We’re again to hurtling in direction of the NFL common season with schedules being launched on Thursday, Could 9 in preparation for the 2024 season. All we’re ready for at this level are the dates and instances, with opponents being introduced again in January.
How the schedule will piece collectively stays to be seen, however these are the video games it’s best to get able to circle in your calendars upon launch — as a result of they’re going to completely rule.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs vs. Buffalo Payments
We’ve accomplished this loads of instances earlier than, nevertheless it by no means will get previous. Chiefs vs. Payments is without doubt one of the NFL’s nice trendy rivalries, and what started with offensive shootouts has develop into extra fascinating as Kansas Metropolis has dedicated to protection.
These video games are at all times like boxing heavyweight title matches. Two heavy hitters circling one another, getting small jabs in — after which invariably all hell breaks unfastened and we see a flurry of haymakers to shut it out.
Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen doing their factor is simply enjoyable, and this yr has the added wrinkle of first-round decide Xavier Worthy, who the Payments handed to the Chiefs within the draft through a commerce.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles Chargers
This marks the return of Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh — in one of the simplest ways attainable. The hope shall be that this occurs just a little later within the yr so Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers have time to set their system and get comfy in it, however both approach it’s going to be fascinating.
Los Angeles signed the Ravens’ prime two operating backs in free company in J.Ok. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, with Jim figuring out the form of gamers he and his brother worth. We additionally get a face-off between two nice defenses, and two superb quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert.
There’s not rather more to ask for right here.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos
THE DRAMA!
The Russell Wilson experiment in Denver was an abject catastrophe, not just for the document of the Broncos — however their wage cap. In the long run Wilson was unceremoniously dumped, however not earlier than he agreed to signal with the Steelers and attempt to develop into their lacking piece.
This can be a assertion recreation for each groups. Sean Payton will wish to try to show that he was proper and Russ was the issue, whereas Wilson will look to dismantle the rebuilding Broncos and present that he’s nonetheless bought it.
Don’t count on this to be an particularly good recreation, as a result of Denver wants quite a bit of labor — nevertheless it’s going to be enjoyable nonetheless.
Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears
How can two of the worst groups within the NFL a yr in the past be a recreation to observe? Merely put: the intrigue behind all of it.
There’s super hype behind the Bears (and rightfully so) after they drafted Caleb Williams with the No. 1 decide, whereas including Rome Odunze to a receiver room with D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen. That is Chicago’s finest effort to show the nook. Nevertheless, the actual motive that is fascinating is due to the commerce historical past between these groups.
The Panthers are nonetheless resolute that they made the precise name taking Bryce Younger with the primary decide in 2023, believing that incoming head coach Dave Canales can work his magic with Younger the identical approach he did with Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay. There’s a timeline right here the place the traded No. 1 picks in back-to-back years imply the QBs on these groups might have simply switched if the Bears pulled the plug on Justin Fields a yr earlier, taking Younger.
These are two determined franchises making an attempt to rebuild and it’ll be a fantastic litmus take a look at of how that is going.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings
Do we have to say any extra right here? The NFL actually crafted this schedule with beef in thoughts, as this would be the first time Kirk Cousins faces his previous workforce.
Cousins’ free company determination despatched shockwaves by means of the league, after it was anticipated he’d simply re-ink with the Vikings and attempt to run it again. It left Minnesota able the place they needed to make strikes to safe a quarterback, whereas the Falcons seemed to be in win-now mode till they took Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 general decide.
That call must be talked about in each dialogue surrounding the Falcons in 2024.
In any occasion, this shall be actually enjoyable to observe. It’s not like there’s dangerous blood, nevertheless it’ll be curious to see whether or not Cousins wager on the precise horse by shifting to the NFC South in pursuit of wins, or if he would have been higher off sticking in Minnesota.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Tremendous Bowl rematch is at all times enjoyable to observe, and this yr there’s just a little extra to it.
Kansas Metropolis had a very robust offseason by solidifying their receiving place with Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy, whereas additionally tackling their greatest difficulty by re-signing Chris Jones to a long-term extension. It’s full steam forward for Ok.C., and so they determine to be within the combine as soon as extra.
It’s San Francisco the place issues really feel extra tenuous. Sick of being the bridesmaid, the 49ers appear to be approaching their breaking level with dozens of offseason rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. This recreation will go an extended technique to decide whether or not this workforce are world beaters as soon as extra, of if cracks are beginning to widen.
New York Jets vs. … whoever
Actually circle any Jets recreation this season. 2024 will mark whether or not or not this Aaron Rodgers experiment was price it, or if it turns into a large number. The whole lot on paper tells us that New York shall be in a spot to contend, however there’s rising sentiment that perhaps Robert Saleh doesn’t have what it takes to maintain all this collectively.
This season will both mark the final large run of Rodgers’ NFL profession, of put the Jets again within the stone ages the place they don’t have any future hope by going all-in on a dud. There’s no technique to predict which approach it will go in both path, and that makes it might’t-miss soccer.
