When the NFL schedule was released in May, it immediately caught the attention of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He noticed that his team would be engaged in games on Sunday, Dec. 15; Saturday, Dec. 21; and Wednesday, Dec. 25. This situation presented a unique challenge for the team. "It's not a pleasant feeling," Mahomes admitted. "Playing multiple games in such a short span is tough on the body, but as professionals, we have to fulfill our duties."

Challenges of a Busy Schedule

In addition to the games against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, the subsequent match against the Houston Texans on Saturday, and the Christmas game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, the Chiefs had already opened the season on a Thursday and played on Black Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders. This meant they had played a game on every day of the week except Tuesday. "We have games scattered all over the place," said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. "It's a unique situation that requires careful management. We just have to make the best of it."Reid further explained that having three games in just 11 days made studying opponents more difficult. The condensed schedule took a toll on both the mind and the body. Mahomes, in particular, had tailored his workouts throughout the year to prepare for this challenging stretch. He also praised the coaching staff for their ability to know when the team needed rest. "We practice as hard as anyone, but they know how to adjust the intensity when needed," Mahomes said. "Coach Reid has a great plan, and I'll follow it."

The Impact on Defensive Players

Chris Jones, the Chiefs' best defensive player, also faced difficulties due to the busy schedule. He signed a five-year, $158.75 million contract this offseason and is likely to retire with the franchise that drafted him in 2016. At 30 years old and having played more than 80% of the defensive snaps in nine of the Chiefs' 13 games heading into their 14th game against the Browns, he preferred to play only on Sundays. "I love my rest," Jones said. "I have a recovery routine that my body is accustomed to. The quick turnaround of games is challenging."Jones also expressed disappointment that the Chiefs, who had not had a bye earlier than Week Eight since Mahomes became the starter in 2018, had an early off week (in Week Six) this year. However, there was a glimmer of hope. If the 12-1 Chiefs beat the Browns on Sunday and the Texans next week, and the Buffalo Bills lost to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the Chiefs could secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. This would potentially allow them to rest their starters against the Steelers.

Dealing with the Late-Season Test

Right guard Trey Smith, who is in a contract year, understood the significance of the condensed schedule. "It's a gauntlet," he said. "At the end of the day, we'll face any challenge and be ready to play regardless of the situation. We're prepared to give our best." The Chiefs will undoubtedly face a tough test in the late season due to their busy schedule, but they are determined to rise to the occasion.