How many Chiefs games will be scheduled for primetime in 2026?
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 27: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes ahead of Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter of their game at Allegiant Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 27-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesMark your calendars for Thursday, and then get ready to mark them up for the fall. The NFL will release the 2026 schedule on May 14th, giving Kansas City Chiefs fans a chance to plan when they will see their favorite football team this year.
We already know who the team will play next year:
2026 opponentsHome
- Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Arizona Cardinals
- Indianapolis Colts
- New York Jets
- New England Patriots
- San Francisco 49ers
Away
- Broncos
- Chargers
- Raiders
- Buffalo Bills
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Miami Dolphins
- Atlanta Falcons
- Los Angeles Rams
- Seattle Seahawks
Given that nine of the 17 games will be against teams that made the playoffs in 2025, there are bound to be a handful of primetime games featuring the Chiefs, regardless of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' recovery status.
His knee injury may prevent Kansas City from being scheduled to face the defending-champion Seahawks in the season opener, the first-ever Wednesday-night Week 1 game. Besides that, all bets are off.
The NFL rule is that a team can be initially scheduled for a maximum of six primetime games, otherwise called standalone" games in the evening.
So which six games will be in primetime? Here's my best guess:
Home: Chargers, Patriots, 49ers
Away: Raiders, Rams, Seahawks
My takeI see the NFL schedulers valuing nostalgia with two of the Chiefs' three primetime games. The broadcasters of the Patriots matchup would love to reflect on the 2014 Monday Night Football game that ended in a beatdown of New England and quarterback Tom Brady, and whoever's on call for a 49ers matchup in Arrowhead Stadium can reflect on either of the two Super Bowl matchups between the franchises.
On the road, I see the NFL valuing the unique matchups with the Rams and Seahawks as primetime matchups. I also believe the Raiders, with a new head coach and the No. 1 overall pick potentially starting at quarterback, will get a chance to host Kansas City in a big spot this year.
Which games do you see getting scheduled in primetime? Let us know in the comments!