The 2024 NFL season is shaping up to be an exciting chapter in professional football. With a host of changes, thrilling matchups, and new faces in the league, fans are eagerly anticipating the kickoff. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming season.
Key Dates and Schedule
The 2024 NFL season, the league's 105th, begins on Sept. 5, 2024, with the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, hosting the Baltimore Ravens. The regular season will run through Jan. 5, 2025, culminating in the playoffs, which start on Jan. 11. Super Bowl LIX will be held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Feb. 9, 2025. The Pro Bowl is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2025, with the location yet to be announced.
As fans gear up for the season, many are already analyzing the opening games and considering their betting options. For example, those interested in Bills spread bets will particularly look forward to Buffalo's opening game with the Arizona Cardinals followed by a showdown with rival Miami the following week.
Player Movement
The 2024 NFL offseason has been marked by a flurry of player transactions, including high-profile trades, free agency signings, and notable retirements, reshaping team rosters and setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Free Agency Highlights
Free agency began on March 13, 2024, bringing significant player movement across the league. Notable quarterback changes include:
Calvin Ridley moved from Jacksonville to Tennessee.
Kirk Cousins left Minnesota for Atlanta.
Russell Wilson transitioned from Denver to Pittsburgh.
Other major signings include:
Saquon Barkley joined the Philadelphia Eagles.
Josh Jacobs moved to the Green Bay Packers.
Gardner Minshew signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Trades
Several notable trades have reshaped team rosters this NFL season. For instance, the Buffalo Bills traded wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, while the Kansas City Chiefs sent cornerback L’Jarius Snead to the Tennessee Titans. Additionally, the Bears made a significant change at quarterback, sending Justin Fields to the Steelers so they could start a new era with Caleb Williams.
Retirements
The league will bid farewell to several iconic players. Notably, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, a ten-time Pro Bowler and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, announced his retirement. Other retirements include long-time Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and quarterback Matt Ryan.
Rule Changes
The NFL has introduced several rule changes for the 2024 season:
Hip-drop tackles are now illegal, drawing a 15-yard penalty.
Coaches will receive a third challenge if one of their first two challenges is upheld.
Major fouls committed by the offense will now be enforced if both teams commit a foul on a play that results in a change of possession.
Kickoff rules have been adjusted for a one-year trial, aiming to enhance player safety. The kicking team’s players (minus the kicker) will line up on the opponents’ 40-yard line while the receiving team will have two players back while the other nine line up between their own 30 and 35-yard line.
International Series
The 2024 NFL International Series will feature five games outside the United States. For the first time, a regular season game will be played in South America, with the Green Bay Packers facing the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil. London will host three games, while Munich, Germany, will see the New York Giants take on the Carolina Panthers.
Thanksgiving and Christmas Games
As part of the tradition, three games will be played on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 2024:
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers
Additionally, two games are scheduled for Christmas Day, December 25, 2024:
Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans
Flexible Scheduling
Flexible scheduling continues to be a significant aspect of the NFL season, with Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football games eligible for rescheduling to optimize viewership. This flexibility allows for the most compelling matchups to be featured during prime time slots, particularly in the later weeks of the season. Sunday Night Football will continue to provide flex scheduling if determined during the second half of the season.
Preseason and Training Camps
Training camps are set to open on July 24, 2024, with the preseason kicking off on Aug. 1 with the Hall of Fame Game between the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans. This game will honor new Hall of Fame inductees like Devin Hester, Steve McMichael, Julius Peppers, and Andre Johnson.
Playoffs and Super Bowl LIX
The postseason will begin with the wild-card round on Jan. 11-13, 2025. The Divisional Round will follow on Jan. 18-19, leading up to the Conference Championships on Jan. 26. The season will conclude with Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025, the first time a Super Bowl has been played in the city in 12 years and the 10th time overall.
Conclusion
The 2024 NFL season promises to be an unforgettable journey filled with thrilling games, significant player movements, and historic moments. With a robust schedule, international games, and innovative rule changes, fans have much to look forward to. Whether you're rooting for the reigning champions or an underdog, the upcoming season is sure to deliver excitement from kickoff to the final whistle.