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40 Facts About NFL Schedule

Kynthia Henderson

Written by Kynthia Henderson

Published: 07 Sep 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Paramountpressexpress.com

How does the NFL create its schedule? The NFL schedule is a masterpiece of planning, involving thousands of hours, computer simulations, and input from top executives. Each team plays 17 regular-season games with one bye week, ensuring every team faces all 31 others at least once every four years. The schedule must balance fan interest, broadcast partners, and logistical challenges. Marquee matchups, international games, and even Christmas Day games on Netflix are all part of the mix. The 2024 season will see games in Brazil, the UK, and Germany, highlighting the NFL's global reach. This intricate process ensures a thrilling season for fans worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NFL schedule has a rich history dating back over a century, with a meticulous creation process involving thousands of computers and key executives.
  • The NFL uses a rotating schedule formula to maintain competitive balance, and teams play 17 regular-season games with one bye week. The league strategically schedules marquee matchups for prime time slots to maximize viewership.
Table of Contents
01The History of the NFL Schedule
02The Complex Creation Process
03Factors Considered in Scheduling
04The Rotating Schedule Formula
05Number of Games and Bye Weeks
06Marquee Matchups and Prime Time Slots
07International Games and Expansion
08Christmas Day Games on Netflix
09Week 17 and 18 Scheduling Flexibility
10Sunday Afternoon Games
11Doubleheaders and Broadcasts
12NFL International Series Expansion
13Week 1: Eagles vs. Packers in Brazil
14Eagles' Opponents in 2024
15Falcons' New Quarterback
16Saints' Historical Performance
17Bills' Marquee Matchups
18Patriots' Rebuild
19Jets' Schedule Challenges
20Falcons' Easy Schedule
21The NFL Schedule: A Masterpiece of Planning

The History of the NFL Schedule

The NFL schedule has a rich history that dates back over a century. Let's explore some key historical facts about how it all began and evolved.

  1. The NFL was founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA), later changing its name to the National Football League in 1922.
  2. The first NFL schedule was created in 1920, marking the beginning of a long tradition of professional football in America.

The Complex Creation Process

Creating the NFL schedule is no small feat. It involves a meticulous process that ensures everything runs smoothly.

  1. Thousands of computers and six key executives are involved in the creation process.
  2. These executives include Hans Schroeder, Michael North, Howard Katz, Blake Jones, Charlotte Carey, Onnie Bose, and Lucy Popko.

Factors Considered in Scheduling

Several factors must be taken into account to create a balanced and fair schedule.

  1. Fan interest, broadcast partners, and logistical challenges are all crucial considerations.
  2. Schedule makers must work around events that may conflict with games, such as concerts or other sports events.

The Rotating Schedule Formula

To maintain competitive balance, the NFL uses a rotating schedule formula.

  1. Every team plays each of the other 31 teams at least once in a four-year period.
  2. This rotation ensures no team has an unfair advantage over others.

Number of Games and Bye Weeks

The structure of the NFL season includes a specific number of games and bye weeks.

  1. Each NFL team plays 17 regular-season games, with one bye week.
  2. Teams alternate seasons where they host nine regular-season games and one preseason game, or eight regular-season games and two preseason games.

Marquee Matchups and Prime Time Slots

The NFL strategically schedules its most exciting matchups to maximize viewership.

  1. Marquee matchups are often scheduled during prime time slots like Thursday, Sunday, or Monday nights.
  2. The Super Bowl champion typically plays at home for the Thursday night game that kicks off the new season.

International Games and Expansion

The NFL has been expanding its reach globally with international games.

  1. The NFL International Series includes games in countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Brazil.
  2. The 2024 season will feature the first-ever regular-season game in Brazil, with a Week 1 game in São Paulo.

Christmas Day Games on Netflix

For the first time, the NFL will feature games on Christmas Day, airing on Netflix.

  1. Four teams will play on Saturday of Week 16 and again on Wednesday, December 25, against different opponents.
  2. This marks Netflix's debut as a live game partner for the NFL.

Week 17 and 18 Scheduling Flexibility

The final weeks of the regular season offer some scheduling flexibility.

  1. In Week 17, three of the five designated matchups will be played on Saturday, with the remainder on Sunday.
  2. In Week 18, two games will be played on Saturday, with the rest on Sunday.

Sunday Afternoon Games

Most NFL games are played on Sunday afternoons, with specific start times.

  1. Early games start at 1:00 p.m. ET, and late games start at either 4:05 p.m. ET or 4:25 p.m. ET.
  2. These games are broadcast on CBS and FOX, with no predetermined network assignment based on conference affiliation.

Doubleheaders and Broadcasts

Doubleheaders are a staple of the NFL schedule, ensuring fans have multiple games to watch each week.

  1. The schedule will feature doubleheaders on both CBS and FOX.
  2. Every market will see four Sunday afternoon games in Weeks 15 and 18.

NFL International Series Expansion

The NFL International Series continues to grow, bringing American football to fans worldwide.

  1. Each team is guaranteed to play internationally at least once every eight years.
  2. The 2024 season will feature games in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

Week 1: Eagles vs. Packers in Brazil

One of the most notable games of the 2024 season is the Eagles' opening game against the Packers in Brazil.

  1. This game marks only eight home games for the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
  2. The Eagles will be the home team in Brazil but anticipate a neutral crowd due to the strong fan bases of both teams.

Eagles' Opponents in 2024

The Philadelphia Eagles will face a diverse set of opponents in the 2024 season.

  1. Their schedule includes games against the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and several other teams.
  2. The Eagles have a 1-5 record against the Packers on opening day, with only one of the six games being played in Philadelphia.

Falcons' New Quarterback

The Atlanta Falcons will feature a new quarterback in the 2024 season.

  1. Kirk Cousins is likely to make his 12th career start against the Eagles.
  2. In his 11 starts against the Eagles, Cousins was 6-5 with a 66.6 completion percentage and a 101.3 passer rating.

Saints' Historical Performance

The New Orleans Saints have a storied history in the NFL.

  1. Under Sean Payton's 15 seasons as head coach, the Saints were 161-97 with nine playoff appearances.
  2. During their other 42 seasons, they had a 261-384 record with 27 losing seasons, five playoff appearances, and one postseason win.

Bills' Marquee Matchups

The Buffalo Bills have several exciting matchups in the 2024 season.

  1. They play all four franchises that made the conference championship games last season, including the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.
  2. The Bills also face the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans, with a notable matchup against Stefon Diggs in Week 5.

Patriots' Rebuild

The New England Patriots are undergoing a rebuild with new leadership.

  1. New head coach Jerod Mayo and likely quarterback Drake Maye will lead the team.
  2. The Patriots face a tough schedule, including games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, and Houston Texans.

Jets' Schedule Challenges

The New York Jets have a mix of favorable and challenging games in their 2024 schedule.

  1. They play only three of their next ten games against teams that made the playoffs last season.
  2. However, December brings tougher challenges with games against the Dolphins post-bye and a road game in Buffalo on Dec. 29.

Falcons' Easy Schedule

The Atlanta Falcons have the easiest schedule in the league based on opponents' 2023 records.

  1. This could set them up for a great seed in the NFC playoffs.
  2. However, relying solely on their easy schedule might be an overreaction, given their past performance even with a favorable schedule.

The NFL Schedule: A Masterpiece of Planning

The NFL schedule is a marvel of planning and coordination. With 17 regular-season games per team, international matchups, and prime-time slots, it’s a complex puzzle. The NFL International Series expands the league's global reach, with games in Brazil, the UK, and Germany. Christmas Day games on Netflix add a new twist, showcasing the league's adaptability.

Marquee matchups and rotating schedules ensure every team faces all others over four years, maintaining competitive balance. The process involves thousands of computer simulations and input from key executives. Fan interest, broadcast partners, and logistical challenges are all considered.

From the Super Bowl champion's opening game to the flexibility of Weeks 17 and 18, the schedule is designed to maximize excitement. It’s a testament to the NFL's commitment to delivering thrilling football, both domestically and internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the deal with Thursday Night Football?
Thursday Night Football has become a staple for fans, kicking off the week's action with a single game. Since 2006, this slot has showcased teams from across the league, offering viewers midweek excitement. Despite mixed feelings from players about the short recovery time, fans relish the extra game night.
How do teams get picked for primetime slots?
Primetime games, especially those on Sunday and Monday nights, feature matchups that draw large audiences. Selection is based on several factors, including previous season performance, star power, and potential storyline interest. Essentially, the NFL aims to schedule games that will keep viewers glued to their screens.
Can teams refuse to play internationally?
In recent years, international games have grown in popularity, with London and Mexico City hosting regular-season contests. While the NFL encourages participation to grow the sport globally, teams have limited say in these assignments. However, logistical concerns and competitive fairness are considered in scheduling.
Why do some teams always seem to have harder schedules?
Schedule difficulty often stems from the NFL's rotating system, where teams face opponents from different divisions each year, combined with their own divisional games. Success in the previous season also plays a role, as higher-performing teams are matched with similarly successful teams, creating a cycle of challenging matchups.
How far in advance is the NFL schedule made?
The NFL schedule is typically released in April, a few months before the season starts. However, the planning process begins much earlier, with the league considering stadium availability, potential conflicts, and other logistics to craft a balanced and compelling schedule for fans and teams alike.
Is there a strategy behind back-to-back road games?
While back-to-back road games might seem like a tough draw, they're part of the complex puzzle the NFL must solve each year. Factors like travel distance, rest periods, and competitive balance are juggled to minimize disadvantages. Sometimes, it's just the luck of the draw in the scheduling process.
Do bye weeks really make a difference?
Absolutely! Bye weeks offer teams a chance to rest, recover from injuries, and prepare for upcoming opponents. This break can be a game-changer, especially for squads dealing with fatigue or looking to adjust strategies mid-season. Teams often emerge from their bye week rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of their schedule head-on.

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