Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expressing his discontent over the NFL's scheduling decision to have games on Christmas Day, forcing his team to play three games within 11 days. This unusual arrangement pits the Chiefs against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Wednesday, preceded by games against the Cleveland Browns on December 15th and the Houston Texans on December 21st (a Saturday game). Mahomes voiced his concerns about the demanding schedule, acknowledging the physical toll it takes on players. He emphasized the importance of adapting workouts and practice routines to manage the workload, and praised the coaching staff for their attentiveness to player well-being.

This Christmas Day game marks the second consecutive year Mahomes and his family will be away from home for the holiday. A devout Christian, Mahomes has spoken openly about his faith and how it influences his approach to the game. This demanding schedule further complicates the holiday season for Mahomes, whose wife, Brittany, is expecting their third child.

While Wednesday games are rare, they have occurred in the past due to unusual circumstances, such as the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak and the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged the unique situation and emphasized the importance of adapting and making the most of the schedule. The games hold significant playoff implications for all teams involved, with the Chiefs vying for the top seed in the AFC, the Steelers aiming to secure a playoff spot, and the Texans looking to maintain their lead in the AFC South.