The time and date have been set following last week’s unfounded claims of an NFL schedule announcement. On Wednesday at 7 p.m., the NFL will officially unveil the 2024 schedule on their own NFL Network. But throughout the course of the following day or so, you’ll need to be alert for both permitted and unauthorized schedule leaks.
The first leak of the week came on Monday morning, when Adam Schefter of ESPN.com revealed to the public that the season opener will be a replay of the AFC championship game from the previous year:
One ambition has been dashed for Texans fans who are hoping their team will play as many meaningful football games as possible on the NFL schedule. This season, the Chiefs will play eight games at home, including the Texans. Some Texans fans had anticipated starting the season in Kansas City. Me? If the Ravens receive the assignment, that is okay with me.
Now that we know that there has already been one leak, how would the 2024 Texans calendar be structured to achieve “maximum relevance”? There would most likely be a ton of prime time games—three at the very least—and a ton of games during the holidays. For a “maximum relevance” fake schedule, how about this one? Together, let’s imagine the ideal schedule (I’ll add some commentary along the way):
WEEK 1: Sunday, September 8, at the New York Jets (Sunday Night Football)
Now that the Kansas City opening is off the table, how about the Texans play a game that celebrates the most memorable injury comeback of the season: Aaron Rodgers’ comeback from a Week 1 Achilles tear in the previous season. Let’s schedule it for Sunday night as well! We unveil Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, the new pass rush duo, on national television!
