Chiefs schedule analysis: Best game, toughest stretch and most intriguing matchup

The NFL released the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 schedule on Thursday night.

Here’s a quick look at what stands out from the slate.

Best game: Eagles at Chiefs, Nov. 20, Monday Night Football

Listen, Chiefs vs. Bengals will also be great on New Year’s Eve. But you can’t ask for more than a Super Bowl rematch on Monday Night Football with the Kelce brothers (and mother too) storylines re-emerging.

Monday Night Football and ESPN likely landed themselves the best game of the entire NFL calendar.

Toughest stretch: Weeks 4-11

The bookends of this seven-week, six-game grind should be incredibly challenging.

KC’s Week 4 game at the New York Jets projects — per the Vegas line — as the most competitive game of the season (Chiefs favored by 1). Then, following a Week 10 bye, the Chiefs get the Philadelphia Eagles at home in one of the top matchups of the year.

In between, KC has all sorts of weird timing and travel quirks. The Chiefs face the Vikings in a raucous road venue in Week 5, then return home to face the Broncos on a Thursday night in Week 6.

After that, the Chiefs play host to the Los Angeles Chargers (remember they needed a 99-yard pick-six to swing that game last year) before going to Denver. From there, it’s off to Germany to take on the Miami Dolphins.

This schedule section shouldn’t just be difficult competitively; it also figures to be physically exhausting as well.

Easiest stretch: Weeks 12-16

Yes, this prediction could end up looking silly in a few months. We never know which NFL teams will perform above expectations, and as an aside, this stretch includes a pair of road games in two of the most formidable atmospheres in pro football.

Honestly, though ... this Chiefs schedule doesn’t have many let-ups. So it’s somewhat slim pickings when trying to find a multiple-week “easy” period.

This is as close as it comes. From Weeks 12-16, KC plays at Las Vegas, at Green Bay, home against Buffalo, at New England and home against Las Vegas.

Start with this: The Raiders are projected as the worst team on the Chiefs’ schedule, so getting 40% of the games against them here is one of the biggest benefits.

And though KC surely will be greeted by rowdy home fans at Green Bay and New England in prime-time games ... there are plenty of question marks with both teams that start with the quarterback position. Green Bay ranks 18th and New England is 20th in Pro Football Focus’ latest Power Rankings, meaning the Chiefs should remain comfortable road favorites in both if things go to plan.

The Buffalo game at home should be competitive, though the Chiefs again project as a slight favorite given the venue.

Taken altogether, this is a five-game swing at the end of the season where the Chiefs should have some margin for error.

Most intriguing game: Nov. 5 vs. Miami Dolphins

Receiver Tyreek Hill returning to Kansas City would’ve been a fascinating storyline, but KC-Miami in Frankfurt, Germany, should also be captivating.

Will Chiefs fans take over the stadium in another country? And how well will the Chiefs defend their former star Hill, when he’ll no doubt be motivated by some offseason smack talk that he wants to back up?

Regarding NFL games in Europe, it’s hard to remember one that should be more anticipated than this Chiefs-Dolphins tilt.

Chiefs full schedule

Thursday, Sept. 7: Detroit Lions, 7:20 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 17: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Noon

Sunday, Sept. 24: Chicago Bears, 3:25 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 1: at New York Jets, 7:20 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 8: at Minnesota Vikings, 3:25 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 12: Denver Broncos, 7:15 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 22: Los Angeles Chargers, 3:25 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 29: at Denver Broncos, 3:25 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 5: Miami Dolphins (Germany), 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, Nov. 12: BYE WEEK

Monday, Nov. 20: Philadelphia Eagles, 7:15 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 26: at Las Vegas Raiders, 3:25 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 3: at Green Bay Packers, 7:20 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 10: Buffalo Bills, 3:25 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 18: at New England Patriots, 7:15 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 25: Las Vegas Raiders, Noon

Sunday, Dec. 31: Cincinnati Bengals, 3:25 p.m.

Sat/Sun, Jan. 6/7: at Los Angeles Chargers, TBD