NFL Schedule 2024: Ranking the 7 Biggest Games as Schedule Release Nears
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff (16) checks the San Francisco 49ers defense prior to a play.
We won’t know the full details of the 2024 NFL schedule until its official release on Wednesday, May 15. But we already know the full home and away opponents lists for each team, meaning it’s not too early to start thinking about next season’s biggest games.
With the NFL schedule release just around the corner, let’s look at some of the top matchups to look forward to.
7 Biggest Games on 2024 NFL Schedule
Chiefs at 49ers
It’s a rematch of Super Bowl LVIII. What else needs to be said?
San Francisco will be looking to avenge its overtime loss in the Big Game, while Kansas City will look to pull off a massive road win. Both teams will be looking to make statements and should be top contenders. This might not be the most important game for playoff-seeding purposes, but it checks every other box.
Lions at 49ers
The Niners will host both of their top rematches. Talk about scheduling luck.
San Francisco bested Detroit in the NFC Championship Game, so the Lions will have revenge on their minds. And you know that Dan Campbell’s team won’t be intimidated by a hostile crowd. This game is likely ticketed for prime time and could have major ramifications for NFC playoff seeding.
Ravens at Chiefs
Another rematch, this time between the two teams that played in the AFC Championship Game. That’s enough of a selling point, but this game also will pit Patrick Mahomes, the best quarterback in football, against defending MVP Lamar Jackson.
This game also is destined for prime time, with some believing it could serve as the NFL season opener on Thursday, Sept. 5.
Eagles vs. Packers (Brazil Game)
Philadelphia and Green Bay will meet in Brazil on Friday, Sept. 6. The NFL will be jazzed up about adding another international venue to its lineup, but fans will also look forward to this marquee matchup.
Are Jordan Love and the Packers legit, or was last season’s playoff run a fluke? Are the Eagles the team we saw dominate the NFL for a year and a half, or the one that cratered down the stretch last season?
This game isn’t popping up much on these kinds of lists, but it should be.
Chiefs at Bills
Too much of the Chiefs? Maybe, but this arguably is the NFL’s best rivalry, so it needs to be here.
Buffalo is 3-1 in regular-season games against Kansas City in the Mahomes era, including three straight wins. But the Chiefs have won the last three playoff matchups, including in last season’s AFC Divisional Round.
It’s hard to know whether the Bills will still be a top AFC team after undergoing so much offseason roster turnover, but this rivalry always delivers.
Texans at Cowboys
Houston is the darling of the offseason after it followed up a surprising playoff run by making a series of splash roster additions. And, unless quarterback C.J. Stroud suffers from a sophomore slump, the Texans should be contenders in the AFC next season.
The Cowboys are the Cowboys. You know the deal. But will Dallas protect home field, or will the Texans establish themselves as the best team in Texas? This would be a great Thanksgiving matchup.
Bears at Commanders
This game might not mean anything for playoff purposes, but that’s not the point. Barring injuries, this game should pit Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, against Jayden Daniels, who went second overall.
It could offer a first glimpse of the NFL’s next QB era. There are also a ton of talented players on these rosters, so don’t be surprised if the game lives up to the inevitable hype.