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(AP) -- The Kansas City Chiefs' toughened-up schedule this year will have them playing twice on Monday night, once at home and once on the road.

The defending AFC West champions will also host a Sunday night contest from Arrowhead Stadium.

The NFL released its 2011 schedules on Tuesday.

For the Chiefs, it figures to be more difficult than last year's last-place schedule, which helped them win the AFC West with a 10-6 record.

This year, the Chiefs will play six playoff teams from 2010, as well as travel to the improving Detroit Lions.

The Chiefs will host San Diego on Monday night, Oct. 31 and play at New England on Monday night, Nov. 21.

Kansas City will also host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, Nov. 27.

Assuming players and owners settle their labor dispute which currently has the players locked out, the Chiefs will open the season at home on Sept. 11 against Buffalo, the fourth year in a row the Bills will play in Kansas City.

Their open date is Oct. 16.

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)