As summer comes to a close, sports fans are bidding farewell to the excitement of the Olympics in Paris and turning their attention to the upcoming football season. With the NFL preseason in full swing, there is no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow, from rule changes to roster cuts and everything in between.
One of the most talked-about topics in the NFL right now is the league’s new kickoff rule, which aims to make the play safer for players. The rule changes include eliminating the running start for the kicking team, restricting the number of players on the receiving team who can line up in the setup zone, and requiring eight players on the receiving team to line up within 15 yards of the ball. These changes have sparked debate among fans and players alike, with some praising the league for prioritizing player safety and others expressing concerns about the impact on the game.
Another hot topic in the NFL is the proposed expansion of the regular season to 18 games. While the idea has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that more games would mean more revenue for the league and players, others are concerned about the toll it would take on players‘ bodies and the increased risk of injuries. As the debate continues, it will be interesting to see how the league ultimately decides to move forward.
But before the regular season kicks off, fans can get their football fix with a slate of preseason games airing on TV this week. The Week 2 preseason schedule features several national TV games, including matchups between the Bengals and Bears, Lions and Chiefs, Bills and Steelers, Cowboys and Raiders, and Packers and Broncos. These games offer fans a chance to see their favorite teams in action and get a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming season.
In addition to the national TV games, there are also a number of non-national TV games being played this week that can be streamed on the NFL+ app. These matchups include the Falcons at Ravens, Giants at Texans, Vikings at Browns, Seahawks at Titans, Cardinals at Colts, Commanders at Dolphins, Jets at Panthers, Rams at Chargers, and Buccaneers at Jaguars. With so many games to choose from, football fans will have plenty of opportunities to catch their favorite teams in action and see how they stack up against the competition.
As the preseason games continue and roster cuts loom, the excitement for the start of the regular season is building. Former NFL All-Pro Shawne Merriman has even shared his top five Sunday Night Football matchups for the 2024 season, adding to the anticipation for what promises to be an exciting year of football. So, as we say goodbye to Paris and hello to football, let the games begin!