steve's dream schedule

We find out tomorrow night, in prime time no less, exactly what the Chiefs schedule will look like.

So, as I always do, here is how I'd draw up our schedule if I had the power to do so. Rationale, if any, appears with the selection.

Week 1, Sunday September 13: vs denver broncos, noon, CBS. Why not open the dawn of a new era the same way the Peterson era began: facing our hated rivals in the opener? Although this time, let's get 'em at home, where the Chiefs are 8-2 in their last 10 against denver (losing in overtime in 2002 and in the Packer hangover game in 2007).

Week 2, Sunday September 20: vs Buffalo Bills, noon, CBS. Let's get another winnable home game on the schedule early. Bills will be without Marshawn Lynch. Plus, as an ardent opponent of days below 70 degrees, I want as many home games in heat as possible.

Week 3, Sunday September 27: at Baltimore Ravens, noon, CBS. Get the probable road losses out of the way early, as much as possible. Although this one could be intriguing if the Chiefs start strong.

Week 4, Monday October 5: vs Dallas Cowboys, 7:30pm, ESPN. Its the 50th anniversary of the AFL, and of both franchises coming into existance. Fitting that Dallas' original teams meet in prime time.

Week 5, Sunday October 11: at Philadelphia Eagles, noon, CBS. Eagles are a tough read. Could be really good or could be 2000 Dallas Cowboys ready to collapse type of team. Chiefs, in my "dream" schedule, could (I'd argue should) be 3-1 entering this one.

Week 6, Sunday October 18: at Cincinnati Bengals, noon, CBS. Winnable roadie to build confidence heading into the meat of the schedule. Plus a doable roadie before the weather turns ugly (see at Vikings, 2003, for "roadie Steve never wants to make again due to extreme cold" ... thank God they have a Dome up there ...)

Week 7, Sunday October 25: vs Cleveland Browns, noon, CBS. Winnable home game to round out the first "half" of the schedule. 5-2 is possible with this early schedule. I'd argue its almost must-happen given what's about to come ...

Week 8, Sunday November 1: bye. I don't see Sur William Callahan on the coaching staff, so we should survive "bye" with no losses.

Week 9, Sunday November 8: at oakland raiders, 3:15pm, CBS. Huge, huge, HUGE roadie to open the second half of the season. Chiefs have amazingly won 6 straight in oakland, dating back to Sur William's successful season at the helm for the raiders (2002). All 6 wins have been by 7 or less. Something to remember.

Week 10, Sunday November 15: vs New York Giants, noon, FOX. Dare we dream "flex game"? OK, I'll dream it. Giants won in their last appearance at Arrowhead in arguably the most emotional game in franchise history, the follow-up to 9/11.

Week 11, Sunday November 22: at denver broncos, 3:15pm, CBS. Hide the women and children. If there are any watching this one with me.

Week 12, Sunday November 29: at San Diego Chargers, 3:15pm, CBS. They're the clear front runners for the division. Chiefs are 1-1 in recent years on Thanksgiving Weekend in Qualcomm, losing a debacle in 2000, and winning a close one in 2003.

Week 13, Sunday December 6: vs oakland raiders, noon, CBS. Following two likely road losses, and likely sitting at 6-5 or 5-6, as close to must win as it gets.

Week 14, Thursday December 10: vs Pittsburgh Steelers, 7pm, NFLN. I'm sure I'll be whining, b*tching, moaning and complaining about the cold every damned minute ... until the gates open. Then the grills will be going, the smoke rising in the night air, "In the Air Tonight" blares, and I smile. And slip on a 15th sweatshirt.

Week 15, Sunday December 20: at Washington Redskins, noon, CBS. Chiefs are 1-0 at FedEx. I don't see 2-0 happening.

Week 16, Sunday December 27: vs San Diego Chargers, noon, CBS. Divisional title showdown? (probably not ... but it would rock if it was ...)

Week 17, Sunday January 4: at Jacksonville Jaguars, noon, CBS. I can think of worse places to spend a 33rd birthday weekend than the coast of Florida. Even if it is slightly further north than, say, Tampa or Miami ...