NFL Schedules Rare Wednesday Games, Patrick Mahomes Expresses Concern
The National Football League has scheduled a rare slate of Wednesday games this season to ensure that there are games played on Christmas Day. The Kansas City Chiefs, one of four teams that will have to spend their Christmas at work, are set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Baltimore Ravens will play the Houston Texans later that night.
Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ quarterback, expressed his concerns about the schedule, stating that it’s not a good feeling to play three games in such a short span. “You never want to play this amount of games in this short of time. It’s not great for your body. But, at the end of the day, it’s your job, your profession. You have to come to work and do it,” Mahomes said.
Mahomes and his teammates will have less time than usual to prepare for both the Texans and Steelers games. The Houston matchup will be played on a Saturday, and the Steelers game is on a Monday.
In addition to the strenuous workload, Mahomes and his family will not be able to spend Christmas at home this year for the second year in a row. Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, are both Christians, and Mahomes has spoken about how his faith plays a role in his life.
The NFL has played on Wednesday in the past, but it’s not a common occurrence. The most recent Wednesday game was played in 2020, when the Steelers and Ravens had their game pushed back due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
The games involved in the Christmas stretch are significant, with playoff ramifications for each team. The Chiefs are trying to fend off Buffalo and Pittsburgh for the No. 1 seed and a first-round playoff bye, while the Steelers are trying to clinch a playoff berth. The Texans are trying to hold off the Colts in the AFC South.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged that the schedule is unique, but emphasized the importance of getting his team ready for the games. “The main thing is you get guys ready for the game. Give them a chance to get ready for the game,” Reid said.