The 2026 NFL Schedule is set to be released in a few weeks, with many wondering how the Kansas City Chiefs will bounce back from last season. According to Mike North, the NFL’s Vice President of Broadcast Planning and Scheduling, on a recent episode of the It’s Always Game Day in Buffalo podcast, the health of Patrick Mahomes could play a factor.
“He’s one of the biggest stars in the league, and I don’t think any of us would feel great if we had him in prime time early in the season and he missed the first four weeks or whatever, That being said, that’s a good football team, that’s a good coach over there, and they went and signed a veteran starting quarterback in this league.” said North, “Would the league want to use the big Chiefs-Bills game in Week 1? That’s a fair question. I’m not sure it does 30 or 35 million viewers in Week 1 without Patrick Mahomes. So certainly some thought to maximizing that quarterback and this rivalry.”
Mahomes surprised many with a video of himself returning to the field for throwing drills, a little over 100 days after his injury. He continues to push for a return to game action before Week 1 after surgery to repair his ACL and LCL, which he had last December.
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The NFL would ideally want one of its biggest stars available for prime-time games, but Mahomes’ progress going into training camp will be crucial.
Chiefs 2026 Home opponents
Denver BroncosLas Vegas RaidersLos Angeles ChargersArizona CardinalsIndianapolis ColtsNew England PatriotsNew York JetsSan Francisco 49ers
Chiefs 2026 Away opponents
Denver BroncosLas Vegas RaidersLos Angeles ChargersAtlanta FalconsBuffalo BillsCincinnati BengalsLos Angeles RamsMiami DolphinsSeattle Seahawks
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ health could affect the 2026 NFL Schedule