Aaron Ladd, JC Pearson, Darren Smith and Chris Clark break down Kansas City’s toughest four-game gauntlet—featuring the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, and New England Patriots—while debating how key offseason changes, rookie starters, and divisional battles might tip the scales. Insightful predictions, win-loss projections, and sharp debate on Mahomes’ health and the Broncos’ threat set the stage for a season filled with intrigue. Will the Chiefs’ new-look defense hold? Is another AFC West crown within reach?
00:00 — Chiefs 2026 Schedule Reactions
Intro, first impressions, and early discussion of the Chiefs' newly-released 2026 schedule, including week-by-week breakdowns and initial thoughts on key games, bye week, and broadcast slots.
17:46 — Toughest Four-Game Stretch
Deep dive into identifying and analyzing the most challenging portion of the Chiefs' schedule, including matchups versus the Bills, Rams, Bengals, and Patriots, and debate on the ease or difficulty of early/late season runs.
33:58 — Chiefs Win-Loss Predictions
Roundtable forecasting of the Chiefs’ 2026 win-loss record, with detailed opinions on likely pitfalls, division matchups, potential upsets, and playoff implications. Includes extended debate on Denver and division rivals.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Square
If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.