The NFL is slowly leaking the schedule of the marquee primetime games for 2009 and the first batch of released teams doesn't include the Chiefs.
Below is a list of the games the NFL schedule makers have released.
Thursday Night Season Opener
- Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers
A new tradition is for the reigning Super Bowl champs to kick off the season with a Thursday night game. Since the Baltimore Ravens asked the NFL not to schedule a night game in Pittsburgh, Tennessee was the next best choice.
Opening Sunday Night Football
- Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
One of the NFL's oldest rivalries.
Opening Monday Night Football Doubleheader
- Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
- San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders
Oakland after dark? No thank you.
Thanksgiving Day/Night
- Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
- Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys
- New York Giants at Denver Broncos
Three AFC West teams, including two for the Oakland Raiders, and none for the Chiefs. Ouch.
It's the AFL's 50th anniversary so that's likely the reason for multiple games for the Raiders.
We've gotta wait for the NFL to release the full Sunday night and Monday night games, hopefully one of which will include the Chiefs. The schedule is usually released the week of the NFL Draft (April 25th-26th).