The Chiefs’ Biggest Trap Games on the 2025 Schedule
The Chiefs enter the 2025 season with sky-high expectations and one of the most challenging schedules in the league. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones remain the foundation of a team built to contend, but no NFL schedule is free of danger. While Kansas City is built to handle primetime showdowns, it is often the quieter matchups that can trip up even the best teams. A handful of games this season could sneak up on the Chiefs if focus and execution dip. To be successful, the Chiefs need to take care of these teams.
One early candidate is a Week 5 road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though the Jaguars are in transition with a new head coach and an uncertain roster, they will be playing in front of a home crowd on Monday Night Football. That setting alone elevates the intensity, especially if Kansas City enters riding a hot start. Sluggish execution or a slow start could quickly put the Chiefs on upset alert.
Week 8 against the Raiders is another game that might not seem dangerous on paper but deserves attention. Las Vegas pushed Kansas City to the limit at Arrowhead last year with a physical defense and aggressive playcalling. Divisional familiarity always adds a layer of unpredictability, especially against a team that has nothing to lose. If Kansas City comes out flat or looking ahead, the Raiders could make things uncomfortable again.
The Week 13 Thanksgiving Day game in Dallas is another potential trap for Kansas City. The Cowboys love the big stage, and the holiday spotlight can lead to distractions on both sides. With playoff positioning beginning to take shape, this game could carry more weight than expected. Travel fatigue and national attention often lead to strange results during holiday games, and the Chiefs will need to be sharp.
Another sneaky spot is the Christmas Day matchup at home against the Denver Broncos. Denver has quietly improved and could still be in the playoff hunt by then. Rivalry games always carry extra emotion, especially on a holiday with millions watching. A late-season stumble could cost the Chiefs in seeding or momentum heading into January.
Trap games are about timing, mindset, and discipline. The Chiefs have the talent to beat anyone, but that won’t matter if execution slips. Staying focused in the quieter weeks is just as important as showing up for primetime showdowns. These four games may not be circled on most calendars, though they could shape the direction of Kansas City’s 2025 campaign. Avoiding a letdown in any of them could be the difference between a top playoff seed and a tougher road in January.
