With the start of football season getting closer and closer, fans can already buy NFL tickets and get excited for the games ahead. But when does the NFL season start, and when are the key dates in 2023/24?
Overview of the NFL Season
Explanation of the NFL Season Format
The NFL regular season takes place over 18 weeks between September and January. Each team plays 17 games and receives 1 bye week in which they do not play. At the end of the regular season, the 14 best performing teams qualify for the playoffs.
Importance of the Season Opener
The NFL season starts with the NFL Kickoff Game. Since 2004, the first game of the NFL season has almost always been hosted by the most recent Super Bowl champions. The Kickoff Game typically includes other entertainment before and after the game, such as music performances.
NFL Start Date and Time
Official NFL Season Start Date
The 2023/24 NFL season starts on 7 September 2023. As reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the game at Arrowhead Stadium.
Time of the Kickoff Game
The first NFL game of the 23/24 season will see the Chiefs take on the Detroit Lions in Kansas City. The game is scheduled for kick off at 19:20 on Thursday 7 September.
Notable NFL Regular Season Events
Primetime Games and Sunday Night Football
Most NFL games are scheduled for 13:00 or 16:00 starts. The highest profile matchups, however, get their own primetime slots so they do not have to compete for viewers with many other games. Sunday Night Football has traditionally been the most important primetime slot.
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is another primetime slot in the NFL. This time on the schedule is allotted to 1 or 2 games each week of the regular season. Some of the most eagerly awaited Monday Night Football games in the 2023/24 season include:
- Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns (18 September)
- Los Angeles Chargers v Dallas Cowboys (16 October)
- Buffalo Bills v Denver Broncos (13 November)
- Kansas City Chiefs v Philadelphia Eagles (20 November)
- San Francisco 49ers v Baltimore Ravens (25 December)
Thanksgiving Day Football
Thanksgiving Day has a long association with American football. In 2023, the holiday falls on Thursday 23 November. The 3 NFL games scheduled for Thanksgiving are:
- Detroit Lions v Green Bay Packers
- Dallas Cowboys v Washington Commanders
- Seattle Seahawks v San Francisco 49ers
International Series Games
The 2023/24 NFL season features 5 international games, with 3 hosted in London and 2 in Frankfurt. The international NFL games are:
- Atlanta Falcons v Jacksonville Jaguars (1 October 2023, Wembley Stadium, UK)
- Jacksonville Jaguars v Buffalo Bills (8 October 2023, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, UK)
- Baltimore Ravens v Tennessee Titans (15 October 2023, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, UK)
- Miami Dolphins v Kansas City Chiefs (5 November 2023, Deutsche Bank Park, Germany)
- Indianapolis Colts v New England Patriots (12 November 2023, Deutsche Bank Park, Germany)
FAQs
Are the preseason games important?
Preseason games take place before the start of the NFL season. These games give teams the chance to prepare for the upcoming season and offer additional chances for fans to see their teams in action. The preseason games do not count towards regular season results so the scores are less important than the team performances and preparation.
Which teams participate in the NFL's annual Kickoff Game?
The Kickoff Game is held every year to mark the start of the new NFL season. The game is hosted by the most recent Super Bowl champions. In 2023, the Kickoff Game features the Kansas City Chiefs at home to the Detroit Lions. The NFL season starts on 7 September 2023.
How long is the NFL regular season?
The NFL regular season starts in September and runs until January. The total length of the regular season is 18 weeks. Each team plays 17 games and receives 1 bye week during this period. The playoffs follow the regular season in January and February.
What are some notable events during the NFL regular season?
Some key events in the 2023/24 NFL season include:
- Kickoff Game: Kansas City Chiefs v Detroit Lions (7 September 2023)
- Final games of the regular season (6 & 7 January 2024)
- Playoffs begin (13 January 2024)
- Super Bowl LVIII (11 February 2024)
What are some popular NFL rivalry games?
Rivalries make games even more exciting. Some of the key NFL rivalries in the include:
- Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears
- Dallas Cowboys v Washington Commanders
- San Francisco 49ers v Los Angeles Rams
- Denver Broncos v Kansas City Chiefs
- New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills
How can I stay updated with NFL season information?
Add the NFL to your Koobit interests to be kept informed about the big events of the season. The full NFL schedule is also listed on Koobit, so you can check out ticket prices, kick off times, and tips for visiting each venue.