The National Football League is stoking anticipation by teasing a smattering of marquee matchups from the upcoming 2024 regular season schedule, whetting fans’ appetites before the full, resplendent unveiling on Wednesday. As the sports world holds its collective breath, broadcasters are primed to shower the announcement with the over-the-top fanfare it deserves. But first, let’s savor these early morsels of pigskin pageantry.
Week 1: New York Jets @ San Francisco 49ers, Sept. 9, ESPN, 8:20 p.m. ET
In an audacious encore to last year’s injury-marred debacle, the Jets once again seize the coveted Monday Night Football opener, this time facing the formidable 49ers. Can they exorcise the demons of 2023’s calamitous curtain-raiser?
Week 2: Cincinnati Bengals @ Kansas City Chiefs, Sept. 15, CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET
Fresh off their season-opening tilt against the Ravens, the reigning champion Chiefs welcome the Cincinnati Bengals for an early installment of the simmering Mahomes-Burrow rivalry. Expect fireworks when these AFC titans collide.
Week 1: Dallas Cowboys @ Cleveland Browns, Sept. 8, Fox, 4:25 p.m. ET
The Cowboys, ever-popular primetime darlings, take their road show to Cleveland for an afternoon duel with the Browns. But the real spectacle might be Tom Brady’s debut in the broadcast booth for Fox.
Week 1: Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs, Sept. 5, NBC, 8 p.m. ET
A rematch of last year’s epic AFC Championship unfolds on opening night, as Lamar Jackson and the Ravens seek vengeance against Patrick Mahomes’ dynastic Chiefs. Could this be a preview of January’s conference title tilt?
Week 1: Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sept. 6, in São Paulo, Brazil
In a truly global affair, two playoff contenders will christen Brazilian soil for the NFL’s inaugural Friday night game since 1970. The world watches as America’s game goes bilingually berserk!
