4 Chiefs matchups that absolutely shouldn’t be primetime games in 2026

TL;DR

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to dominate the national spotlight in 2026 despite a disappointing season. However, four matchups, including games against the Raiders and Cardinals, should not be featured in primetime due to lack of intrigue.

Key points

Chiefs expected to dominate despite a disappointing season
Four matchups deemed unsuitable for primetime
Raiders lack legitimacy as contenders
Cardinals are directionless and unexciting
Dolphins are in a transitional phase

Kansas City ChiefsLas Vegas RaidersArizona CardinalsNew York Jets

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid pre game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium. | Robert Deutsch, Robert Deutsch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The NFL schedule release is almost here, and even coming off the worst season of the era featuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, the Kansas City Chiefs are still going to dominate the national spotlight. That’s what happens when you still have Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, defensive tackle Chris Jones, and Reid attached to your franchise. Even after a disappointing 6-11 season, Kansas City can still be expected to contend for the Super Bowl heading into 2026. The league knows viewers will tune in anytime Mahomes is on the field. The reality is simple: the Chiefs remain must-see television. With that being said, not every matchup deserves the primetime treatment. As the NFL prepares to unveil its schedule Thursday, here are four games that absolutely should ***not*** land in primetime for the Chiefs this season.

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Yes, the rivalry matters historically. Yes, the Raiders now have the No. 1 overall pick, coming off a national championship and a Heisman-winning season by quarterback Fernando Mendoza. And yes, it’s easy to picture schedule makers convincing themselves that “Mahomes vs. the next big thing” sounds like compelling television. But let’s be honest here: the Raiders are still a long way from being legitimate contenders. Even if the organization insists Mendoza won’t start immediately, it’s hard to imagine that holding through the middle of the season if is sitting near the bottom of the AFC West yet again. At some point, the rookie is probably going to play. The NFL may see that as intrigue, but this rivalry simply doesn’t carry the same weight it once did. The matchup feels much more like a regional afternoon game than a standalone national showcase.

Q&A

Which Kansas City Chiefs matchups are not suitable for primetime in 2026?

The matchups against the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins are deemed unsuitable for primetime.

Why should the Chiefs vs. Raiders game not be a primetime matchup?

Despite historical significance, the Raiders are not seen as legitimate contenders, making the rivalry less compelling for a national audience.

What factors make the Chiefs vs. Cardinals game unworthy of primetime?

The Cardinals lack direction as a franchise, and the matchup does not present enough excitement to warrant a national broadcast.

How has the Miami Dolphins team changed leading up to the 2026 season?

The Dolphins are in a transitional phase with new players, and their previous explosive identity has faded, making them less appealing for primetime games.