Kansas City Chiefs 2015 Schedule: Win-Loss Predictions for Every Game
The 2015 NFL schedule has been released, and the Kansas City Chiefs are set to play three night games, including one at Arrowhead Stadium, plus a nationally televised morning game in London.
The Chiefs have an easy start to Week 1 but lost last year's Week 1 opener to the Tennessee Titans when they should have won.
The schedule includes a mix of good and bad teams. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has to make sure the team has the right mindset and approaches every game by not looking past any of the opposing teams, regardless of record.
With an improved team and an exciting 2015 schedule, Chiefs fans will enjoy the hot run by the Kansas City Royals but will continue to wait patiently to attend games across the street from Kauffman Stadium at the Truman Sports Complex.
Here is Kansas City's 16-game schedule with some early predictions.
Week 1: Sept. 13 at Houston
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The Houston Texans have plenty of question marks on offense. Brian Hoyer is their best quarterback, and he is not surrounded by many playmakers.
On the other hand, Houston's defense is similar to Kansas City's front seven. The Texans have an elite defensive player in J.J. Watt and added Vince Wilfork. They also hope to get more production from Jadeveon Clowney.
Kansas City's new offensive line will definitely be tested to start off the season. Both teams have a great defense due to their pass-rushers. Therefore, scoring will be limited in this game.
Alex Smith has plenty of options on offense and should be able to move the ball and eventually lead the team to the end zone at least a couple of times.
Prediction: Chiefs win, 17-9.
Week 2: Sept. 17 Against Denver — Thursday Night Football
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The good news is you don't have to wait an entire week for Chiefs football to return. If the Chiefs win in Week 1 at Houston, Week 2's Thursday night home opener battle will be even more exciting for fans.
The bad news is it comes against the Denver Broncos, who are 6-0 against the Chiefs since adding Peyton Manning.
Manning has managed to escape Kansas City's infuriating pass rush with quick passes, not giving outside linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston enough time to get to the pocket.
It will be Gary Kubiak's first year coaching the Broncos, which gives Chiefs fans some hope that their team has the edge. But with Manning playing for Denver, that might be the biggest and only advantage Denver needs.
In addition, the Chiefs play their first two games against stout defenses. The Broncos are led by former Kansas Jayhawks Chris Harris and Aqib Talib at cornerback, while DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller provide the pass rush.
Kansas City has a better offense going into the 2015 season, but the defense, as great as it is, will have a hard time trying to compete with Manning and his offense.
Prediction: Chiefs lose, 27-20.
Week 3: Sept. 28 at Green Bay — Monday Night Football
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The Chiefs play 10 days later on Monday night when they visit a high-powered Green Bay Packers offense. Cornerbacks Sean Smith and Phillip Gaines will be challenged by Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson but should get help from Hali and Houston when they force Aaron Rodgers to throw a couple of ill-advised passes throughout the game.
The Packers have some notable defensive players on paper, but the defense was average at best.
If the Chiefs utilize running back Jamaal Charles and scatbacks Knile Davis and De'Anthony Thomas in the right way, Kansas City's rushing attack should lead this team to a win.
Despite not playing each other often, the Chiefs have had some good fortune against the Packers, handing them their first loss in 2003 and more memorably in 2011 when the Chiefs changed head coaches and quarterbacks six days prior to the match in mid-December.
Prediction: Chiefs win, 24-21.
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Week 4: Oct. 4 at Cincinnati
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Andy Dalton been great in the regular season since the Bengals drafted him in 2011. This year, he has a good corps of receivers in A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu, Brandon Date and Denarius Moore.
But Dalton has to face the best pass-rushing duo in Hali and Houston. Dalton's wideouts won't be able to do much if he does not get help up front from his offensive line.
Smith will lead an offense against an above-average defense. But with the Bengals mustering just 20 sacks last year, Kansas City's offensive line should have an easy time picking up blocks and paving the way for Charles.
Prediction: Chiefs win, 31-10.
Week 5: Oct. 11 Against Chicago
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A lot can happen from now until the Chiefs and Bears meet. Either Jay Cutler will be out of the team or pulled from his duties as the starter. Whether it is Cutler or Jimmy Clausen, the Bears may try their luck by running the ball with Matt Forte against the Chiefs.
The Chiefs will be challenged by Chicago's defense at home, as the team has viable players up front and in the secondary.
Defensive end Willie Young emerged last year with 10 sacks, while former Chief Jared Allen hopes for a better season after a poor showing last year.
If Smith can't connect with Jeremy Maclin, defensive backs Ryan Mundy and Kyle Fuller could cause some issues and come away with takeaways.
The Bears finished right in the middle of the league against the run in 2014. If they don't improve from that in 2015, the Chiefs can win this game by keeping Charles and the rest of the running backs active in the ground game.
Prediction: Chiefs win, 27-13.
Week 6: Oct. 18 at Minnesota
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Teddy Bridgewater showed some flashes last year and had to carry the offense. He passed more than expected due to Adrian Peterson's long absence. Speaking of Peterson, due to his current situation, it is uncertain if he will be on the team by the time the season kicks off. If he is gone, it would give Kansas City one less problem as it won't have to worry much about stopping the run.
Going 7-9, the Vikings did not have a 1,000-yard receiver or a 1,000-yard rusher last year, which does not bode well when facing a defense like Kansas City's.
With the Vikings finishing 26th against the pass last year, Smith has a chance of moving the ball through the air and involving plenty of receivers.
Prediction: Chiefs win, 34-10.
Week 7: Oct. 25 Against Pittsburgh
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The Steelers had the best quarterback-running back-wide receiver trio in Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown in 2015, and the team hopes to repeat that.
The Chiefs went to Pittsburgh last year and held this trio to 20 points late in the season when both teams were fighting for a playoff spot. This time, the Chiefs get the Steelers at home.
With an improved offense, the Chiefs should tack on more than 12 points this time when facing the Steelers.
Unlike last year, the Steelers will have to pick their poison when they go up against Maclin, Travis Kelce and the Chiefs running backs, who should all be active in the receiving game.
The most important part will be getting pressure on Roethlisberger, giving him little time to connect with Brown and the rest of the offense.
Prediction: Chiefs win, 23-14.
Week 8: Nov. 1 Against Detroit — at London
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Matthew Stafford's biggest target has always been Calvin Johnson, as the two continued to play great together in 2014. In addition, Golden Tate led the team in receiving yards last year, so Stafford goes into 2015 knowing he has two big playmakers at wide receiver.
Similar to Week 3 against Green Bay, Kansas City's cornerbacks will be tested. Detroit's offense escaped having to deal with the Arrowhead crowd since this game has moved to London, which can change the outcome of this game.
Kansas City's defense finished second last year after facing plenty of good offenses led by great quarterbacks and will hang close with Detroit's high-powered offense.
Though Detroit did well against the run, the Chiefs can still use Charles as an equalizer to try to compete for four quarters.
Fans in London will be in for a good match as this should come down to the wire. But the Lions will likely come away victorious since their offense, for now, is better.
Prediction: Chiefs lose, 22-21.
Week 10: Nov. 15 at Denver
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By the time we reach this game, the Chiefs will have had their bye week, and the NFL will be at the point where teams in playoff contention will need to pick it up if they want to extend their season into the second week of January. Both the Chiefs and Broncos will likely be battling for the AFC West, with Denver probably leading by a game.
But as mentioned in the Week 2 slide, Peyton Manning is undefeated against the Chiefs as a Bronco. You also have to consider Denver's defense and the fact that it is at home.
This game will dictate whether or not the Chiefs have a realistic shot at making the playoffs through an AFC West victory or a wild card.
Prediction: Chiefs lose, 31-21.
Week 11: Nov. 22 at San Diego — Sunday Night Football
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Chargers running back Branden Oliver showed some flashes early in 2014 when filling in for Ryan Mathews, but it was hard for him to keep up against defenses as he went quiet the rest of the year. It is no secret the Chargers will be a pass-heavy team in 2015, similar to last year.
But Rivers tends to struggle the most when facing an elite pass-rusher. Fortunately, the Chiefs have a pair of elite pass-rushers, which bodes well for the team.
If the Chiefs can pressure Rivers the same way they did in both meetings last year, they will take away a big part of San Diego's productivity.
In order to leave San Diego with a win, the Chiefs must go run-heavy against a weak run-stopping defense. With few impact players on defense, the Chargers will have a hard time stopping opposing running backs and will desperately need a flawless passing game if they want to compete in a tough AFC West division.
Prediction: Chiefs win, 38-17.
Week 12: Nov 29 Against Buffalo
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Defensive ends Mario Williams and Jerry Hughes and interior defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus formed the best defensive line in 2014, combining for 39.5 sacks, as three of the four collected at least 9.5 sacks. Last year when the Chiefs faced the Bills, I predicted a 13-6 loss solely due to the defensive line.
The Chiefs faced a 13-6 deficit in the fourth quarter until Reid's play-calling improved and the Chiefs came away with a 17-13 win on the road.
Although the game is now in Kansas City, Buffalo should not be overlooked, as the same defensive line will visit Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs have a better offensive line with the additions of Ben Grubbs and Paul Fanaika, though.
With Kelce and fullback Anthony Sherman being key run-blockers, Charles could dominate this game by attacking the outside. Smith's biggest target will likely be Kelce, who has the speed and ability to break tackles to gain yards after the catch and move the chains.
The Chiefs will handle the Bills again, but it will once again be in low-scoring fashion.
Prediction: Chiefs win, 13-9.
Week 13: Dec. 6 at Oakland
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Last year's visit at Oakland was one to forget as the Chiefs, who were 7-3 at the time and coming off a win against the reigning Super Bowl champions, allowed the Raiders to earn their first win of the season. The Chiefs hope to leave Oakland with a win this time.
Oakland has found ways to improve the offense by adding former Chiefs center Rodney Hudson and former 49ers wideout Michael Crabtree. Derek Carr has to step up after an average rookie season.
Kansas City can take advantage of Oakland's lackluster defense, which finished 22nd against the run and 17th against the pass.
The Chiefs can use the Raiders' mediocrity against them and dominate in both facets of the offense. With Kansas City's defense being dominant, the Chiefs will give Carr a hard time and capture a win on the road against a division rival.
Prediction: Chiefs win, 28-7.
Week 14: Dec 13 Against San Diego
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The Chiefs look to repeat a season sweep against the Chargers by the time the two teams meet. At the same time, San Diego's rushing game could be improved.
Based on what we know right now, San Diego is a one-dimensional offense. While the passing game masks the lack of production on the ground, Kansas City's pass rush can nullify the success in the passing game, giving the Chargers little to work off of.
By this point, Chiefs fans should expect more from Smith in the passing game with Maclin on board and possibly a more developed Albert Wilson.
Prediction: Chiefs win, 21-13.
Week 15: Dec. 20 at Baltimore
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Steve Smith Sr. proved last year that he can still play at 34 year old as he earned 1,000 receiving yards again in his career. With Torrey Smith out, Steve Smith will be relied on more. Justin Forsett went under the radar as he successfully gained 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.
Joe Flacco will be the key in this game as he tries to work against Hali and Houston. They have succeeded against plenty of good quarterbacks and even once limited Flacco and the Ravens to nine points.
Charles will be challenged by Baltimore's run defense. And although Baltimore's pass defense was bad in 2014, Kansas City might have a hard time moving the football against the Ravens on the road.
Prediction: Chiefs lose, 20-9.
Week 16: Dec. 27 Against Cleveland
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The Browns had some success early in 2014 but struggled and missed the playoffs, finishing last place in the AFC North with a 7-9 record.
Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel are the quarterbacks. Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West are the running backs. Former Chief Dwayne Bowe is the primary wide receiver.
Kansas City's defense should have few issues handling the Browns at Arrowhead Stadium.
The offense will have a playoff-like mindset as we inch closer to the postseason. The entire offense will want to get in and contribute to help improve its chances of making the playoffs.
Considering how good the Chiefs should be, it would be a huge upset if the Browns pulled away with a win.
Prediction: Chiefs win, 34-0.
Week 17: Jan. 3 Against Oakland
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Since 2006, the Chiefs have swept the Raiders only once, in 2013. They hope to avoid an upset or allow the Raiders to win at Arrowhead, like they did from 2007 to 2012.
Whether or not seedings have been determined will be a factor in Reid's decision to play his starters. As we saw in the 2013 finale, he benched all 22 starters, as a win or loss still gave the Chiefs a No. 5 seed.
Either way, the Raiders are due for an improved 2015 season, but it will be hard for them to come into Arrowhead in January and leave the game victorious. Meanwhile, the Chiefs will possibly seek a wild-card spot or compete for an AFC West title if Denver slips.
Prediction: Chiefs win, 24-6.
Overall record: 12-4
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