When Does The NFL Season Start? A Detailed Breakdown

We are almost at the most glorious time of the year. On September 7, the NFL season will kick off on Thursday Night Football as the Super Bowl LVII champion Kansas City Chiefs host the upstart Detroit Lions. This marks the official beginning of the 2023 NFL season, kicking off six months of NFL action. The anticipation is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another thrilling NFL betting season.

When Does the NFL Preseason Start? An In-depth Look

So, when does the NFL start? Well, the actual return of football is the Hall of Fame Game. This year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class includes names like Joe Thomas, Joe Klecko, Darrelle Revis, and Ronde Barber.

The honorees watched the Hall of Fame Game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns before their official enshrinement into football immortality. This game serves as a ceremonial kickoff, whetting the appetite of fans who have been starved of NFL action since the Super Bowl.

From there, the march to Super Bowl LVIII begins. The preseason is an exciting time for fans because their teams take the field to iron out the kinks and see where they stand. Their records during this time might not mean much, as this is more of a time to figure out who belongs on the team and what needs to change. It’s also an opportunity for rookies to make their case for inclusion in the regular-season roster and for veterans to shake off the rust.

When Does The NFL Season Start? Key Dates to Mark

So, when does the NFL season start? The NFL season will kick off on Thursday, September 7, on Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football. The defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, led by all-world quarterback Patrick Mahomes, will face off against the young and exciting Detroit Lions.

This game is more than just a season opener; it’s a statement game that could set the tone for the rest of the season.

The 17-game (over 18 weeks) season will continue through January 7, when the regular season will come to an end. League action really picks up as the NFL playoffs begin, pitting the best of the best in each conference against one another on the road to Super Bowl LVII.

It begins with the Wild Card round, progresses into the divisional round and AFC/NFC Championship Games, and finally culminates in the Super Bowl on Feb. 11, 2024.

Preseason Games and Events Leading to the Official Start

We are getting ready to start the NFL preseason in earnest, as the Hall of Fame Game is more of a welcome back to football rather than an actual competition. The NFL preseason begins in earnest, starting on August 10 and running through August 27.

During this period, each team will play three preseason games, giving coaches ample opportunity to evaluate players and make the final cuts for the regular-season roster.

Opening Night: Traditions and Iconic Moments

Opening night is a culmination of seven months of downtime for fans. It doesn’t matter who is playing when the NFL kicks off on Thursday Night Football; fans everywhere are watching.

There have also been some memorable moments in the past that got the NFL season started in the right way. These moments are etched in the annals of NFL history, serving as a reminder of the league’s ability to captivate audiences year after year.

NFL Season Structure

When does the NFL season start officially? Opening night is September 7, with the rest of the slate (aside from the Monday Night Football matchup between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets) happening on September 10. The regular season is structured to maximize excitement, with divisional matchups often saved for the latter part of the season, heightening the drama as the NFL teams vie for playoff spots.

How Many Games in an NFL Season?

The NFL season is comprised of 17 games for each team, spread over 18 weeks to accommodate a bye week for each team.

Games are broadcast on Amazon Prime, NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, NBC (Peacock), Fox, and CBS in the United States.

The bye week is a crucial part of the season, giving players a much-needed rest and allowing teams to recalibrate before the final push toward the playoffs.

Regular Season, Playoffs, and Super Bowl

The NFL is broken down into two important phases (three, if you include the preseason). The regular season is where teams battle round-robin style throughout the year. The goal is to win as many games as possible to eventually make the playoffs.

The playoffs are a knockout-style competition where anything can happen. Teams that may have struggled in the regular season can find new life and make a deep run, adding to the unpredictability and excitement of the NFL.

Key Matchups and Must-Watch Games of The Upcoming Season

The NFL schedule is meticulously crafted to maximize excitement and viewer engagement. Marquee matchups are often scheduled for prime-time slots, ensuring the games get the attention they deserve.

For instance, Week 5 features a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship game, while Week 12 has a showdown between divisional rivals that could have significant playoff implications.