Despite a 6-11 record in 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs evidently remain a significant draw for television audiences. Their 2026 regular season schedule includes six prime-time games, just one fewer than the seven they played in 2025, a season that followed their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. Their prime-time slate kicks off with consecutive night games in Weeks One and Two, hosting the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on September 14, followed by the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football on September 20. The Monday night contest against the Broncos marks the fourth straight year the Chiefs will open their season in prime time. This Week One matchup could prove crucial for the AFC West title, a division exclusively won by either the Broncos or Chiefs since 2009.
However, quarterback availability for these early prime-time matchups remains uncertain for all three teams. Three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, who sustained ACL and LCL tears in his left knee on December 14, has reportedly made a remarkable recovery, drawing praise from the Chiefs staff. Head coach Andy Reid indicated Mahomes might even participate in organized team activities (OTAs), describing them as “basically a non-contact passing camp.” Reid stated, “He is in a good position to be able to do some things. He’s doing a lot of stuff right now.” For the Broncos, quarterback Bo Nix, initially expected to be ready for training camp after breaking an ankle bone on January 18 during the AFC playoff win against the Buffalo Bills, underwent a second procedure on his surgically repaired right ankle in April, as revealed during a follow-up visit with Dr. Norman Waldrop III. Meanwhile, Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones is recovering from a season-ending torn Achilles.
Several of the Chiefs’ prime-time games will feature prominent new additions facing their former teams. On October 25, Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker will square off against his previous Seattle Seahawks team on Sunday Night Football. The Chiefs secured the former Seahawks running back with a three-year, $43 million contract. Walker commented on his move, saying, “It’s a winning culture. [They’ve] been to plenty of Super Bowls and they know how to win. I feel like it’s a great fit for me.”
Another road game sees the Chiefs on Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football on December 3, battling the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams’ secondary will present a very familiar sight for Kansas City fans. Los Angeles notably traded for former Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, subsequently making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history with a four-year, $124 million extension, including $100 million guaranteed. Shortly thereafter, the Rams also signed cornerback Jaylen Watson to a three-year, $51 million deal, with $34 million guaranteed.
On December 21, the Chiefs will host a Monday Night Football game against the New England Patriots, the former team of defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga. Kansas City signed the run-stuffing lineman to a three-year, $21 million contract, which includes $14 million guaranteed.
The Chiefs will also play on Thanksgiving night, November 26, visiting the Buffalo Bills on NBC. Although Patrick Mahomes boasts a 4-0 playoff record against Josh Allen, Allen has generally prevailed in regular-season matchups, including last year’s 28-21 victory. The Chiefs’ previous Thanksgiving appearance drew 57.230 million viewers, marking it as the most-watched regular-season game in NFL history. Ahead of that game against the Dallas Cowboys, Mahomes expressed excitement, stating, “We’re excited to get to go out there and play on Thanksgiving, and the whole world watching.” As anticipated, large audiences will once again tune in to watch the Chiefs in prime time.
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