The NFL officially revealed the regular season schedule for 2024 on Wednesday night. To the surprise of absolutely no one, the Sunday Night Football slate of games is loaded with intriguing matchups and noteworthy storylines.
While some of the most notable matchups include a rematch of last season’s epic NFC Wild Card Round thriller, there is potential for a few disappointing matchups on Sunday night as well.
Most Intriguing Storylines and Matchups on Sunday Night Football
NFC Wild Card Round Rematch in Week 1
The Sunday Night Football slate in 2024 begins with a bang as the Detroit Lions will host the Los Angeles Rams in a rematch of last season’s epic thriller in the NFC Wild Card Round.
Since the Lions ultimately escaped with a victory in the postseason, Los Angeles will be looking for revenge. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will be returning to his former home once again after throwing for 367 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in Detroit last season.
Caleb Williams vs. C.J. Stroud in Week 2
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud enjoyed one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history in 2023. Now, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will be looking to replicate Stroud’s success in his own rookie campaign.
Williams and the Bears will travel to Houston to take on Stroud in Week 2 on Sunday Night Football. This early-season matchup represents the first time the two dynamic, young quarterbacks will go toe-to-toe in the NFL.
While the Texans will likely be favored, the Bears have quickly built one of the most promising young rosters in the league.
Lamar Jackson Seeking Revenge Against Josh Allen in Week 4
The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are viewed as two of the top teams in the AFC. They are each led by elite quarterbacks regarded as some of the best in the league. While Lamar Jackson won his first matchup against Josh Allen in 2019, the Ravens have lost two consecutive games to the Bills.
In Week 4 on Sunday Night Football, the Bills will travel to Baltimore to take on one of the scariest teams in the NFL. Baltimore’s defense was a dominant force last season and Allen will be put to the test early without his favorite weapon, Stefon Diggs.
Do the Bills have enough fire power to hang around with the Ravens? We’ll find out in Week 4.
MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule Rankings
Potential Disappointing Matchups on Sunday Night Football
Bengals Host Giants in Week 6
The Cincinnati Bengals underwhelmed last season following the loss of star quarterback Joe Burrow to a wrist injury. While the New York Giants also lost starting quarterback Daniel Jones last season, they aren’t nearly the threat that the Bengals are in today’s NFL.
After making several key additions in free agency, the Bengals are in position to win the AFC in 2024. The Giants, however, watched several starters depart in free agency and could be in for a rebuilding year.
This matchup on Sunday Night Football is somewhat underwhelming, as Cincinnati will likely cruise to victory.
Jets Fly to Pittsburgh in Week 7
In a way, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers almost mirrored each other last season.
Both teams stayed afloat in the AFC despite an embarrassing level of quarterback play. Now, Aaron Rodgers will return for the Jets, while the Steelers added Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason.
Although those names might sound enticing, neither team plays a pretty brand of football. It will likely be a defensive battle that will lack many flashy plays.
The matchup may have significant playoff implications in the AFC, but it could be a snooze fest for viewers.
Buccaneers Visit Cowboys in Week 16
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers surprised many with their performance last season, including a shocking win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs. The Dallas Cowboys were one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments in 2023 after being embarrassed by the Green Bay Packers in the postseason.
Now, both teams face off late in the upcoming regular season as the Buccaneers will visit Dallas on Sunday Night Football in Week 16.
KEEP READING: How Does the NFL Schedule Get Made?
Although the Bucs and Cowboys could very well be competing for titles in their respective divisions, neither team is very entertaining to watch. This matchup currently lacks any intriguing storylines and could be a disappointment.