Patrick Mahomes’ preseason status is the biggest question hanging over the Chiefs as they get set for 2026, but Kansas City’s August slate also offers an early look at a roster that has been reshaped in several spots.
Mahomes is working to come back from a December ACL and LCL tear and could be ready for Week 1, though the Chiefs may decide to keep him out of preseason action for the first time in his career. Even without that storyline settled, there’s plenty to watch: how the offense functions with Kenneth Walker in the backfield, whether Rashee Rice looks fully back after an offseason that included knee surgery and a stint in jail, and how Travis Kelce fits into another season after getting married to Taylor Swift this offseason.
Defensively, Kansas City has some new faces to sort through. The Chiefs lost their top two cornerbacks to the Rams this offseason after trading Trent McDuffie and seeing Jaylen Watson sign with Los Angeles, then answered by drafting No. 6 overall pick Mansoor Delane and fourth-rounder Jadon Canady. They also used a first-round pick on defensive tackle Peter Woods, who is expected to line up next to Chris Jones on the front.
All three Chiefs preseason games will air locally on NBC affiliate KSHB 41. The home opener against the Rams will also be shown nationally on NFL Network. Fans can stream every preseason game live on fubo.
Kansas City opens preseason on Saturday, Aug. 15 against the Rams at 4 p.m. ET, then travels to face the Buccaneers on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
ET. The final tune-up comes Friday, Aug. 28 against the Seahawks at 8 p.m.
ET.
The regular season begins Monday, Sept. 14 against the Broncos at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
The Chiefs then host the Colts on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC before visiting the Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m.
ET on CBS and the Raiders on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS.
Kansas City’s bye lands in Week 5, followed by a run that includes home games against the Chargers, Jets, Cardinals, Patriots and 49ers, plus road trips to the Seahawks, Broncos, Falcons, Bills, Bengals, Rams and Chargers. The Thursday, Nov. 26 game at Buffalo is set for Thanksgiving at 8:20 p.m.
ET on NBC, while the Dec. 3 meeting at the Rams is scheduled for Prime Video. The final two matchups are listed as TBD, with the Chiefs at the Chargers and then home against the Raiders.
In Other News...
Patrick Mahomes Has Become The Chiefs Camp Question Nobody Wanted
Patrick Mahomes has been on the field for Chiefs training camp, but the conversation around him has drifted to his left knee more than anyone in Kansas City would like. The team is trying to keep the focus on football and is downplaying the issue, while Andy Reid has said Mahomes is doing well and is being monitored by doctors. Even in camp, though, the quarterbacks status has become one of the first things people notice when he takes part in drills.
Reid has left open the possibility that Mahomes could be held out of preseason games, which adds a little more intrigue to a situation the Chiefs would prefer to keep routine. Kansas City also has other camp decisions taking shape, including Kenneth Walker III being lined up to handle a lead role at running back with some uncommon duties as a blocker and receiver. For a team that usually wants camp to feel like a ramp-up, the Mahomes watch has become the quieter concern hanging over everything else. [Read more 🡒]
Patrick Mahomes Just Sparked A Debate Chiefs Fans Never Expected
Bleacher Reports latest NFL 1000 quarterback rankings have given Chiefs fans an eyebrow-raising early look at how the league views Patrick Mahomes heading into the 2026 season. Mahomes landed at No. 4, behind Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen and Justin Herbert, even though the evaluation still praised the traits that have defined his career, including arm talent, leadership and pocket presence.
The surprising part for Kansas City is not that Mahomes remains near the top, but that the report pushed him down because of lower grades in accuracy and decision-making after his 2025 torn ACL and some uneven play. Staffords No. 1 spot, coming off an MVP-winning season, only adds to the debate, leaving Mahomes in the unusual position of having to answer questions about his place in a hierarchy he has long helped shape. [Read more 🡒]
Chiefs Offer Hopeful Mia Bieniemy Update As Eric Bieniemy Wait Continues
The Chiefs offered a small measure of encouragement this week in a situation that has cast a long shadow over their offseason. Mia Bieniemy, the wife of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, was shot twice in an incident involving the couples son, Elijah Zion Bieniemy, and the team has been navigating the human side of a story that extends well beyond football.
Andy Reid said Mia Bieniemy is improving by the day, a welcome update after a terrifying episode that left the organization waiting and concerned. Elijah Bieniemy has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses tied to the shooting, with his preliminary hearing now set for Sept. 9, while Eric Bieniemy remains away from coaching duties and there is still no timetable for his return. [Read more 🡒]