In the NFL, every week is a big week. All 17 games mean something for every team. Yet, not all games are created equal. There are always games that every fan should be highlighting on the schedule as soon as it comes out. Even with the season a few months away, there are already games that should be considered a must-watch for fans.
Some of these games have great storylines that go beyond the game. Other times, they are just an incredible matchup that will make fans want to visit NFL betting sites to place a wager on the game. After all, the NFL season usually brings virtually endless betting markets and great promos from most sportsbooks.
What are the must-watch games during the 2024 NFL regular season? Here are the five games that should be appointment viewing for every football fan.
Week 1: Ravens at Chiefs
The NFL doesn’t mess around when it comes to the opening week of the season. As usual, the reigning Super Bowl champion champs have the honor of hosting the season opener. That means the Chiefs hosting a Thursday night game on national TV. After losing to the upstart Lions in last year’s season opener, we get an even juicier matchup this year when Kansas City hosts reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. These teams met in the AFC Championship Game last season and are becoming fast rivals despite the Chiefs winning five of the last six head-to-head meetings. Nevertheless, anytime Jackson and Patrick Mahomes are on the same field, it’s a must-watch event.
Week 1: Jets at 49ers
This game can be considered “Take 2” for Aaron Rodgers making his debut with the Jets. The veteran suffered a season-ending injury a few plays into last year’s Week 1 game against the Bills. This year, he and the Jets head to San Francisco to face the reigning NFC champs on Monday night in Week 1. Naturally, there will be a lot of interest in Rodgers leading his new team, especially against one of the best defensive teams in the league. But this game also matches up Brock Purdy against one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time as San Francisco’s quarterback continues to try to prove that he belongs among the elite in the league right now.
Week 10: Lions at Texans
This is the potential Super Bowl preview that nobody could have predicted a couple of years ago. There isn’t a great subplot to this game other than the fact that these are two of the most exciting teams in the NFL heading into the 2024 season. The Lions were close to reaching the Super Bowl this year and figure to come back even stronger this season. Meanwhile, everyone is excited to see if C.J. Stroud can build off his impressive rookie campaign, especially with a stronger supporting cast around him. The entertainment value of this game could be off the charts, which is why the NFL has scheduled it for the primetime game on Sunday night in Week 10.
Week 12: Ravens at Chargers
In Week 12, we get a return of the Harbaugh Bowl. Granted, this isn’t quite the same as Jim and John Harbaugh facing each other in the Super Bowl. But after Jim spent the last nine seasons at Michigan, the brothers are both in the NFL once again. The obvious subplot aside, this has a chance to be a fascinating game. Assuming he can stay healthy, Lamar Jackson is always exciting to watch. On the other side, there is a lot of interest in how Justin Herbert will play this season with a former NFL quarterback like Jim Harbaugh coaching him. There is a chance this game ends up being a matchup of two of the best teams in the AFC.
Week 14: Falcons at Vikings
One of the most intriguing homecomings in the NFL this season will have to be Kirk Cousins returning to Minnesota in Week 14. Cousins spent the last six years playing for the Vikings, leading the team to 50 wins and going to three Pro Bowls during that time. He now makes his return to Minnesota after signing with the Falcons during the offseason. Cousins has raised expectations in Atlanta this year, meaning a Week 14 road game could be a critical game for the Falcons and their playoff chances. On the other side, by Week 14, the Vikings are hoping that rookie J.J. McCarthy will have had a chance to settle in and potentially be ready to beat his predecessor in a head-to-head meeting, spoiling Cousins’ homecoming.
