffs.
Because New York could emerge as a serious AFC contender, having the tiebreaker over them is critical. The fact that this game is on Sunday Night Football is the icing on the cake for what could be one of the best games of the season.
#3. Week 14 vs. Buffalo Bills
The Chiefs and Bills will play each other for the sixth time overall and for the fourth time straight in the regular season. With Kansas City holding a 3-2 advantage since 2020 (including the postseason), this has developed into one of the strongest rivalries in the league. Similar to the Jets, seeding will be crucial to this team's success.
Additionally, the fact that this game is being played in December makes it crucial for building momentum going into the postseason. A loss here wouldn't be the end of the world for the Chiefs because they overcame losing to the Bills each of the previous two seasons. After two dismal losses in the AFC divisional round, Buffalo is hoping to turn things around in 2023.
#2. Week 9 vs. Miami Dolphins
Of course, Frankfurt, Germany will host this game, which will take place just before the Chiefs' bye week. Even though starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed four games last season, the Dolphins offense developed into one of the league's most potent units, finishing sixth in total offense.
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, two receivers, both finished in the top 10 in terms of receiving yards in 2022. Speaking of Hill, this will be his first contest since quitting the Chiefs following the 2021 season. Even though it is somewhat frustrating that this game won't take place at Arrowhead, Hill's contacts with the Chiefs and their banter should be entertaining.
Miami might advance further and become a serious AFC contender in 2023 if Tua Tagovailoa can stay healthy. This contest, which will be crucial for seeding, has a good chance of developing into one of the season's top offensive shootouts.
#1. Week 17 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Today, the Bengals are without a doubt the Chiefs' greatest foe. Their previous four games have all been decided by three points. Between each encounter, the tension between the two squads has been worse.
Cincinnati has won three of the last four, although Kansas City avoided a loss in the AFC Championship Game in the previous year. Perhaps the top two quarterbacks in the entire league, not just the AFC, are Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes. Due to their extremely full rosters, both clubs ought to be considered the top two favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
The losing team might have to travel to the opponents' home stadium to compete in a playoff game. It will be entertaining to watch Orlando Brown Jr., a former Chiefs and current Bengals left tackle, take on the Kansas City pass rush.
