The NFL 2024 Schedule was released earlier last month, and there are some prime-time games that jump off the board for this season. There will be some incredible rematches and ‘revenge’ games, as well as must see TV matchups.
Before getting into the top 5 most exciting primetime games for this season their are a few honorable mentions as well. While the Miami Dolphins against the Buffalo Bills is always fun, they won’t make the list for top 5.
The other two games we have to mention, are the Denver Broncos vs. the New Orleans Saints which will feature Sean Payton going against his former team. While this will be a great story line heading into the game, neither of these teams should be that good this year. Lastly, the Houston Texans playing the Dallas Cowboys, which almost made the list. The battle for Texas will definitely be a great one to watch.
5. Houston Texans Vs. Chicago Bears Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 15 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
While the Chicago Bears are not a sure fire team this season in Caleb Williams‘ first season, it should be must see TV to see him go up against one of the other young superstar quarterbacks in the NFL. This game may feature the 2024 OROY against last years OROY in C.J. Stroud.
The fact that this will be a week2 primetime game is just a treat for fans. Obviously, Williams is not expected to be incredible from the jump, but playing against Stroud in his second NFL game may be just the right entry to league that Caleb needs.
Chicago has made some incredible moves this offseason to surround Williams with all the right tools to be incredible, and the Texans did just the same bringing in another elite weapon in Stefon Diggs. This game will feature stars all over the field such as; Keenan Allen, D.J. Moore, Tank Dell, Nico Collins, and Joe Mixon. While the game may prove to big for the Bears, this is definitely a must watch game right in the beginning of the season.
4. Baltimore Ravens Vs. Los Angeles Chargers Week 12: Monday, Nov. 25 at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN
This game needs no introduction as to why it is in the top 5 most exciting games for this season as it will feature the ‘Har Bowl’. The Harbaugh Brothers will face off again in this season in a prime time matchup just three days before Thanksgiving!
The Baltimore Ravens will face off against the Jim Harbaugh led Los Angeles Chargers in what should be a must see game featuring two legendary coaches. The brothers have not coached against each other since the Super Bowl in which they faced off in which John got the better of his little brother.
John has actually always beaten his younger brother, and Jim would love to change that this year as it would be a huge win for Justin Herbert and this young Chargers team. In addition to the young star Herbert, the game will also feature MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens incredible roster. This game will have all the making for a must see family affair in the middle of the season.
3. Detroit Lions Vs. Los Angeles Rams Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 8 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
This game has must see TV written all over it, just as it did last year in the post season, and it will be in the first week of the season! Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford both playing their former teams after they were traded for each other, you can’t script a better storyline going into a game. Both of these quarterbacks have also done incredible with their new teams.
Beyond just the revenge matchup from the post season, and the quarterback storyline, this game is filled with tons of superstars on both sides of the ball, for both teams. The Lions roster is one of the best in the league and their players will jump off the screen, and the Rams will have Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua flying around the field as well.
This was one of the best playoff games in recent memory, and this should treat fans to an incredible matchup of tons of superstars and offensive prowess all night long. Both Ben Johnson and Sean McVay will put a lot of focus into this week 1 matchup. This will be an incredible welcome back to the NFL in Week1, but it is not the top of the list.
2. Detroit Lions Vs. San Francisco 49ers Week 17: Monday, Dec. 30 at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC
The final game of 2024 will feature the second best primetime game of this list! The very anticipated rematch of the NFC Championship where the 49ers came back after down 17 points to the Lions to go to the Super Bowl. These teams probably have the two bets rosters in the entire NFL, and the last game of this year’s season should be one of the best.
Beyond the incredible talent literally all over the field on both sides of the ball, these teams will both be in the playoff hunt this year and this game could determine crucial seeding heading right into the post season. This could easily be number one on this list, as the playoff matchup was one of the best games of the entire year.
The teams feature some of the most talented players all over the field at literally every single position, and some of the best coaching staffs in the NFL. It is hard to overhype a game like this in which their are superstars at so many positions. To just name these teams All Pros and Pro Bowlers from last season would take pages. It is certain that every fan will tune in to the last primetime game of this season as it just may be the best game of 2024.
1. Kansas City Chiefs Vs. Baltimore Ravens Week 1: Thursday, Sept. 5 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
While this game could easily be moved to the second slot because it is a week 1 game and players won’t be in the full swing of the season, this rematch of the AFC Championship arguably features the top two quarterbacks in the NFL.
The fact that we will welcome back the NFL with this game is a special treat for fans. Both of these teams could easily be the Super Bowl Champions at the end of the season, and with the Ravens adding Derrick Henry, they will look to dominate in their week 1 matchup. The Chiefs, on the other hand, will be hanging their banner on that night in front of the Ravens.
It does not get better than that, having Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson open the 2024 NFL season is the most exciting primetime game for 2024.
What would you change on this list? Is there any huge game missed? What Primetime game are you most looking forward to?
Related: The 2024 NFL Season Features The Harbaugh Brothers Bowl, John Gives His Take
