The NFL season is set to kick off in less than two weeks with the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, facing off against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5. The first regular-season game in Brazil is scheduled for Friday night, September 6, between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers. This marks the first Friday night game as part of the opening week schedule since 1970.
Week 1 of the NFL season will feature several exciting matchups, including the Rams versus Lions on September 8, showcasing quarterbacks Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford. The following day, on September 9, the Jets will take on the 49ers, potentially marking the return of Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after a shortened 2023 season due to injury.
In Week 2, fans can look forward to a matchup between the Bears and Texans on September 15, featuring rookie quarterback Caleb Williams for the Bears and C.J. Stroud for the Texans. Additionally, a highly anticipated game on November 25 will see the Ravens facing off against the Chargers, with coaching brothers John and Jim Harbaugh on opposite sides.
The NFL has implemented new kickoff rules, incorporating elements from the XFL and adapting them for NFL use starting this season. These rules will undergo a one-year trial period and may be renewed in 2025. The preseason exhibition games have already showcased some changes in kickoffs, with more returns, fewer touchbacks, and occasional confusion leading to rare plays like safeties.
Rookie quarterbacks are also making headlines this season, with top draft picks like Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix potentially starting for their respective teams. Daniels has been named the starter for the Washington Commanders, while Maye might start for the New England Patriots, and Nix has secured the starting position for the Denver Broncos.
Teams are strategizing for the upcoming season, and fans can expect an exciting start to the NFL with some rookie quarterbacks taking the field and new kickoff rules in place.