The NFL season gears up for another thrilling ride as 2024 schedules were released Wednesday. Amidst the buzz of blockbuster games and historic rivalries, there is a group of matchups simmering under the radar.
While the spotlight always shines on marquee showdowns, these lesser-known contests may surprise fans. From rookie showdowns to sibling rivalries, these games promise to deliver gridiron drama that’s not to be missed.
Heisman Rookie Showdown: Williams vs. Daniels
On Sunday, Oct. 27, the Chicago Bears will face off against the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field in a highly anticipated Week 8 showdown. This game is set to feature an exciting clash between two former Heisman Trophy winners: Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Jayden Daniels, the second overall pick. As these young quarterbacks embark on their NFL careers, they will inevitably be compared, and this game marks their first head-to-head encounter. Fans will be eager to see which rising star will come out on top in this early career-defining matchup.
Rodgers Returns: Jets vs. 49ers in Monday Night Football
The San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets are set to kick off the first “Monday Night Football” game of the season on Monday, Sept. 9 in Santa Clara, California. This game marks a significant moment for the Jets and their quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Nearly a year after suffering a season-ending Achilles tear on the fourth offensive play of last season’s MNF opener, Rodgers is poised to make his highly anticipated return. His comeback under the bright lights of Monday night football adds an extra layer of excitement and tension to what promises to be a captivating season opener for the Jets.
Frozen Battle: Saints vs. Packers in December Duel
On Monday, Dec. 23, the New Orleans Saints will face the Green Bay Packers in a crucial Week 16 Monday night matchup. This game poses a significant challenge for the Saints, an indoor team, as they travel to the frigid environment of Green Bay in the heart of winter. Despite the advantage of not leaving New Orleans from November 4 through December 7, this late-season clash will test the team in the thick of the NFC playoff race. With playoff implications on the line, the Saints must overcome the elements and a formidable Packers team that beat them last year and has postseason ambitions following their 2023 playoff run.
Family Feud: Harbaugh Brothers Face Off in Prime Time
On Monday, Nov. 25, the Los Angeles Chargers will take on the Baltimore Ravens in a Week 12 matchup dubbed the “Harbaugh Bowl.” This game leads into Thanksgiving week with a prime-time faceoff between brothers Jim and John Harbaugh, marking their first coaching showdown since Super Bowl XLVII. Their first head-to-head match occurred in 2011 when John’s Ravens defeated Jim’s 49ers on Thanksgiving night. This familial rivalry promises to add a special spark to the Monday night game, setting the stage for an exciting start to the holiday week.
Back-to-Back London Battles: Jaguars kickoff overseas with Bears, then Patriots
On Sunday, Oct. 13, the Chicago Bears will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in a Week 6 contest. The Jaguars, giving up a traditional home game for their two-week stint in London, will play only seven games at their home stadium this season. As the NFL’s most frequent London participants, the Jaguars are set for a back-to-back international series in 2024.
Their London campaign starts with a matchup against No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears, followed by a showdown with No. 3 pick Drake Maye and the New England Patriots. After coming out on top of their two London games in 2023, the Jaguars hope to replicate this success in 2024. Securing victories in London is essential, as the Jaguars will face challenging games against Green Bay and Philadelphia in Weeks 8 and 9 without the benefit of a bye week to recover after their international trip.
Arizona’s Edge Against New Coaching Staffs
Arizona’s upcoming schedule provides the Cardinals with a potential advantage: facing several teams with new head coaches. With six games scheduled against teams that underwent coaching changes this offseason, including matchups against the Commanders, Chargers, Seahawks, Patriots, and Panthers, Arizona has an opportunity to capitalize on this overlooked aspect of gameplay.
Chiefs’ Long Haul: One Home Game in 50 Days
On Monday, Oct. 7, the New Orleans Saints will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in a highly anticipated Monday night clash. The Chiefs will endure a demanding stretch from September 15 to November 4 featuring only one home game at Arrowhead Stadium during these 50 days. This sole home appearance against the Saints comes amidst a schedule packed with four road games against the Falcons, Chargers, 49ers, and Raiders, and includes their bye week. This challenging sequence underscores the importance of their lone home game as they navigate a series of tough away matchups.
Derek Carr Revenge Game
The Week 17 matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Dec. 29 holds significant meaning for Saints quarterback Derek Carr. Carr, who spent most of his career leading the Raiders, will face his former team on New Orleans soil.
Trench Warfare: Titans’ Latham vs. Colts’ Latu
In Week 6 and Week 16 matchups between the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts, two first-round draft picks will face off: JC Latham, the seventh overall pick for the Titans, and Laiatu Latu, selected 15th overall by the Colts. As top selections in the draft, both players are poised to make immediate impacts on their respective teams. Latham will be anchoring the offensive line for the Titans, and Latu, a force on the defensive line for the Colts, will look to disrupt the Titans’ offense and apply pressure on Will Levis. This matchup between two talented rookies promises to be a pivotal moment in their young NFL careers as they strive to prove their worth on the field.
Rookie Showcase: Caleb Williams Takes on the Class of 2023
Early in his rookie season, Caleb Williams is poised to take on the Class of 2023. The No. 1 pick will journey with the Bears to Houston in Week 2 to challenge C.J. Stroud and the Texans—not only introducing Williams to the rigors of prime-time play but also pitting him against the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
From facing Will Levis’ Titans in Week 1 to taking on Stroud and the Texans in Week 2, Anthony Richardson’s Colts in Week 3, and Bryce Young’s Panthers in Week 5, Williams will have ample opportunities to showcase his talents against the top quarterbacks from the 2023 draft class right from the start.
