Getty Image / Timothy T Ludwig
The NFL recently announced several games that will be played overseas as we await the official schedule reveal for the 2023 season.
However, things might be getting a bit shaky right now between the Kansas City Chiefs matchup against the Chicago Bears in Germany.
Apparently, the “home” team in overseas games can deny one team to not play against. According to Peter King, that seems to be the case with the Chiefs.
According to @peter_king, there’s some doubt about the Chicago Bears playing in Germany this upcoming season against the Kansas City Chiefs because the Chiefs have requested to the NFL that they don’t want to play the Bears overseas.
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) May 8, 2023
King doesn’t provide much more information than that. So, it’s unclear exactly why the Chiefs don’t want to play the Bears in Germany.
Additionally, it’s hard to imagine the NFL scheduling a team like the Cincinnati Bengals or Buffalo Bills against Kansas City in an overseas matchup.
Especially considering how early in the morning those games take place. The league would probably like to avoid a prime-time matchup in the morning.
Regardless, football fans take guesses as to why Kansas City made this request.
My guess is because the Bears have a HUGE following overseas
— Jason Perovich (@jpeezer) May 8, 2023
It sure sounds like Bears fans travel well.
What’s surprising is King said the home team can request one team not to play. They want to risk the Bills or Bengals on neutral field instead of at Arrowhead just to make sure they get the Bears in KC because of the tourist gains?
— Tim Martens (@timbmartens) May 8, 2023
Always follow the money!
Its because of the money they'd be losing by losing that home game.
They dont want to lose the ticket revenue from that game. They want the least desirable home matchup played overseas instead (probably the Lions game)
— Random Black Guy (@bullsfanfolife_) May 8, 2023
Meanwhile, Bears fans think the Chiefs are scared to play Justin Fields on a neutral site.
They're so shook of Fields that they're begging the league to play at Arrowhead lmaooo
— Let Ryan Poles Eat (@POLESPLSEAT) May 8, 2023
Maybe the league will consider making a schedule switch for the Germany game. Until then, fans will continue speculating why the Chiefs made the request.
Look for more updates on this situation as the 2023 schedule should be revealed soon.