DeAndre Hopkins has called for the NFL to reconsider its scheduling practices after the Kansas City Chiefs found themselves facing a grueling lineup during Weeks 16 and 17. With a game against the Texans on Saturday and another against the Steelers on Christmas Day, the team will play three games in just 11 days. Hopkins, who joined the Chiefs midseason, has expressed deep concerns about the potential risks such scheduling poses to players.
“Playing this many games in such a short span is unprecedented in my career,” Hopkins stated. “The league preaches player safety, yet this kind of schedule puts us in harm’s way. A mini-bye or similar adjustment would go a long way in addressing this issue moving forward.”
The Chiefs’ jam-packed schedule leaves little time for recovery, a crucial factor in maintaining player health and performance. Hopkins emphasized that such tight turnarounds are far from ideal and could significantly impact both individual players and team success. “This isn’t the best situation for any team,” he remarked, urging the NFL to review its scheduling policies after the season to prevent similar scenarios.
Kansas City’s situation becomes even more pressing when considering their standing in the AFC. At 13-1, the Chiefs hold a slim two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills, who have an easier remaining schedule against weaker opponents. In contrast, Kansas City faces three formidable teams—the Texans, Steelers, and Broncos—all vying for postseason success.
If the Chiefs falter in two of their final three games, they risk losing the AFC’s top seed and giving the Bills an opening to claim the first-round bye. However, securing two victories would solidify Kansas City’s position as the conference leader. Their first challenge comes against Houston, with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes expected to play despite an ankle scare in last week’s win over the Browns.
Hopkins’ concerns are not merely about this season but reflect a broader issue within the league. With player safety a stated priority, the NFL must balance competitive fairness with the physical demands placed on its athletes. For now, all eyes are on the Chiefs as they tackle this grueling stretch, hoping their talent and resilience can carry them through unscathed.
