The NFL schedule release is one of the most anticipated events for football fans nationwide. It’s when fans can start planning which games to attend, which matchups to circle on their calendars, and what weekends will be dedicated to watching football.
The 2024 NFL season promises to be exciting, with thrilling matchups, international games, and special events. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 NFL schedule.
Prime Time Game Lineup for 2024
Prime time games are the highlight of each week, featuring some of the most anticipated matchups. Here’s a breakdown of the 2024 prime-time game schedule:
Sunday Night Football
Sunday Night Football is a big deal every week. It features the best matchups and most prominent stars. Check out any sports betting page to support your team and have a chance to win big. Here are some games to look forward to:
- Week 1: Rams at Lions
- Week 2: Bears at Texans
- Week 3: Chiefs at Falcons
- Week 4: Bills at Ravens
- Week 5: Cowboys at Steelers
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a great way to start your week with exciting games. Here are some key matchups:
- Week 1: Jets at 49ers
- Week 2: Falcons at Eagles
- Week 3: Commanders at Bengals, Jaguars at Bills
- Week 4: Seahawks at Lions, Titans at Dolphins
- Week 5: Saints at Chiefs
Thursday Night Football
Thursday Night Football lets you start the weekend early with some football action. Check out these games:
- September 19 — Patriots at Jets
- September 26 — Cowboys at Giants
- October 3 — Bucs at Falcons
- October 10 — 49ers at Seahawks
- October 17 — Broncos at Saints
To ensure the best matchups in prime time, the NFL uses flex scheduling, allowing them to shift games into the Sunday Night Football slot later in the season. This flexibility ensures that the most exciting and impactful games are featured prominently.
Kickoff Game: Season Opener Details
The 2024 NFL season starts with an exciting matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs. This game will be held on Thursday, September 5, at 8:20 p.m. ET and shown on NBC and Peacock.
This season opener is a big deal for several reasons. It features two of the league’s top quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson of the Ravens, who is known for his speed and playmaking, and Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, who is famous for his strong arm and creative plays.
Both teams are playoff contenders. The Chiefs want to defend their title after a successful season, and the Ravens aim for a deep playoff run. Winning the first game sets a positive tone for the season, so both teams will be eager to start strong.
Expect explosive offences from both teams, making for an exciting game with many big plays and potentially high scores. Key players to watch include Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill for the Chiefs and Marquise Brown and J.K. Dobbins for the Ravens.
International Games Schedule for 2024
The 2024 NFL season will feature five international games, allowing fans worldwide to experience live NFL action. These games are an exciting opportunity for the NFL to grow its global fan base and for international fans to see their favourite teams and players in person. Here’s the full international games schedule:
Week 1: Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paulo
The season starts with the Green Bay Packers taking on the Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This game will be held at Corinthians Arena on September 6. It’s the first NFL game ever played in Brazil, giving South American fans a unique chance to see two top teams in action.
Week 5: New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings in London
In Week 5, the Jets will play the Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. London games always attract large, enthusiastic crowds, and this Jets vs. Vikings matchup should be no exception.
Week 6: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears in London
The following week, also at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Jacksonville Jaguars will play the Chicago Bears. The Jaguars often play in London and have built a solid fan base there. This game allows British fans to see the Bears, one of the NFL’s historic teams.
Week 7: New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars in London
Week 7 features another London game at Wembley Stadium, where the New England Patriots will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Wembley is known for hosting large, passionate crowds, and the Patriots, with their global fan base, are sure to draw a lot of attention.
Week 10: New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers in Munich
Finally, in Week 10, the international series heads to Munich, Germany, where the New York Giants will face the Carolina Panthers at Allianz Arena. This game is part of the NFL’s expansion into Germany, where interest in American football is growing. The atmosphere in Munich is expected to be fantastic.
Thanksgiving Day Matchups for 2024
Thanksgiving Day games are a cherished tradition, and the 2024 tripleheader promises to be exciting:
- Lions vs Packers: Kickoff at 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
- Cowboys vs Giants: Followed by a 4:30 p.m. ET game on Fox.
- Packers vs Dolphins: The day concludes with an 8:20 p.m. ET game on NBC.
These matchups ensure a day full of football and festivities.
Christmas Day Games in 2024
This year, two games will be played on Christmas Day, offering fans even more holiday excitement:
- Chiefs vs Steelers: The Kansas City Chiefs will play against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh.
- Ravens vs Texans: The Baltimore Ravens will face the Houston Texans in Houston.
Both games will be streamed on Netflix, allowing fans to enjoy the holiday action.
Start of the 2024 NFL Preseason
The 2024 NFL preseason starts with the Hall of Fame Game, featuring the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears. This game will occur at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 1, in Canton, Ohio, marking the official start of preseason activities.
Super Bowl LIX: Mark Your Calendar
The culmination of the 2024 NFL season will be Super Bowl LIX, held at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This event, scheduled for February 9, 2025, promises to be a spectacular end to the season.
Takeaway
The 2024 NFL schedule is packed with exciting matchups, international games, and special events to keep fans entertained all season long. Mark your calendars, plan your watch parties, and prepare for an unforgettable NFL football season!
