In the seven seasons since Patrick Mahomes took the helm as the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting quarterback in 2018, the team has made a remarkable impact in the NFL, featuring in 37 regular-season primetime games, which is only surpassed by the Green Bay Packers with 38 appearances. The Chiefs lead the league with an impressive record of 26-11 among teams with at least 29 primetime games, underscoring their appeal to both fans and broadcasters.
As the NFL continues to schedule nationally televised matchups, Kansas City remains a top choice. In 2024, the Chiefs are set to appear in 10 nationally broadcast games, which includes five primetime contests. Additionally, they will participate in three standalone games: the Black Friday matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, a Saturday afternoon game against the Houston Texans in December, and a Christmas Day special versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Moreover, two pivotal games will be available to every market, with the Chiefs facing the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7 and the Buffalo Bills in Week 11.
Despite a tough Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chiefs are anticipated to maintain their prominence in national broadcasts, with Vice President of Broadcast Planning and Scheduling Mike North hinting that their exposure will remain high. He indicated, “When a team gets good (and has an MVP quarterback) and is the kind of must-see television…you can’t get into a routine.”
North also acknowledged that other teams like Buffalo, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Pittsburgh will receive significant national exposure, suggesting that high-profile matchups could come in bunches throughout the season.
Notably, last season the Chiefs faced seven playoff teams, but this year they will up the ante by playing 10 playoff squads, including the Texans, Eagles, and command in-home games, while also facing the Chargers, Ravens, and Bills on the road. North remarked on the Chiefs’ exciting schedule, emphasizing the appeal of their matchups against teams like Detroit and Washington.
This strategic focus on the Chiefs not only enhances their brand but also creates anticipation among fans for what promises to be thrilling matchups, making Kansas City one of the most watched teams in the NFL. The consistent strong performance by Mahomes and the Chiefs is likely to continue drawing national attention and maintaining their status as a fan favorite.