Have you ever wondered why some NFL teams seem to always play under the bright lights, while others, well, they just don't? It's a question many fans ask when the schedule comes out, and it's a pretty interesting one, actually. You might be looking at the upcoming season, maybe for fantasy football, or just as a really big fan, and notice some teams are missing from those big, nationally televised slots.

So, too it's almost, you're not alone in thinking about this. The NFL schedule release is a big deal every year, with lots of chatter about who gets the coveted prime time spots. It feels a bit like a popularity contest sometimes, you know? Teams playing on Thursday, Sunday, or Monday nights get a lot more attention, and that's a big part of the league's appeal.

This article will look at why some teams don't get those prime time games, and which teams typically find themselves in that situation. We'll explore what goes into making the schedule, and how you can still catch all the action, even if your favorite team isn't getting the spotlight. Basically, we'll cover a lot about the NFL schedule and how it works.

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Table of Contents

• What Are Prime Time Games Anyway?
• Why Some Teams Miss Out on the Spotlight
  • Team Performance and Records
  • Market Size and Fan Base
  • Star Players and Exciting Matchups
  • Rivalries and Storylines
• The Usual Suspects: Teams That Often Miss Prime Time
• How to Still Watch Your Team
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Prime Time Games Anyway?

When we talk about prime time games, we're usually thinking about the ones that happen on specific nights. These are the games that get a national audience, not just in their local markets. For instance, there's Thursday Night Football, which you can often see on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, and also sometimes on networks like NBC. That's a big one, for sure.

Then, you have Sunday Night Football, which is a really popular choice for many viewers. This game typically airs on NBC, and it's often seen as the premier game of the week. It usually features two teams that are doing pretty well, or have some sort of interesting story going on. You know, it's the kind of game everyone talks about on Monday morning, more or less.

And of course, there's Monday Night Football. This game has a long history, and it's a tradition for many football fans. You can stream Monday Night Football on ESPN+, as my text mentions, which is pretty handy. These games are picked because they're expected to draw a lot of viewers, so they usually feature teams that are either famous or have a lot of excitement around them. It's a big deal for teams to get one of these slots, obviously.

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Why Some Teams Miss Out on the Spotlight

It's not just random chance when a team doesn't get a prime time game; there are some very specific reasons. The league and the networks work together to create a schedule that they think will get the most people watching. So, if a team isn't pulling in those big numbers, they might get fewer of those special slots. It's a bit of a business decision, you know?

The whole process involves looking at a lot of different things. They want to make sure the games are interesting, competitive, and that they feature teams that people want to see. This means some teams, even if they have passionate local fans, might just not fit the bill for a national audience. It's just how the broadcast side of things works, in a way.

Sometimes, it's about making sure every team gets a fair shake, but other times, it's purely about what will bring in the most viewers. That's why you see certain teams on prime time over and over again. It's all about making the best show possible for the most people, really.

Team Performance and Records

One of the biggest factors, perhaps the most important, is how well a team did the season before. If a team had a really tough year, winning only a few games, they're not usually seen as a very exciting draw for a national audience. People want to watch good football, with teams that have a chance to win. So, a struggling team might get fewer prime time games, naturally.

Think about it: a game between two teams with losing records might not be as appealing as a game between two top contenders. The networks want to show off the best of the best, or at least teams that are competitive. This means teams that are consistently at the bottom of their divisions often find themselves playing mostly on Sunday afternoons. It's just a reality of the sport, basically.

However, if a team makes a big jump, like if they had a bad year but then signed some amazing players or got a new coach, they might get a chance. But generally, past performance is a pretty good indicator of future prime time slots. It's a pretty simple rule, actually.

Market Size and Fan Base

Another thing that plays a part is the size of a team's market and how many fans they have across the country. Teams in big cities, or teams with a very large and dedicated national following, often get more prime time games. These teams bring in more viewers, which is what the networks want. For example, teams like the Dallas Cowboys or the Green Bay Packers, they just have a huge reach. They often get prime time games, you know?

A team in a smaller market, even if they have a loyal local fan base, might not have the same national appeal. This isn't a knock on their fans or their team, it's just a numbers game for the broadcasters. They're looking for the biggest possible audience. So, some teams are just at a disadvantage here, in a way.

It's a balance between showing good football and showing teams that lots of people will tune in to see. Sometimes, a team from a smaller market will get a prime time game if they are doing exceptionally well, but it's not as common as for teams from bigger cities or with a wider following. It's just how it tends to be, usually.

Star Players and Exciting Matchups

Star players are a huge draw for prime time games. People want to watch the best athletes in the world perform, and if a team has a superstar quarterback, a dominant pass rusher, or an amazing wide receiver, they're much more likely to be featured. My text even mentions Rams linebacker Jared Verse, who is determined to be an NFL star; players like him, or those already established, definitely bring eyeballs to the screen. People tune in just to see those individual talents, sometimes.

Beyond individual players, the networks also look for exciting matchups. This means games between two rival teams, or two teams that are both performing at a high level. They want games that are expected to be close and thrilling, with a lot of action. A game that looks like it will be a blowout isn't usually a good choice for prime time, obviously.

So, if a team doesn't have a lot of widely recognized star players, or if their schedule doesn't present many "must-watch" matchups, they might get fewer prime time slots. It's about creating a compelling narrative for the audience. It's a very big part of the planning, actually.

Rivalries and Storylines

The NFL loves a good story, and so do the networks. Games that have a strong rivalry, like the Cowboys vs. Eagles matchup that kicks off the 2025 NFL season on NBC and Peacock, as mentioned in my text, are prime candidates for prime time. These games often have a lot of history, a lot of passion, and a built-in audience. People really get into those kinds of games, so.

Beyond traditional rivalries, there are also other compelling storylines. Maybe a coach is facing his old team, or a player is returning to play against his former teammates. These kinds of narratives add an extra layer of interest to a game, making it more appealing for a national broadcast. It gives people a reason to tune in beyond just the football itself, in a way.

Teams that don't have these strong rivalries or compelling storylines might find it harder to get prime time games. It's all about making the schedule as interesting as possible for the widest audience. It's a pretty big factor, you know?

The Usual Suspects: Teams That Often Miss Prime Time

While the exact list changes every year based on performance and other factors, there are typically certain types of teams that get fewer prime time games. These are often teams that are in a rebuilding phase, meaning they have a lot of young players and are trying to build for the future. They might not be winning many games right now, so they're not seen as a big draw. It's a common pattern, more or less.

Teams that have been consistently at the bottom of their division for several years also tend to miss out. If they haven't shown much improvement, or if they lack a major star player, they're just not as attractive to national broadcasters. It's a tough spot for those fan bases, to be honest.

Sometimes, it's also teams in smaller markets that might not have a huge national following, even if they're doing okay. Unless they suddenly become a Super Bowl contender, they might still get fewer prime time slots than a team from a big market with a similar record. It's just the nature of the beast, apparently.

For example, a team that finished last in their division with only three wins last season would likely have very few, if any, prime time games the following year. They might get one if they play a really popular team, but it's not a given. The schedule makers are trying to maximize viewership, and those teams just don't fit the bill often. It's just a business decision, really.

How to Still Watch Your Team

Even if your favorite team isn't getting a lot of prime time love, there are still plenty of ways to catch their games. Most games are played on Sunday afternoons, and you can usually find them on your local CBS or FOX affiliate. My text mentions CBS Sports has the latest NFL football news, live scores, and more, so they're a good source for finding out where to watch. It's pretty straightforward, actually.

For out-of-market games, there are services like NFL Sunday Ticket, which lets you watch almost any game, no matter where you live. This is a great option for fans who don't live in their team's home market. So, you don't have to miss a single play, even if they're not on national TV. It's a very helpful service, you know?

Also, don't forget about highlights and replays. Visit ESPN for NFL live scores, video highlights, and the latest news, as my text suggests. Even if you miss the live game, you can always catch up on the big plays and important moments. The official YouTube page of the NFL, mentioned in my text, is also a great place for highlights. There are lots of ways to stay connected, in some respects.

You can also keep up with all the news and updates through official sources. Visit the official source for NFL news, NFL schedules, stats, scores, and more, which is NFL.com. They have everything you need to follow your team, whether they're in prime time or not. Get all the latest NFL football news now, as my text says. It's pretty easy to stay informed, honestly.

Learn more about NFL schedules on our site, and link to this page for more team insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have questions about how the NFL schedule works, especially when it comes to prime time games. Here are a few common ones, you know, the kinds of things people ask a lot.

How are prime time games selected?

Prime time games are chosen by the NFL in partnership with the broadcasting networks. They look at a bunch of things, like team records from the previous season, the appeal of star players, important rivalries, and market size. They want to pick games that will bring in the most viewers. It's a careful process, you know, very much so.

Do all teams get at least one prime time game?

No, not every team is guaranteed a prime time game each season. Teams that have struggled in recent years, or those that don't have a lot of national appeal, might not get any prime time slots. It really depends on how the league and networks feel about their potential to draw viewers. It's not a given for everyone, apparently.

Can a team get more prime time games if they start winning?

Yes, absolutely! The NFL has a "flex scheduling" system, especially for Sunday Night Football later in the season. If a team that wasn't originally scheduled for prime time starts performing really well, and their game becomes very important, the league can swap it into a prime time slot. It means that good performance can get you a spot under the lights, so. It's a way to keep things exciting, you know.