2011 NFL Schedule: Game-by-Game Predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs benefited from one of the league's easiest schedules in 2010, playing just two playoff teams (one being Seattle) on their way to an AFC West title.
The schedule gets much more difficult for the up-and-coming Chiefs in 2011, however, as they face the NFL's third-toughest schedule, playing six playoff teams from last season, including both conference champions.
The NFL labor situation is still very much up in the air, meaning some of these games may not even be played.
For what it's worth, here's my way-too-early take on the Chiefs' 2011 schedule.
Week 1: Home vs. Buffalo Bills
1 of 18
The Chiefs needed overtime to squeak by the then-winless Bills in a surprising 13-10 overtime finish in 2010.
The rematch shouldn't be as close.
I expect the Chiefs to handle the inferior team with the Arrowhead crowd behind them in this Opening Weekend battle.
Prediction
Chiefs win.
Week 2: At Detroit Lions
2 of 18
The Chiefs haven't played the Lions since 2007, when the Chiefs lost, 25-20.
Detroit is no longer a cupcake, but I still think the Chiefs are a better team.
Look for the Chiefs to pull out a close one in Week 2.
Prediction
Chiefs win.
Week 3: At San Diego Chargers
3 of 18
The Chiefs haven't won in San Diego since 2007.
In a tough division game on the road, the young Chiefs will likely struggle.
Prediction
Chiefs lose.
Week 4: Home vs. Minnesota Vikings
4 of 18
Like Detroit, the Chiefs haven't played Minnesota since 2007, when they beat the Vikings, 13-10, at Arrowhead.
The makeup of the Vikings is certain to change drastically (most notably at QB) between now and Week 4, but, assuming Tavaris Jackson is calling the signals for Minnesota, the Chiefs should win this home game.
Prediction
Chiefs win.
Week 5: At Indianapolis Colts
5 of 18
The Chiefs have lost their last three meetings against the Colts, dating back to 2006. They did, however, come within a Dwayne Bowe drop of beating them last season.
Still, the Colts will likely handle this young Chiefs team on the road.
Prediction
Chiefs lose.
Week 6: BYE
6 of 18
The Chiefs get a decent bye week before entering an extremely tough nine-game stretch.
Week 7: At Oakland Raiders
7 of 18
The Chiefs had won seven consecutive games at Oakland before losing there last season.
It'll be very tough to win a division game on the road against the improving Raiders.
Prediction
Chiefs lose.
Week 8: Home vs. San Diego Chargers
8 of 18
The Chiefs had lost four straight to the Chargers before their 21-14 home-opening win against them last season.
The new and improved advantage at Arrowhead will aid the Chiefs in yet another win against a tough division opponent in 2011.
Prediction
Chiefs win.
Week 9: Home vs. Miami Dolphins
9 of 18
There's a lot of history between these two teams. The Chiefs and Dolphins met in the 1971 Divisional Playoff Game on Christmas Day, still known as the longest game in NFL history.
The Dolphins won in double overtime on a 37-yard Gary Yepremian field goal.
The two storied franchises have met three times since 2005, with the Dolphins claiming two of those games.
Against a comparable opponent at Arrowhead, the Chiefs should take care of business.
Prediction
Chiefs win.
Week 10: Home vs. Denver Broncos
10 of 18
Kansas City beat Denver, 10-6, in a hard-fought game last December at Arrowhead.
The Chiefs are 7-3 at home in their last 10 meetings with Denver.
The Chiefs are a young and up-and-coming team, while the Broncos remain in rebuilding mode.
Prediction
Chiefs win.
Week 11: At New England Patriots
11 of 18
Matt Cassel will square off against his former team and the franchise after which Scott Pioli has modeled the Chiefs.
This game will likely have plenty of story lines, but the Chiefs are unlikely to beat Tom Brady, who has won 28 consecutive games at home.
The Chiefs and Patriots have split two games since 2005.
Prediction
Chiefs lose.
Week 12: Home vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
12 of 18
The Chiefs did shock the Steelers with a 27-24 win at Arrowhead in 2009, but they are just 1-2 against Pittsburgh since 2001 otherwise.
The home-field advantage could keep the Chiefs in the game, but as of now, the Steelers are clearly the better team.
Prediction
Chiefs lose.
Week 13: At Chicago Bears
13 of 18
The Chiefs haven't played the Bears since 2007, when they lost, 20-10.
In 2011, they'll play at Chicago, in what figures to be a bad-weather game.
I wouldn't completely rule the Chiefs out of this game at this point, but it's a game the Bears should win.
Prediction
Chiefs lose.
Week 14: At New York Jets
14 of 18
The Chiefs and Jets haven't played since 2008, when New York won, 28-24.
As for their 2011 matchup, the Chiefs certainly won't be favored.
These teams both run the ball extremely well, but New York boasts the better defense. I'd be shocked if the Chiefs came out of this game with a win.
Prediction
Chiefs lose.
Week 15: Home vs. Green Bay Packers
15 of 18
The Chiefs and Packers haven't met since 2007, when the Brett Favre-led team won, 33-22.
Luckily, the Chiefs will have the Arrowhead crowd on their side against the defending Super Bowl champs.
Unfortunately, the Packers are currently the better team. Anything can happen, but put me down for Green Bay in this game.
Prediction
Chiefs lose.
Week 16: Home vs. Oakland Raiders
16 of 18
The Chiefs dominated the Raiders in the 1990s, winning 17 of 19 games against their archrivals (the last game of the 1999 season, which the Raiders won, was played in January, 2000).
Their most recent meetings have been much different, however, as the Raiders have won their last four regular-season games at Arrowhead.
Tom Cable may have been the key to the Raiders' success at Arrowhead.
With rookie head coach Hue Jackson on the Raiders sidelines, I expect the Chiefs to take back home-field advantage in this heated rivalry.
Prediction
Chiefs win.
Week 17: At Denver Broncos
17 of 18
The Chiefs have not fared well recently at Denver, losing nine of their last 10 games in the Mile High City.
But, the Chiefs could be fighting for a playoff spot in Week 17, while the Broncos figure to be playing for a draft pick by then.
With any luck, the Chiefs should come out on top.
Prediction
Chiefs win.
2011 Record Prediction: 8-8
18 of 18
I expect the 2011 Kansas City Chiefs to be much improved, but their schedule will likely lead to a .500 finish.
Of course, many things could change between now and the start of the season, but I'm predicting an 8-8 record for the Chiefs this season.
.jpg?w=480 "49ers Eagles Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Downs: I Was Bored in CFB")
.jpg?w=600 "New Report on Stafford's Contract Status")
.jpg?w=600 "NFL team had 'secret meetings' before surprise draft pick")