KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expressing his dissatisfaction with the NFL scheduling, which has the two-time reigning Super Bowl champions playing three games within an 11-day timeframe. Along with the Chiefs, the Texans, Steelers, and Ravens will also compete on Christmas Day this year, creating a grueling schedule for the players due to the holiday falling on a Wednesday—a day typically reserved for minimal NFL activity. Consequently, these teams will have to play again the preceding Saturday, leading to two condensed weeks of play following their Sunday matchups.
“It’s not a good feeling,” Mahomes stated recently. “You never want to play this amount of games in this short of time. It’s not great for your body. But at the end of the day, it’s your job, your profession; you have to come to work and do it.”
This Sunday, the Chiefs will take on the Browns, while other matchups include the Ravens facing the Giants, the Steelers playing the Eagles, and the Texans hosting the Dolphins. On December 21, the Texans will travel to Kansas City and the Steelers will visit Baltimore, setting the stage for a Christmas Day doubleheader featuring the Chiefs at Pittsburgh and the Ravens in Houston.
When asked if he has previously experienced such a short span of games in his football career, Mahomes remarked, “I haven’t in football,” emphasizing the unique challenge this schedule poses. While he has participated in similar situations in high school baseball or basketball, nothing compares to the demands of professional football.
“All you can do is focus on the game and the practice you have that day,” Mahomes continued. He highlighted the importance of preparing physically for the season, mentioning adjustments in workouts and how coaches manage practice intensity, ensuring players are ready without overexerting themselves.
The NFL has a history of Wednesday games, the last occurring in 2020 due to a COVID-19 outbreak affecting the Steelers and Ravens. Additionally, a Wednesday matchup was held in 2012 to accommodate broadcast schedules during the Democratic National Convention. However, before that, the league hadn’t seen a Wednesday game since 1948.
“It’s a unique situation. You just have to manage it,” commented Chiefs coach Andy Reid, acknowledging the rigorous schedule. “It is what it is. You make the best of it.”
These Christmas games are crucial, with playoff implications for all teams involved. Despite having already secured the AFC West title, the Chiefs are in pursuit of the top seed in the playoffs, competing with teams like Buffalo and Pittsburgh. The Steelers are currently two games ahead of the Ravens in their division and could clinch a playoff spot with a favorable outcome this weekend, while the Texans are holding a two-game lead over the Colts.
When addressing how the Chiefs are tackling this pivotal series of high-stakes games, Reid remarked, “The main thing is to get guys ready for the game. Give them a chance to get ready.” As of now, the Chiefs are maintaining a regular week of practice and focusing on their upcoming match.
In terms of injuries, left tackle D.J. Humphries (hamstring) missed Wednesday’s practice but remains a possibility for the game against the Browns. Reid noted, “Every day he’s gotten a little better.” Additionally, wide receiver Hollywood Brown (shoulder) is expected to start practicing soon, pending medical clearance. Meanwhile, cornerback Steven Nelson has returned from retirement to join the Kansas City practice squad and may become available soon. Kicker Harrison Butker (knee) is set to attempt kicking this week, though Reid could not confirm whether he would return from injured reserve. If not, Matthew Wright is slated as the kicker for the upcoming game against the Browns.
