The Houston Texans will take the national stage at least six times this regular season.
It's a big deal no matter how you look at it, whether it's too much hype too soon, or just enough attention given to a rising NFL squad.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged everyone at NRG Stadium is fired up about the recognition, even though his focus is on getting the team ready to play no matter the time, date, or who's watching.
"With the schedule release, of course everyone is excited about the schedule and what we have in store," Ryans said after Tuesday's practice. "I think for us, the guys have really earned the right to have the nationally televised games. I know it's a big deal for everybody with the nationally televised games. More people get to see what we're about. For me, it's all about our team going out and playing great football. Whatever day we're schedule to play, whoever we're scheduled to play, we just have to go out and be the best team that day.
"But, I know our fans are fired up and excited about all the games that we get on national television. It's good. It's good for the organization, it's a good spot to be in. The most nationally televised games we've had as an organization, so it is a credit to everyone around this building. Not just the team, but everyone for the work they've put in."
Without seeing anyone play a game yet, the toughest part of the Texans' schedule is arguably the 10-day stretch in which they play three games in December.
Ryans is not one to complain.
"I appreciate the question about the three games in 10 days, [but] that's so far away that we can't do anything about that right now," the coach said when asked about it. "We don't schedule the games. With other teams, that's been done before. So, it's not like it's something that's never been done before. We'll figure out a way to make it work."
