There's just something about playing under the lights for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs went 3-1 in four prime time games last season, averaging 28.0 points per game in their three victories on the big stage, and will have a chance to build on that resume on Thursday night at New England as the two teams kickoff the 2017 season.
Kansas City's success in prime time was no accident last season, as the Chiefs' playmakers were at their best when the country was watching.
A major component of that was rookie wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
"I just like playing under the lights because it reminds me so much of playing in front of my hometown, like Friday Night Lights," Hill said. "I'm always trying to make that big play under the lights because everyone's watching."
Hill made plenty of big plays on the national stage last season, scoring seven of his 12 touchdowns, and did so in a variety of ways.
The versatile Hill scored in each of Kansas City's four prime time games, catching three touchdowns, rushing for two and returning both a kickoff and punt for a score.
The signature moment of his rookie campaign was on a Thursday night against Oakland, when Hill, with the crowd chanting his name, returned a punt 78 yards for a touchdown.
Hill's ability to affect the game in so many different ways looks to be a focal point of Kansas City's offensive attack once again this season.
"We move him around and do different things and he's so fluid and natural at almost all of them," quarterback Alex Smith said. "He's a really talented guy who's worked really hard - especially at the stuff outside of receiver. He works hard to handle all those things we do with him. He's a really talented kid who's on top of it."
Now in his second year in the league, Hill will likely take on an even bigger role on offense this season, beginning with Thursday night's opener.
"(Head Coach Andy Reid) added a little bit more to my plate, but that's what I get paid to do," Hill said. "I'm able to adjust and learn."
Hill and the rest of the Chiefs will have a chance to perform on the national stage six times this season – the most of any team – and it all starts on Thursday night against the Patriots at 7:30 p.m. CT.
