One of the most glaring things about the Las Vegas Raiders' 2024 schedule was the lack of primetime games. The Raiders technically got just one after getting five last season, but they also have a Black Friday contest.
The only game that is in what is considered a primetime slot is the Raiders' Week 15 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night, which has the potential to be flexed out. The Black Friday contest against the Kansas City Chiefs has a noon PT start time in Week 13.
So, what's behind the Raiders' lack of primetime games? Is it because the league hates the Raiders or simply thinks they aren't good enough to warrant them? Does it have to do with past ratings?
Someone who thinks it might have to do with the last suggestion is Tristen Kuhn of TWSN, who notes that the Raiders' primetime games last season didn't do great in terms of ratings.
Primetime is fun but if you’re not drawing views
— Tristen Kuhn (@KuhnTristen) May 16, 2024
It is at least somewhat surprising the Raiders didn't do better in the ratings for those games, considering the size of the fan base. The good news is, fans on the east coast won't have many late nights.
SB Nation's Bill Williamson also weighed-in, and he believes the Raiders getting so many primetime games last season had to do with the league wanting to showcase Allegiant Stadium ahead of it hosting the Super Bowl.
For all the people stunned and/or offended that #Raiders have just two standalone games this year after having six last season, remember, the NFL was showcasing Allegiant Stadium leading up to Super Bowl. Las Vegas hosted 4 night games.
— Bill Williamson (@BWilliamsonNFL) May 16, 2024
Whatever the case may be, it's a logical thought to believe past ratings prevented the NFL from giving Las Vegas more primetime games. One thing that could also help the Raiders get more primetime games is winning more. Doing that will increase interest in the team, which in turn will help ratings.
