Friday, April 17, 2026

Chiefs-Bills Clash Could Set Ratings High, and CBS Is Going Big

The NFL’s game of the year so far could also bring its top viewership, and it is getting special coverage from CBS Sports.

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This Sunday’s Chiefs-Bills game from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., is no ordinary regular-season contest, and it certainly isn’t being treated that way, either. 

The high-profile clash between the top two teams in the American Football Conference was already set for national-level coverage on CBS in the key 4:25 p.m. ET broadcast window, and it is being billed as the NFL’s game of the year so far. The network, however, is supplementing that status by bringing its The NFL Today pregame studio show to Highmark Stadium, an on-site broadcasting plan for that program normally reserved for the Super Bowl and conference championship game. 

“Yeah!” The NFL Today’s Nate Burleson screamed on-air with clenched fists upon the network’s announcement of the on-location presence. “I can’t wait to go to Buffalo. Can’t wait!”

As a result, the matchup could challenge the 2024 league opener between the Chiefs and Ravens, which drew an average of 29.2 million viewers, as the most-watched game of the regular season.

Lots of Appeal

Beyond the on-field supremacy of both teams, there are plenty of storylines with each franchise—and between them—to help draw in viewers.

The Chiefs, of course, are the two-time defending Super Bowl champions and will enter the game with a 9–0 record as Kansas City continues its pursuit of an undefeated season, one dramatically extended this past Sunday with a blocked field goal against the Broncos as time expired. The team has also supplanted the struggling Cowboys as the top television draw in the NFL.  

The Bills, meanwhile, have raced to their first 8–2 mark since 1993, the last of their four straight Super Bowl seasons during that early 1990s dynasty, and have one of the league’s most celebrated fan groups with Bills Mafia. Star quarterback Josh Allen has elevated his game even further to become a serious candidate for NFL Most Valuable Player. A forthcoming new stadium, also to be known as Highmark Stadium, is moving along in construction and remains on target to open for the 2026 season. 

Kansas City, meanwhile, has ended the Bills’ season three of the last four years, including a 27–24 divisional-round win last season in Buffalo, and a dramatic 42–36 overtime victory at Arrowhead Stadium in the same playoff round of the 2021 season. 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) heads for the locker room after the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. The Bills overcame a halftime deficit to win 39-34.

Joe Flacco Sounds Alarm on 18-Game Schedule

The veteran QB warns such expansion could hurt the playoffs.

Ex-Alabama Player Used NFL Disguises in $20M Fraud, Feds Say

Prosecutors say Luther Davis posed as three NFL players.

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
Brandon Marshall Portfolio Players

Brandon Marshall Nearly Quit FS1 Over Nick Wright Argument

Marshall tells FOS he took issue with Wright’s lack of “take integrity.”
Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Azzi Fudd poses for a photo on the orange carpet before the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
April 16, 2026

Wings Shut Down Question to Azzi Fudd About Paige Bueckers Relationship

The Wings selected Fudd first overall earlier this week.
A smartphone showing the Netflix logo is held in front of a television displaying the Netflix home screen with Top 10 content rows in Paris, Ile de France, France, February 28, 2026. The scene illustrates video on demand streaming and second screen viewing on connected devices.
April 16, 2026

Netflix: There’s ‘Opportunity to Expand the Relationship’ With NFL

The streaming giant touts big results from its live sports content.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
LIV Golf livestream
April 16, 2026

LIV Golf Loses Mexico Livestream for Nearly Three Hours

The league’s broadcast feeds were down for more than an hour.
Apr 25, 2024; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Kevin Kisner reacts to his shot from the 14th tee during the first round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 16, 2026

NBC’s Kevin Kisner Apologizes for Torching CBS Masters Coverage

Kisner admitted he “crossed the line” with his now-viral rant.
The Miz Stephen A. Smith WWE
April 16, 2026

ESPN Going All Out for WWE WrestleMania in Las Vegas

There has been plenty of crossover between ESPN and WWE this week.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) in the second half during a NFL game at Corinthians Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images
exclusive
April 16, 2026

NFL, YouTube in Advanced Talks for 5-Game Package

The deal has yet to be finalized.