Oakland Raiders: 5 Possible Prime-time Games in 2012

Luis Reyes – Apr 3, 2012

Last season we saw the Raiders play two primetime games, Week one against the Broncos on Monday Night Football, and week nine against the Chargers on Thursday Night Football. After another 8-8 season we can expect a similar primetime schedule for the Raiders this upcoming season.

The fans are very intrigued on what the Raiders will be doing this season with a completely different front office making the calls, so that might help the Raiders get a few more primetime games. I’m going to mention five possible games that might go primetime, but let’s keep in mind this does not mean the Raiders will have five primetime games in the season.

Oakland Raider @ Denver Broncos

If the Raiders were to have a primetime game in 2012 this would have to be one of them. Not just because of the Raiders, but because of Peyton Manning playing at home against one the Broncos’ most dreaded rivals. All eyes will be on Peyton this year so it’s safe to assume any team playing in Denver this season is very probable to play in primetime.

My prediction will be another Monday Night game in week 1 just like in 2012. That would set perfect scenery for every fan around the world to see a very close game and see what Mr. Peyton Manning will bring this season. The Raiders have won four in a row in Mile High, and won last meeting 23-20.

Oakland Raider @ Baltimore Ravens

This will be one of three games the Raiders will play in the east side of the country. The Ravens should have a decent amount of primetime games due to their performance and record last season, as well as all the attention they received.

The league did say they will take in consideration schedules for teams on short weeks and teams traveling coast to coast, so a primetime game here would make sense. Especially since the other Eastern Time games are against the Dolphins and the Bengals, two teams that will not have as many primetime games, especially against a.500 team.

The Ravens lead the all-time series 5-1, and won the last meeting in Baltimore 29-10 in 2008.

New Orleans Saints @ Oakland Raiders

The Saints had four primetime games last season and I doubt that changes this season. There is a chance the bounty gate scandal might affect the way the league makes the schedule but at the end of the day it’s all about the viewers, and the Saints sure do get a lot of views when they play.

It will be interesting to see how Raiders head coach Dennis Allen plays against one of his former employers. With all the issues and drama surrounding the Saints this season this will definitely be a fun game to follow. Besides, the Raiders haven’t had a Primetime game in Oakland since 2009.

Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers

Every season there is big hype about the San Diego Chargers, and because of that same reason the Raiders/Chargers rivalry grows more and more every year. The Chargers have made some interesting changes to their roster this season so without a doubt it should be very interesting to see how they match up against the Raiders.

Chargers and Raiders games have always been fun to watch, and have been shown in primetime in four of the last five seasons.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders

Every single game between these two teams in the past two seasons have been extremely exciting (except for last season where Boller and Palmer threw six interceptions). The Kansas City Chiefs have added a lot of high profile players and will be getting a lot of attention not just from the media, but from every other team as well.

AFC West rivalry games always call in high audiences and barely ever are blacked out. I doubt this game will be the exception. Let’s not forget the Raiders sold out every home game last season, so that is something the Raider Nation should be rewarded for. A primetime game at home against the rival Chiefs would be great compensation for the loyal fans.