2026 Chiefs Opponents Revealed: Analyze the Lineup
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the Kansas City Chiefs’ schedule has started to take shape. The Chiefs will face a well-rounded lineup of opponents, including divisional rivals and teams from other conferences.
2026 Chiefs Opponents Revealed
In the upcoming season, the Chiefs will contend with six games against AFC West rivals: the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers. This matchup is consistent across seasons and reflects the strong competition within the division.
Notable Matchups
Aside from their rivalry games, the Chiefs will also engage with all teams from the AFC East and NFC West. This includes:
- AFC East: New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets
- NFC West: Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals
These matchups already account for 14 of the Chiefs’ 17 scheduled games. The Chiefs finished third in their division last year, which influences their additional matchups.
Additional Opponents
The Chiefs will play against the third-place finishers in both the AFC North and AFC South: the Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts, respectively. Furthermore, they will clash with the Atlanta Falcons, who finished third in the NFC South. This setup is determined by each team’s division standings.
Inter-Conference Game Details
One distinct aspect of the NFL schedule is the inter-conference game, often referred to as “the 17th game.” Each year, the location alternates between conferences. This year, the Chiefs’ game against the Falcons will be hosted in Atlanta due to the NFC’s advantage in home games.
The rotation of inter-conference matchups happens over a four-year cycle. For instance, in 2027, the AFC West will team up with the NFC East.
As the offseason progresses, more details about the exact schedule and game dates will be revealed. Fans of the Chiefs can look forward to an exciting season filled with fierce competition and high stakes.