Chiefs: 3 ways NFL screwed Kansas City over with 2022 schedule

1. Week 4: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday, Oct. 2)

Of course, we are returning to one of the earlier games on the Chiefs’ 2022 schedule. Though one could argue for any of their first eight games to be especially challenging, having to go to the Florida Gulf Coast to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4 does not bode well for the Chiefs. This game comes in the week after a potentially challenging road game at the Indianapolis Colts.

While the Chiefs will play the Colts in perfect conditions, the Floridian humidity might sneak up on the Chiefs in very early October. Not to say they will run out of gas, but there will be even more pressure on them in this game because, of course, this will be Sunday Night Football in Week 4. Seemingly every eyeball will be glued onto this game, meaning the loser will be totally crucified.

Although Tampa Bay has a tough Week 3 opponent in the Green Bay Packers, it will be the first of three straight home games for the Buccaneers. They essentially get a bye in Week 5 anyway when the Atlanta Falcons come to town. Ultimately, the Chiefs will find themselves in a predicament of wanting to put forth their best effort, but knowing they have to run the gauntlet into November.

The Chiefs will either be battle-tested in the first half of the season or dragging by the end of it.