The Kansas City Chiefs' preseason schedule is out, with the team beginning the four-game slate at Arrowhead Stadium against the Houston Texans.
Here's how the full schedule looks:
1) vs. Houston
2) at Atlanta
3) at Chicago
4) vs. Green Bay
The dates and times of the games will be announced along with the regular season schedule at a time to be determined. All four games will be broadcast locally on KCTV5 and 101.1 The Fox.
Here are five things to know about the Chiefs' 2018 preseason schedule:
1. The Chiefs will face former offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and the Chicago Bears in Preseason Week 3
The third preseason game is often called the "dress rehearsal" for the regular season as the starters tend to play a little longer than in any of the other exhibition weeks. Historically, Head Coach Andy Reid has played his starters through at least the first half and occasionally into the third quarter.
It's fitting that this year's "dress rehearsal" will come against a familiar face in former offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who is entering his first year as Head Coach of the Chicago Bears.
Interestingly enough, the last time the Chiefs faced Chicago was in the third week of the 2016 preseason, with Kansas City winning by a score of 23-7.
2. Kansas City has seen plenty of the Houston Texans over the years
The Chiefs kick off the preseason at Arrowhead Stadium against the Houston Texans, a team that they've seen plenty of since Reid arrived in Kansas City six years ago. The Chiefs are 4-1 in those contests, including a 42-34 victory in Week 5 of last season.
The quarterback Kansas City faced in that game, rookie Deshaun Watson, suffered a season-ending knee injury two weeks later, meaning that Watson's much-anticipated return could occur at Arrowhead next fall.
3. The Chiefs will return to Atlanta for the first time since Eric Berry took two interceptions back for scores
In perhaps the most exciting game of the 2016 season, safety Eric Berry – a native of Atlanta - returned two picks for scores as the Chiefs narrowly defeated the eventual NFC Champion Falcons.
Right on script, the Week 2 preseason contest could mark one of the first games back for Berry, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon injury in last year's regular season opener.
4. The Chiefs will once again close out the preseason against the Green Bay Packers
Kansas City has faced Green Bay in the final preseason game in three of the last five years, doing so in 2013, 2014 and 2016. The Chiefs will do so once again next season as the two teams close out the preseason schedule at Arrowhead Stadium.
5. It's the first opportunity for several players to show what they can do
The preseason may not count in the standings, but it represents a special time for rookies and those on the roster bubble to live out their lifelong dreams of playing professional football while potentially raising some eyebrows in the process.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes , for example, had a chance to show off his unique ability last preseason with strong performances in each of his opportunities.
Though many of those that play the bulk of the snaps in the preseason may not contribute right away, if Mahomes is any indication, it could provide a glimpse into the future.
