With the 2024 NFL schedule released, just about everything is set for the 2024 season. Here’s three games we’re thrilled to watch.
With the NFL releasing the 2024 NFL schedule, the go ahead for the new season is almost here. While we knew who each team was going to play– when and at what time left some mystery. So much goes into concocting the NFL schedule: countless hours of planning, choosing the right location, and on what day of the week two teams should play.
Whether a team that plays on a Sunday should play the following Thursday night on a big game or who gets a mini bye with a Thursday night game followed by a Monday night appearance. So many factors outside of football are all at play. We decided to break down and choose three of what we think are the best games this upcoming season.
Green Bay-San Francisco Rematch II
WEEK 12, 4:25 PM ET, FOX
A rematch of last year’s Divisional Round matchup, the Green Bay Packers host the San Francisco 49ers. A storied rivalry that has been fought for years, both teams have managed to keep a large part of their roster. The Packers haven’t added offensive weapons but have bolstered up on defense. While Green Bay didn’t give up too many points in their 21-24 loss last year– their defense gave up pivotal plays in key moments throughout the game.
Both offenses stem from the Shanahan tree with Matt LaFleur being the mastermind who learned under 49ers’ head coach during both of their time in Washington. As an offensive nut, this matchup is one of mythic proportions. LaFleur is in year two post-Aaron Rodgers. This means he can command an offense of his choosing with a second-year team that has shown exponential signs of growth.
The 49ers on the other end also have one of the best offenses in the league, Brock Purdy led the league in yards per attempt and average net yards per attempt at 9.0 according to Sports Info Solutions. The 49ers are explosive and have plenty of weapons, especially with the addition of Ricky Pearsall in this year’s NFL Draft.
CJ Stroud-AR15 Showdown (Colts at Texans)
WEEK 8, 1 PM EST, CBS
CJ Stroud’s monster year has only been aided by an influx of talent arriving in Houston by way of the Texans’ brass. The offense has gotten brand new weapons such as Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon. The 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year will look to have a sophomore campaign for the books as the Texans look to move past the Divisional Round. They will face another budding young gun in Week 8 though.
The two face off first in Week 1, but that’s Anthony Richardson’s first game back from injury and there might be some kinks to work out. But you can bet that Shane Steichen, the Colts’ head coach will be willing and prepared to take on the hottest young team in football in Week 8 in an AFC South matchup.
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The Texans also got much better on defense, drafting Kamari Lassiter in the second round to play cornerback and Calen Bullock to play safety from USC. Houston also signed big-ticket free agent Danielle Hunter who was one of the top free agents going into this year. The Texans were middle of the pack when it came to passer rating against– 90.4 according to Sports Info Solutions. The question now is can Anthony Richardson prove the holes in the defense or are the Texans good enough to take care of business on that front.
The AFC South is one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL and each year it’s always down to the wire. This year is no different and this is a critical game.
Jets Offensive Line vs. The Steelers’ Front
WEEK 7, 8:30 PM EST, NBC
You want to know the true test of a successful football team? Look at their offensive line. The same reason Aaron Rodgers got injured in the early moments of the football season last year and the same reason that the New York Jets were a cesspool of sacks and poor offensive play could be attributed to the failures of the offensive line. PFF ranked the New York Jets as the third-worst offensive line in 2023 in terms of pass-blocking. That was a point of emphasis for the offseason.
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Their flagship draft pick Olu Fashanu must be play-ready come August. The Steelers’ front will be a true test for him. Fashanu at Penn State dazzled, earning an 88.4 grade from PFF for his pass blocking skills. Now, he’ll face the fourth-best pass rush in 2023 with a 7.3% sack percentage and 2.8 sacks per game.
Aaron Rodgers must be protected for this entire system to work and if the Pittsburgh Steelers can get to the quarterback with new draftees Payton Wilson and Logan Lee— they are a force to be reckoned with. Cameron Heyward still maintains his status as a force to be reckoned with and TJ Watt hasn’t lost any steam.
