NFL schedule release primer: Week 1 games, other intriguing matchups

NFL teams are already preparing for the 2024 regular season, and while they know who their opponents will be, the dates won't officially be announced until Wednesday's schedule release. In preparation for the unveiling, here are answers to some of the biggest questions pertaining to this season's schedule.

How can I watch the NFL schedule release?

NFL Network will broadcast the 2024 schedule release, which is also available on the NFL app, NFL.com and NFL+, at 8 p.m. ET. Rich Eisen, Colleen Wolfe and the rest of NFL Network's top analysts will break down the regular-season schedule. Each NFL team will also upload a video to its social media pages announcing its respective schedules.

What games have already been confirmed for Week 1?

The first few regular-season games typically get leaked shortly before the official schedule release. Here's a look at what season-opening matchups have been confirmed.

Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs — aiming to to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowl titles — play the Ravens, whom they defeated 17-10 in last season's AFC Championship Game. This game, the first of the regular season, will be Thursday, Sept. 5 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.

Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles: Rather than being held in Philadelphia, this matchup will take place in São Paulo, Brazil on Friday, Sept. 6, and be available to watch exclusively on Peacock. Not only will this be the first NFL game played in Brazil, but it will be the first time QBs Jalen Hurts and Jordan Love, members of the 2020 draft class, go against each other as full-time starters.

Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns: This will be the debut of seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady's broadcasting career with Fox Sports and Dallas' first game against the Browns since 2020. Kickoff is Sept. 8 at 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox.

A matchup against Cleveland's formidable defense will provide an excellent opportunity for Cowboys QB Dak Prescott to prove his worth as he's entering a pivotal contract year.

New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers: After suffering a torn Achilles four snaps into last season's opener, Jets QB Aaron Rodgers returns against the reigning NFC champion 49ers in the first "Monday Night Football" game of the season. Considering San Francisco will surely be even more motivated by its Super Bowl LVIII loss, this should be a great litmus test for a revamped Jets team. Kickoff is Sept. 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET on ESPN. 

What games could be most challenging for the reigning champion Chiefs? 

Kansas City's game with the Ravens won't be its only notable rematch. The defending champion will also face the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers, teams it also met in last season's playoffs. However, unlike their game against Baltimore, the Chiefs will play Buffalo and San Francisco on the road.

During the 2023 postseason, Kansas City hung on for a 27-24 divisional-round win against the Bills and knocked off the 49ers 25-22 in overtime of Super Bowl LVIII. 

What are some of the most compelling matchups this season? 

The Chiefs-49ers matchup stands out as the most intriguing of the 2024 regular season, but these three games are sure to be entertaining as well.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos: QB Russell Wilson returns to Denver after being released by the team earlier this offseason. The nine-time Pro Bowler posted an 11-19 record as Broncos starter, and it'll be fascinating to see whether his struggles were more due to his performance or his disastrous situation. 

Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers: The Lions return to the scene of last season's NFC Championship Game, a game in which they suffered the most heartbreaking loss in franchise history. Detroit appeared set to advance to its first Super Bowl but squandered a 17-point second-half lead and lost 34-31. 

Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings: The crowd won't be nearly as hostile to him as the Denver faithful will be toward Wilson, but Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is set to have his own revenge game against Minnesota. The 35-year-old signed a four-year, $180M deal with Atlanta this offseason after spending the past six seasons with the Vikings.  

What teams do we want to see more of in primetime?

Houston Texans: Despite having a limited supporting cast, QB C.J. Stroud's historic rookie season elevated the Texans from the NFL cellar to the playoffs in 2023. The Texans were already an exciting team to watch, but they are must-see TV after adding WR Stefon Diggs, edge-rusher Danielle Hunter and RB Joe Mixon as part of a busy offseason.

Chicago Bears: Any team with a rookie quarterback selected No. 1 overall should be in the spotlight more often, though even more so in Chicago's case. Unlike most teams picking first overall, the Bears didn't finish with the worst record in the league (7-10), and they've made substantial upgrades this offseason, particularly on offense.

Rookie QB Caleb Williams became a polarizing figure during the predraft process for reasons unrelated to football, and showcasing his talent as much as possible will only show how ridiculous the discourse around him has been. 

What would be some ideal "Monday Night Football" matchups? 

New England Patriots at Chicago Bears: Although a rookie quarterback dual between Williams and Drake Maye would be thrilling in its own right, the "ManningCast" alone would justify airing this game on "MNF." After all, former Patriots HC Bill Belichick will be a permanent guest for every first quarter of the ESPN2 simulcast. The 72-year-old showed his humorous side during Brady's roast on Netflix, and it'd be fascinating to hear what he says about the Patriots. 

AFC North divisional games: As CBS Sports' John Breech pointed out, the AFC North became the first division since 1935 to have every team finish above .500 last season. The toughest division in football will only be more competitive this season because Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow will be fully healthy. The more AFC North clashes we can get, the better. 

AFC South divisional games: Stroud may be the main draw in the division, but each AFC South team is led by an intriguing young quarterback, which could give us several thrilling matchups. While the AFC South might not send two franchises to the playoffs this season, it should be one of the NFL's more tightly contested divisions, particularly because Tennessee (6-11) was the only team to finish under .500 in 2023.