The ever-evolving game and NFL schedule have showcased more primetime games and networks. Football is no longer primarily a Sunday program, as the added emphasis of Thursday Night Football and the occasional primetime specials have changed how the game is viewed weekly.
The Kansas City Chiefs and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes are must-see television, so they are expected to be seen in front of a national audience. Mahomes understands that responsibility and offered his thoughts on the best time to play while speaking with reporters on Wednesday.
“That comes with the territory whenever you start winning a lot, you play the better teams in the NFL,” Mahomes explained of his feelings when the Chiefs’ schedule was initially released. “Just how the schedule – how they make the schedule. Obviously, we play a lot of primetime games and not a lot of 12 o’clock games and stuff like that. It just comes with it. When you win, they want to put you on those nationally televised games and stuff like that.
“We’re excited for it, what better way to prepare you for the playoffs than playing in different time zones, playing in different times of the day, and playing in front of everybody, so you can prepare yourself that whenever you get to the playoffs, you’re ready to go. It’s a heck of an opportunity, and I’m excited I’m playing at GEHA Field at Arrowhead this week at 3:25 pm because that’s like my favorite time I think to play.”
The Chiefs have already played three primetime games this season, with at least three more scheduled for the rest of the year.
“I think during the regular season, I prefer like that three o’clock window just because it’s right there, especially when you’re at home, you get to go home and watch the night game and everything like that,” Mahomes said. “Not too late. But once you get towards the end of the season, I like the primetime ones at seven, no matter if it’s Monday, Thursday, or Sunday night.”
The next three primetime scheduled opponents are the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and New England Patriots.