Ranking the 5 toughest games remaining on the Chiefs’ 2024 schedule

The Kansas City Chiefs are sitting comfortably during their bye week. At 5-0, the Chiefs went into the off-week with probably their most comprehensive performance of the season. Many names contributed to their recent victory over the New Orleans Saints, but as we look at the rest of the 2024 schedule, there are still many exciting matchups ahead.

The Chiefs face several other AFC teams looking to win their respective divisions. Kansas City still has to face two of the tougher NFC contenders shortly after their bye week. Additionally, KC’s erratic playing time will certainly be a focus in December as the regular season comes to a close.

What are the toughest remaining games on the Chiefs’ 2024 schedule? Here are the top 5.

Baker Mayfield is building on last year’s success with a self-confident demeanor. In some ways, Mayfield’s play has been the best among QBs in the NFL in certain weeks. He delivers quick, well-timed throws while also being able to give his pass catchers opportunities for yards after the catch. Tampa Bay’s offense is proving to be balanced and efficient while amassing a large number of points (10th in the NFL entering Week 6).

The Buccaneers’ defense has seen a decline in play compared to most of Todd Bowles’ defenses in Tampa. However, they aren’t complete pushovers on this side due to their veteran experience and veiled appearance. This matchup will prove to be an interesting test Monday Night Football in Week 9. The Buccaneers will give the Chiefs everything they can for four quarters.

This matchup is the last of three games in 11 days and must be considered for this Week 17 meeting. Not to mention, the Chiefs face the Steelers on Christmas Day, an afternoon that didn’t go particularly well for Kansas City last year. The Pittsburgh defense, especially in the pass rush and defensive line, will put Patrick Mahomes and Co. to a tough test. Can the Chiefs’ offensive tackles, who struggled early this season, hold their own in this daunting personnel matchup?

Considering where the Steelers are at most in seasons under the great Mike Tomlin, they should be fighting for their playoff life at least here. Maybe they’ll even go for a division title in the rigid AFC North. As a result, they won’t go down quietly on Christmas Day in Pittsburgh.

The 49ers haven’t necessarily lived up to their expectations in some areas so far. San Francisco is 3-3 and has already blown a lead of more than 10 points twice in the fourth quarter. Brock Purdy is still impressive as he can make complex throws between or over defenders. However, the 49ers’ defense has largely disappointed compared to its usual place throughout the NFL.

Kansas City’s recent success over San Francisco is key here. Mahomes has two of his Super Bowl wins and two more regular season victories against San Francisco, with a 4-0 all-time record against the 49ers. The fact that the Chiefs are also coming off a bye week in which Andy Reid is 21-4 in the regular season as head coach helps keep the odds slightly lower in the toughest remaining games.

The Bills always present the Chiefs with one of their toughest tests. Heading to Buffalo after two straight home games will certainly be one of the most challenging trips of the season for Kansas City. Josh Allen is still figuring some things out with a reconfigured wide receiver room. But this offense can stay balanced and score high when it gets rolling. The defense is still well trained, carries out its tasks and continues to deliver success. Depending on how things turn out, the outcome of this game could determine playoff placement for every team within the AFC.

The aforementioned stretch of three games in 11 days includes this big game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City hosts Houston on a Saturday, just four days before the aforementioned Christmas trip to Pittsburgh.

Things haven’t been going well for the Texans so far. However, the style in which they do things is still impressive. CJ Stroud has the accuracy and presence of an experienced veterinarian. There are different weapons he can rely on in different situations. Defensively, Houston is physical in the front seven. And even on the backend, they rarely make the same mistake twice.

This team has as good a chance as any team to win the AFC this year if the Chiefs don’t play in Super Bowl LIX. In short, the Texans are too fundamentally sound and well-prepared to have many low points. And they are still growing and improving. That makes them the toughest remaining game on the Chiefs’ 2024 schedule.