The NFL officially revealed the regular season schedule for 2024 on Wednesday night. As expected, the Monday Night Football slate of games includes several intriguing matchups and storylines to watch for.
While some of the most notable matchups include a rematch of last season’s epic NFC Championship Game, there is certainly potential for a few disappointing matchups on Monday night as well.
Most Intriguing Storylines and Matchups on Monday Night Football
Aaron Rodgers Seeks Revenge in Week 1
One of the best storylines on the Monday Night Football slate in 2024 could be in Week 1. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will make his return to regular season action after tearing his Achilles in Week 1 on Monday Night Football in 2023.
The irony of this matchup continues as the Jets will visit the San Francisco 49ers, who signed pass rusher Leonard Floyd in free agency this offseason. Floyd just so happens to be the player who sacked Rodgers on the play in which he suffered his season-ending injury.
The Battle for Texas in Week 11
After shocking the NFL last season, the Houston Texans have quickly become one of the most hyped teams heading into 2024. The league office took notice of Houston’s rise, as the Texans have landed four prime-time matchups, which includes a Week 11 road matchup on Monday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite Dallas’ lack of additions this offseason, the Cowboys still received six prime-time games in 2024. The two Texas-based teams appear to be heading in different directions, as the Texans have their franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud, while the Cowboys are still hesitant to sign Dak Prescott to a significant contract extension.
The Harbaugh Bowl in Week 12
The Los Angeles Chargers will host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12 for the rematch of “The Harbaugh Bowl,” which the world has been waiting for. John Harbaugh and the Ravens got the better of Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 47 back in 2013.
Now the brothers will face off once again after the Chargers hired Jim to be the team’s head coach this offseason. Although the Ravens will likely be heavily favored in this prime-time matchup, Jim isn’t going to let his brother win again without a fight.
MORE: 7 Revenge Games That Are Must-See TV in 2024
NFC Championship Game Rematch in Week 17
Last season’s NFC Championship Game between the Detroit Lions and 49ers was an unforgettable matchup. While it seemed like the Lions were running away with a victory in the first half, the 49ers didn’t quit despite a 17-point halftime deficit.
San Francisco ultimately rallied for an epic second-half comeback, and the Lions were shocked. Detroit is likely eager to get its revenge against San Francisco, and both teams underwent some dramatic changes this offseason.
This late-season prime-time matchup between two of the NFC’s titans will certainly be must-see television.
Potential Disappointing Matchups on Monday Night Football
Chargers Visit Arizona in Week 8
While the Chargers hired Harbaugh this offseason, their roster didn’t drastically improve compared to last season. In fact, there is an argument to be made that Los Angeles got even worse following the departure of several starters. Yet, they will visit the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football in Week 8.
Although the Cardinals surprised a few teams last season, including the Philadelphia Eagles, expectations are relatively low in the desert. Despite Kyler Murray’s return and the addition of Marvin Harrison Jr., this prime-time matchup lacks any significant storyline.
Giants Visit Steelers in Week 8
It’s fair to wonder if the Pittsburgh Steelers or the New York Giants made the right decision at quarterback this offseason. While the Steelers made two additions in Russel Wilson and Justin Fields, the Giants are sticking with Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback.
Thanks to the presence of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, it feels like a virtual guarantee that Pittsburgh will finish with a winning record. However, the same cannot be said for Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who is likely on the hot seat. This matchup is significantly lacking star power and any notable storylines.
KEEP READING: How Does the NFL Schedule Get Made?
Broncos Host Browns in Week 13
While the Monday Night Football crew does a phenomenal job of hyping up nearly every matchup, it’ll be hard to drum up excitement about this game. The Cleveland Browns play a relatively boring brand of football, and the Denver Broncos could easily finish with the worst record in the AFC West.
If the Browns are fully healthy, this matchup could be a lopsided victory for Cleveland on the road. Although the Broncos will be able to showcase their new uniforms on the NFL’s biggest stage, it’s hard to imagine them winning this matchup against such a tough defense.