Kansas City Chiefs: Their 7 Scariest Games on the 2011 Schedule

Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs surprised nearly everyone by winning the AFC West after an impressive 10-6 mark in the regular season.

Many speculated that the Chiefs' solid record was a reflection of the weak schedule that they played during the year.

While the previous statement is still up for debate, there is no question that Kansas City has a much tougher slate of games in 2011.

KC will play six different 2010 playoff teams throughout the year, including the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

Here is a preview of the scariest games that the Chiefs have on tap for their 2011 regular season schedule.

Week 2 at Detroit

The Lions, like the Chiefs, are a team on the rise and not a squad that anyone wants to face this coming season.

With the addition of former Auburn star Nick Fairley to a defense that already includes the likes of '10 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh, suddenly Detroit's defensive line could be one of the best in the league in 2011.

Couple this with the fact that Kansas City often struggles early in the season, and this has the makings of a very scary game for the Chiefs.

Week 5 at Indianapolis

When it comes to playing there, Indianapolis has always been a thorn in the side to the Chiefs.

They have never won there in five tries and seem to find a different way to lose each time the play in the capital city of Indiana.

Last season, receiver Dwayne Bowe dropped two crucial passes in what could have been a KC victory, but instead, ended in bitter defeat.

The '11 Chiefs/Colts matchup will once again give Indy the home-field advantage, and with future Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning still under center, KC will have its work cut out for them if they want to come out of the game with a victory.

Week 11 at New England (Monday Night)

Everyone knows that Foxborough is one of the toughest places to play in all of football.

The last time the Chiefs played there in 2008, they left with a hard-fought 17-10 loss at the hands of the Patriots.

This season, KC will have to contend with a more experienced Tom Brady and a young, talented defense that will be ready to send another opponent home with its tail between its legs.

Week 12 vs. Pittsburgh (Sunday Night)

In game one of two against last year's Super Bowl teams, the Chiefs will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a nationally televised game on Sunday night during Week 12 of the '11 season.

The last time these two squads lined up against each other, Kansas City came up with a thrilling OT victory during the 2009 campaign.

This time should be much different, as the Steelers are a better team than they were two years ago, and they still have one of the best defenses in the league.

The one player who scares me even more than the Steelers themselves is Pittsburgh LB James Harrison, who gave two different Browns concussions during the same game last season.

Week 13 at Chicago

The reigning NFC North champions will be ready when the Chiefs come calling in their Week 13 showdown at Soldier Field.

The Bears have a tough defense that is led by veteran linebacker Brian Urlacher and star defensive end Julius Peppers.

KC's offensive line will have their hands full against a tough Chicago pass rush, and if Bears QB Jay Cutler catches fire, it could be a long plane ride back to Kansas City for the Chiefs.

Week 14 at Jets

This game could prove to be the hardest road game that the Chiefs will face in the upcoming season.

Kansas City's offense does not match up well with the Jets defense, as New York boasts one of the best secondaries in the league in Pro-Bowl corners Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie.

What makes this game even scarier is the fact that the Jets have already shown that they will go to any length to gain an advantage while playing at home.

Week 15 vs. Packers

This game will likely be the toughest challenge that the Chiefs will face at home in the '11 seaosn.

The Packers will bring in one of the best QBs in the league in Aaron Rodgers and a play-making secondary that features Pro-Bowlers Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams.

The Chiefs will, of course, be at home, which should give them some much-needed energy against the reigning Super Bowl champs.

However, home-field advantage might not be enough against this scary Packers team in 2011.