The Texans-Chiefs playoff game was the most-watched game in ESPN history. 24 million people streamed Texans-Ravens (unfortunately). And before anyone gives the credit to Mahomes and the Chiefs or Beyonce - yes, match-ups matter. They didn't schedule any of the Bengals/Browns games in prime time/late afternoon showcase. And the Texans' schedule this year, frankly, is limp - based on last year, they have four "marquee" match-ups, and two are in prime time. I think the NFL is giving the Texans a prove-it year: they recognize they're very good (thus the four prime time games) - but want to make sure the offense is worthy of being showcased. If the offense looks more like it did in '23, I think the Texans will be all over the showcase games next year (assuming they make noise in playoffs, of course). They also have a MUCH better schedule (Cowboys, Eagles, Commanders, Ravens, Steelers, Bengals + AFCW & NFCN division winners if Texans win South).
Bengals are more entertaining to watch than the Texans. Burrow, Chase, etc thats an exciting offense. NFL saw the national audience subjected to Slowiks putrid offense of running on 1st and 2nd down then incomplete pass on 3rd and long. That ain't entertaining
The Bucs, Bengals, and Seahawks also with 4 prime time games…. The Giants, Radiers, Patriots and Bears still have 3. The Bengals (2) and Bears (1) have national 3:25 games. With more prime time slots (MNF double headers, TNF every week) and one more week on the schedule, iit’s no longer the biggest separator. It is cool to see how many regional coverage noon or 3pm games either the Chiefs (4), Lions (4), Eagles (6), Bills (7) Commanders (6) or the Cowboys (5) have. The Texans have 11 (and the 2 shitty MNF double header games). The networks definitely want them to “prove” it. They’ll give them the Detroit treatment (at least) if they can get a conference championship appearance or just have one truly elite season.
