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Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce Join Big Slick KC 2025 Event | Kansas City Star
This is in no way dismissive of the numerous celebrities who visit Kansas City each year to support Children’s Mercy during Big Slick Celebrity Weekend.
However, there are two stars who consistently ignite the loudest cheers from the Kansas City audience: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his close friend, tight end Travis Kelce.
Fans can rejoice today, as both will be present for this year's festivities, taking place on May 30-31.
This annual event helps fund pediatric cancer research at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Recently, organizers revealed two more guests from the sports world: former FOX NFL Sunday host Curt Menefee and WWE star turned Food Network chef Tom Pestock (previously known as Baron Corbin), who hails from Kansas City. Both are familiar faces at Big Slick.
2025 NFL Schedule: Five Teams Facing Tough Challenges | Sports Illustrated
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Last year, I expressed similar concerns about the Jets’ schedule during Aaron Rodgers’ peak. While the nature of being a prominent franchise in the NFL is understood, the Chiefs’ current schedule seems incredibly daunting. They kick off the season in Brazil—a setup that wasn't very successful last year, considering the injuries suffered—before returning home to face the Eagles in an emotional Super Bowl rematch. Following that, it’s Sunday Night Football in another time zone (against the Giants), a matchup with the Ravens in America’s Game of the Week, and Monday Night Football battles in Jacksonville and Detroit before a breather against the Raiders. This season marks a first in NFL history, with five of a team’s first eight games scheduled for prime time. And let's not overlook that they also play on both Thanksgiving and Christmas! Is this truly necessary?
Winners and Losers of the 2025 NFL Schedule Release | Yardbarker
Loser: Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are looking to bounce back from their 40-22 defeat to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. However, a daunting schedule at the season's start might pose a challenge.
Of their first nine games, six are against last season’s playoff contenders. This stretch features a home rematch against the Eagles in Week 2 and a road game against the Bills in Week 9.
With a record of 15-2 in 2024 and eleven of those wins by a single possession, will the Chiefs be able to rely on that kind of fortune again in 2025? They may need to!
2025 NFL Schedule: Toughest Slates & Strengths | NFL.com
7 - Kansas City Chiefs
2024 Record: 15-2
Strength of Schedule: .522 (T-11th)
Prime-Time Games: 7
For the Chiefs to rise again, they’ll face challenges on both sides of the ball. They are set to contend with four of the top five scoring offenses from the prior season and have five games against the league's top three defensive units.
The adventure begins with a Week 1 clash with the Chargers in São Paulo, followed by another tough matchup against the Eagles at home. This one will be exciting, even if it’s a formidable task.
The Chiefs can look forward to facing the Commanders on Monday Night Football and then heading to Buffalo shortly after, prior to their Week 10 break. The bye week placement improves on their previous year’s Week 6 bye, but they still face a tight schedule with three games in eleven days, including a Thanksgiving match in Dallas.
NFL Schedule: AFC Teams’ Win Projections for 2025 Season | NFL.com
Wins 11.2 - Kansas City Chiefs
AFC WEST CHAMPIONS
Win Total: over 10.5 (-160)
Make Playoffs: -360
Win Division: -135
Win Conference: +390
Win Super Bowl: +800
This season will provide insights into the Chiefs’ revamped offensive line, featuring new tackles Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons. There’s also a competition underway to fill the gap left by the traded guard Joe Thuney. Early tests against the Eagles will indicate how this line can perform, especially with the Ravens visiting in Week 4.
NFL Unveils Full Schedule; Chiefs-Eagles Rematch in Week 2 | ESPN
Alongside Kansas City, Dallas and Washington have the most stand-alone games in the NFL, each with eight.
The Chiefs are set for three Sunday night games: at the New York Giants in Week 3; against the Lions on October 12; and facing the Houston Texans on December 7. They’ll also compete in two Monday night games that same month: at the Jaguars on October 6 and hosting the Commanders on October 27.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the Chiefs-Bills rematch from the AFC championship, scheduled for Buffalo on November 2. “I enjoy it,” said Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins. “The games are always competitive, and you want to beat the best. That’s just how it is when confronting a formidable opponent.”
Around the League
NFL Games to Stream on Additional Services in 2025 | SB Nation
To catch every NFL game this season, fans will need a variety of streaming services including Amazon Prime, Netflix, Peacock, and YouTube, in addition to ESPN (either via streaming or cable) and YouTube TV with NFL+ for Sunday Ticket. Paramount+ and the new Fox One service will also provide coverage for Sunday afternoon matchups if cable access is limited. This can amount to a hefty sum!
However, all games within a team's home market remain available on local broadcasting channels at no cost. As NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has previously mentioned, most fans still have access to the same number of free games they did in the past. Notably, the only exception is for secondary markets in nearby locations that may not showcase every game if it’s on a paywalled service.
Goodell points out that these streaming options are meant to provide additional value to fans nationwide and worldwide—catering to a younger audience, which is crucial for the NFL's future.
Johnson's Bears Debut vs. Vikings to Kick Off ‘Monday Night Football’ | ESPN
September 8 marks the beginning of the 2025 “Monday Night Football” slate, featuring an NFC North showdown between the Ben Johnson-led Chicago Bears and the visiting Minnesota Vikings.
This prime-time match also serves as Johnson’s inaugural game as head coach after transitioning from his prior position with the Detroit Lions.
In addition, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will make his NFL debut after missing the previous season due to a knee injury, going up against Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the top draft pick from the same year.
Conclusion
The upcoming NFL season promises a range of thrilling moments, from matchups involving fan-favorite players to celebrities raising funds for worthy causes. With so much anticipation surrounding the Chiefs and their competitive edges within the league, football lovers can look forward to an exciting season ahead. 🌟🏈