Chiefs Could Be In Line For Multiple Primetime Games In 2011
The Kansas City Chiefs have already nabbed themselves a nationally televised preseason game and with the 2011 NFL Schedule likely to be released tomorrow night, it is time to revisit the possible primetime games in KC’s slate of opponents.
This article originally ran when the Chiefs were 10-5 and had just clinched the AFC West title. I’ve decided to spruce it up a bit and rerun it as we look ahead to the schedule release.
The Chiefs are no longer an NFL bottom feeder and that the NFL will have to recognize that when they are putting together the list of nationally televised games for the 2011 seasons.
The Chiefs haven’t spend a lot of time in front of the national audience after winning just 10 games in 3 season but now that they are back on top, we can expect to see them get a few primetime games next season. KC’s record, combined with their schedule next season, could put them in line for a number of Sunday night and Monday night appearances.
After the jump, we’ll take a look at the team’s the Chiefs will be playing next year and try to pick which games might be televised nationally.
Front Runners:
Chiefs vs. Chargers
The Chiefs will play the Chargers twice next year and either game could have big playoff implications. Either one of these games could be in primetime.
Chiefs vs. New England Patriots
I am 100% confident this one is going to be on TV. Matt Cassel vs. the Patriots for the first time. Romeo Crennel and Scott Pioli take on “The Hoodie.” This game is going to hold a lot of intrigue and will make for a nice opening montage of Brernard Pollard flying into Tom Bray’s knee, followed by Matt Cassel’s rise and eventual trade to KC. If the NFL doesn’t put this one in the spotlight they are just stupid.
Chiefs vs. Jets
The Jets are media darlings and are expected to be Super Bowl contenders again in 2011. The NFL wants to have as many quality matchups as possible in primetime and the Chiefs are a playoff team. Don’t be surprised if this one is on a Sunday or Monday night.
Chiefs vs. Steelers
Since the Chiefs are playing a first place schedule, they’ll be up against the AFC North Champion Pittsburgh Steelers next season. The last Chiefs/Steelers game was a classic and with Todd Haley’s Pittsburgh roots, this one has plenty of interesting story lines. The Steelers and Chiefs (when they are good) are big draws so this game is a prime candidate.
Chiefs vs. Colts
The Colts will be the other first place schedule team the Chiefs will have to take on in 2011. The networks love Peyton Manning and the Cotls make frequent appearances in primetime. Once of them could be against the Chiefs.
Chiefs vs. Bears
The Bears seem to get nationally televised games even when they stink. Chicago is a big market so this one also would look good on the national TV lineup. Let’s not forget that Matt Cassel is the reason that Jay Cutler is in Chicago in the first place. This is another pregame montage candidate. If it happens, expect to see lots of shots of Josh McDaniels frowning.
Chiefs vs. Packers
The defending Super Bowl Champions figure to see plenty of spotlight next season and the Chiefs are in their path on the mission to defend their title. Putting this game on in primetime would enable the entire country to get a good look at two of the games best sack artists in Clay Matthews and Tamba Hali.
Possible But Unlikely:
Chiefs vs. Dolphins
This one might of had some intrigue this year because of the Pioli/Haley vs. Parcells connection. With “The Tuna” no longer involved with the Dolphins and Miami not making the playoffs, this looks more like a Sunday afternoon game than a primetime contest.
Chiefs vs. Vikings
No more Favre, no more relevancy for the Vikings. There is the Jared Allen storyline but I doubt it is interesting enough to get this game into primetime.
Chiefs vs. Raiders
The Raiders haven’t been very good this decade but they are playing much, much better now and they have a very big fan base. Either one of the Chiefs Raiders game could end up on national TV. In fact, even if Chiefs vs. Raiders isn’t initially scheduled for one of the prime TV slots, there is the possibility they could be flexed in late in the season if both teams do well and are battling it out for the AFC West title. The Raiders beat the Chiefs twice last year and I am willing to bet that Haley and company want revenge. New life coming to Chiefs v. Raiders could make this one attractive, especially if both teams are winning.
Not Going To Happen:
Chiefs vs. Broncos
The Broncos stink and their entire future as an organization is in doubt. Denver isn’t likely to see any primetime appearances next season. Unless maybe they draft Cam Newton…which I doubt they will.
Chiefs vs. Bills
It seems like the Chiefs and Bills play every year but at least next year it won’t be because the Chiefs are playing a last place schedule. The Bills were terrible again last year but they are showing some improvement. I think Chan Gailey is a pretty good coach and if the Bills take Cam Newton and run the pistol this could be kind of fun.
At final tally:
8 of the Chiefs games have a very good possibility of being national.
5 have a decent possibility of making the primetime schedule, including a possible Thanksgiving Day game.
3 of KC’s 2011 games have probably no chance of being on the national stage.
What do you think Addicts? Which Chiefs’ games do you want to see in primetime next year?