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Patrick Mahomes deserves extra pay for primetime games, and even Adam Schefter thinks the NFL owes him

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The Kansas City Chiefs are once again front and center in the NFL ’s 2025 narrative, and it’s not just about football. It’s about entertainment, market value, and the kind of star power that stretches far beyond the field. With eight standalone games and a league-high seven primetime matchups, the Chiefs are clearly the NFL’s marquee attraction this season—and for good reason.

NFL bets big on Kansas City’s star power in 2025

The season kicks off with flair as Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs head to Brazil for a Friday night clash against the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s only the second game the league has hosted there, and the choice of Kansas City to represent the NFL abroad says everything about their global appeal. Add to that Thanksgiving in Dallas against the Cowboys, Christmas Day against the Broncos at Arrowhead, and appearances on nearly every major holiday, and it’s obvious—this season is drenched in red and gold.


ESPN’s Adam Schefter didn’t hold back his thoughts on this Chiefs-centric schedule during his podcast. “It’s unbelievable to me,” Schefter admitted. “Eight standalone games. Seven primetime games. Opening Friday night in Brazil against the Chargers, Thanksgiving Day in Dallas against the Cowboys, Christmas Day in Kansas City against the Broncos. They play on Veterans Day, Presidents’ Day, Hanukkah... If you were sick of Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes and Taylor Swift last year, get ready for this year. It’s going to be [a] Chiefs overload.”

But this isn’t just about entertainment. It’s a reflection of how much Patrick Mahomes means to the NFL's branding and business. As Schefter aptly put it, “They’re milking Patrick Mahomes for whatever he’s worth, and whatever the Chiefs are paying him isn’t enough. The league should have to chip in a stipend for all the ways that the league is benefitting.”

From a purely strategic standpoint, it’s a masterstroke by the NFL. The Chiefs are chasing a potential fourth straight Super Bowl appearance—something that would tie an all-time NFL record. And if they manage a sixth appearance in seven years, it would cement their status as the most dominant franchise of the modern era. Mahomes, Kelce, and even the presence of Taylor Swift continue to provide compelling narratives that stretch far beyond sports media.


Of course, there’s an emotional undercurrent too. This could be Travis Kelce’s final NFL season, a subplot that adds gravitas to every game. With Taylor Swift expected to be in attendance whenever her tour schedule allows, the cultural crossover appeal remains massive. The upcoming six-part docuseries The Kingdom is expected to give fans an inside look at the dynasty’s rise, with no shortage of drama, glory, and insight.

While Kansas City dominates headlines, they aren’t alone in the spotlight. The Washington Commanders, energized by Jayden Daniels’ electric rookie season, also earned eight standalone games. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys—despite a disappointing 2024 campaign and a new head coach—still live up to their “America’s Team” label, proving that legacy still plays a major role in scheduling decisions.

Still, no team brings the full package quite like the Chiefs. They’ve won nine straight AFC West titles, reached the AFC Championship Game for seven consecutive years, and have three Super Bowl wins in the last six seasons. Their 2025 journey, whether it ends in glory or heartbreak, promises to be must-watch television.

Love them or not, the Kansas City Chiefs have become the NFL’s crown jewel—and this season, they’re everywhere.

Also Read: From ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ to NFL royalty: What Brock Purdy’s massive extension means for his legacy, pressure, and future with the 49ers
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