Patrick Mahomes guarantees national attention—that’s just the reality of the NFL. Even after a rare down season, the Kansas City Chiefs remain a ratings magnet, thanks to stars like Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, and head coach Andy Reid. But not every matchup deserves the primetime spotlight. As the league gears up to release its 2026 schedule, here are four Chiefs games that should stay far away from Thursday, Sunday, or Monday night.

First up: the Las Vegas Raiders. Sure, they snagged the No. 1 overall pick and a Heisman-winning quarterback in Fernando Mendoza. The NFL might try to sell this as "Mahomes vs. the next big thing," but let’s be real—the Raiders are still a rebuilding project, not a contender. Even if Mendoza doesn’t start right away, the hype around a rookie QB can’t mask that this rivalry has lost its edge. This feels like a regional afternoon game, not a national showcase. Save the lights for something that actually screams must-watch.

Then there’s the Arizona Cardinals. This franchise has been wandering in the wilderness for years, lacking direction and star power beyond Mahomes’ orbit. The idea of putting this matchup in primetime is a stretch. It’s a classic noon kickoff scenario: the Chiefs handle business, and we all move on. No drama, no stakes—just football. Keep it simple.

Look, the Chiefs are still Super Bowl contenders, and fans will tune in for Mahomes no matter what. But the schedule makers need to remember: not every game is built for the big stage. These matchups prove that sometimes, the best games are the ones that fly under the radar.