The Kansas City Chiefs are being tipped for a comfortable victory over the Las Vegas Raiders this week.
A surprisingly tight win against the struggling Carolina Panthers moved the three-peat chasers to 10-1.
An AFC West showdown with the 2-9 Raiders is up next and the form book would suggest an eighth victory in nine games vs their rivals.
That is what the bookmakers are predicting.
But superstar Raiders pass-rusher Maxx Crosby may have different ideas and divisional games can throw up surprises.
None more so than an unusual Friday kickoff, here’s why.
Why is Chiefs vs Raiders being played on a Friday?
Black Friday – the start of the traditional holiday shopping season – is this week.
NFL bosses are keen to maximize ratings and have already taken the fight to the NBA by invading its traditional Christmas Day schedule.
The Chiefs were also selected for that festive clash and will face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
By adding Black Friday, the Thanksgiving slate can be extended by an extra day.
A showdown between two bitter rivals, including the defending Super Bowl champion, is a strong draw for an afternoon game.
And league chiefs will be hopeful Taylor Swift is at Arrowhead to bring in a wider fanbase as there are no clashes with her Eras Tour.
When did the NFL start playing on Black Friday?
This is the second year that the NFL has scheduled a game the day after Thanksgiving.
It was supposed to be Aaron Rodgers‘ New York Jets facing the Miami Dolphins in 2023 until the veteran’s season-ending injury.
In the end, Tim Boyle suited up for Gang Green after fans grew tired of Zach Wilson.
The Dolphins ended up securing a 34-13 rout.
Will there be a Black Friday game next year?
Amazon has NFL rights through 2032 but its Black Friday games are awarded on a year-by-year basis.
Both the commerce giant and NFL are keen to extend a partnership they see as a natural fit.
Prime Video VP Jay Marine called it “a perfect marriage,”
NFL Media EVP Hans Schroeder celebrated “an opportunity for us to continue to innovate with Amazon” and an experience that “will feel a little bit different and unique for that day.”
The company has sold out its ad slots with around 40% of the advertisers new to the game, it revealed.
Amazon is also adding NBA contests, meaning it looks like the Black Friday slot is here to stay.
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