The anticipation is building as the 2024 NFL season is set to begin soon, and fans across the country are already getting a taste of the action through the recently concluded Week 1 of the preseason. All 32 NFL teams have stepped onto the field, offering a glimpse of what's to come in this highly-anticipated season.
Week 1 kicked off last Thursday with two games that set the tone for a weekend packed with football. The excitement continued with two more matchups on Friday. However, it was Saturday that truly captured the weekend spirit with nine matchups keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Sunday’s doubleheader offered a thrilling conclusion to the first week of preseason games.
One of the highlights of the early preseason was the NFL Hall of Fame Game held on August 1, where the Chicago Bears edged out the Houston Texans with a final score of 21-17. This game not only honored the newest inductees into the Hall of Fame but also gave fans an early look at their teams’ form.
Upcoming Matchups in Week 2
As Week 2 approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles are set to face the New England Patriots on Thursday night at 7 p.m., a matchup that promises to ignite interest among fans of both teams. The stage is set for a weekend of intriguing contests, starting with the Saturday lineup, which features an array of games scheduled across different time slots.
Early on Saturday, the Atlanta Falcons will go head-to-head with the Baltimore Ravens at noon, followed by two 1 p.m. games where the Cincinnati Bengals will clash with the Chicago Bears, and the New York Giants will take on the Houston Texans. Another wave of excitement is expected later in the afternoon with the Detroit Lions facing the Kansas City Chiefs at 4 p.m., and the Minnesota Vikings battling the Cleveland Browns at 4:25 p.m.
Evening showdowns will continue to engage fans as the New York Jets match up against the Carolina Panthers, along with several other 7 p.m. fixtures featuring the Arizona Cardinals against the Indianapolis Colts, the Washington Commanders facing the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Seattle Seahawks playing against the Tennessee Titans. The city rivalry between the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers will be a 7:05 p.m. highlight, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars will compete at 7:30 p.m. The day will wrap up with a late game at 10 p.m. between the Dallas Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders.
Sunday's lineup won't disappoint either, featuring the Green Bay Packers against the Denver Broncos at 8 p.m., and another 8 p.m. matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers, bringing the weekend's football action to a close.
Looking Ahead to Week 3
Week 3 of the preseason will maintain the momentum, starting with two Thursday games. The Indianapolis Colts will face the Cincinnati Bengals at 8 p.m., followed closely by a clash between the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs at 8:20 p.m.
Friday night promises its own excitement with three games. The Jacksonville Jaguars will face the Atlanta Falcons at 7 p.m., the Miami Dolphins will contest the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 7:30 p.m., and the San Francisco 49ers will duel the Las Vegas Raiders at 10 p.m.
Saturday’s schedule adds even more to watch with a series of early games at 1 p.m., featuring the Carolina Panthers against the Buffalo Bills, the Pittsburgh Steelers facing the Detroit Lions, the Baltimore Ravens up against the Green Bay Packers, the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Houston Texans, and the Minnesota Vikings facing the Philadelphia Eagles. An afternoon fixture between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Dallas Cowboys is set for 4 p.m., and the New York Giants will play against the New York Jets in a 7:30 p.m. game. The day's action will conclude with a late-night matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Seattle Seahawks at 10 p.m.
Sunday of Week 3 continues with games that fans will eagerly anticipate. The Tennessee Titans will play the New Orleans Saints at 2 p.m., followed by a 4:30 p.m. game where the Arizona Cardinals go up against the Denver Broncos. The weekend's action-packed schedule will wrap up with the New England Patriots facing the Washington Commanders in an 8 p.m. encounter.
As the preseason progresses, each game offers teams the chance to fine-tune their rosters and strategies, while fans enjoy the opportunity to see new talent and returning stars in action. With each passing week, the excitement builds as teams and supporters alike gear up for the 2024 NFL season.