Sleeper NFL reports the 2026 NFL schedule release will likely occur on May 13 or 14. This update provides the Kansas City Chiefs clarity as the franchise prepares for a pivotal rebound season.

In an X post on May 7, based on Alex Sherman’s report, Sleeper NFL wrote, “The full NFL Schedule Release is expected to take place May 13th or 14th.” 

Earlier reports suggested a different date for the release. Mike Florio wrote for NBC's Pro Football Talk, “Last month, NFL V.P. of broadcast planning Mike North said the release could happen during the week of May 18."

The Chiefs may face a favorable path this season, according to recent projections.

In an article, Leigh Oleszczak of Arrowhead Addict wrote based on Warren Sharp’s prediction, “somehow, the Chiefs will have the easiest schedule in the AFC West”  and “the 10th easiest schedule overall.”

However, Oleszczak also wrote, “This is based on projected win totals, so it's obviously subject to change.”

Last season was a tough one for the Chiefs. They ended with a 6-11 record and ranked third in the AFC West. The franchise did not qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Last season ended for Patrick Mahomes earlier than the season end as he sustained a season-ending injury in Week 15, tearing his ACL and LCL in his left knee.

The 30-year-old quarterback is listed as 'questionable,' as per ESPN's Nate Taylor's report from May 3. And while the schedule remains unreleased, a mock schedule has guessed how the NFL could set up the season for the Chiefs.

NFL Analyst Maps Out Chiefs’ AFC West Challenges

On May 8, The Kansas City Star's columnist, Pete Grathoff, forecasted the year for the Chiefs by his mock schedule. He placed the first game on September 13, hosted by the Denver Broncos.

"Denver ended the Chiefs’ nine-season run as the AFC West champions, and the Broncos swept the Chiefs last season. To get back on top, the Chiefs will have to knock off the top dogs," Grathoff wrote.

Grathoff suggested that the game between the Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders would be an interesting one since it would be "the opportunity to see Vegas quarterback Fernando Mendoza for the first time."

He also suggested that "the season is bookended with games against Denver, the defending AFC West champion," for a January 9 or 10 game.

What are your thoughts on the mock schedule? Tell us in the comments.

Read more on the Kansas City Chiefs Community

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Rudra Dubey