Titans, Saints, Browns Shut Out of Primetime

The NFL excluded the Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, and Cleveland Browns from all primetime games in the 2025 season, citing a policy that teams must 'play their way into primetime.' Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward, taken No. 1 overall in the 2025 Draft, became the first top pick quarterback since 2011 to lack a primetime game as a rookie. The Saints ended a 25-year primetime streak amid a rebuild under new coach Kellen Moore and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, while network executives expressed doubt about their near-term competitiveness. Flex scheduling could allow these teams a primetime slot later in the season. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers each received four primetime games, reflecting their recent successes and marketability, with the Steelers also slated for an international game in Dublin. The NFL's scheduling choices underscore the emphasis on recent performance and fan interest over offseason acquisitions.