The Kansas City Chiefs may have stumbled to a 6-11 record in 2025, but they're still a prime-time powerhouse. The NFL has announced that the Chiefs will play six night games during the 2026 regular season—just one fewer than the seven they had in 2025, when they were fresh off their third straight Super Bowl appearance. That's a clear sign that fans can't get enough of this team, even after a down year.
The prime-time action kicks off with back-to-back blockbusters in Weeks One and Two. First up, the Chiefs host the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on September 14. Then, they welcome the Indianapolis Colts for a Sunday Night Football showdown on September 20. This marks the fourth straight season Kansas City opens its campaign under the lights—a testament to their enduring star power.
That Week One clash with the Broncos isn't just a ratings magnet; it could set the tone for the AFC West. No team outside of Kansas City and Denver has won the division since 2009, so this early-season battle might be a preview of the race to come. But the big question is: who'll be under center for these marquee matchups?
Patrick Mahomes, the three-time Super Bowl MVP, is recovering from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee suffered on December 14. The Chiefs' medical staff has been raving about his progress, and head coach Andy Reid even hinted Mahomes could participate in organized team activities (OTAs), though those are essentially non-contact passing drills. "He is in a good position to be able to do some things," Reid said. "He's doing a lot of stuff right now."
Meanwhile, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was expected to be ready for training camp after breaking a bone in his ankle during the AFC playoff win against Buffalo on January 18. But a follow-up visit in April revealed he needed a second procedure on his surgically repaired right ankle, adding some uncertainty. Colts starter Daniel Jones is also on the mend, coming off a season-ending torn Achilles. Both teams will be watching the injury reports closely as the season approaches.
Three of the Chiefs' prime-time games will feature a juicy subplot: prominent newcomers facing their former teams. While the full schedule is still unfolding, these matchups promise extra emotion and intensity. For fans, that means more drama, more stakes, and plenty of reasons to gear up in your favorite Chiefs apparel. Whether you're hosting a watch party or hitting the stands, 2026 is shaping up to be a season you won't want to miss.