Which NFL teams are under brightest spotlight? Most overhyped? 2023 schedule analysis
The NFL on Thursday unveiled the full schedule for the 2023 season, and now we have a better idea of how things could possibly play out.
We knew long ago which teams would face each other, but now we know when, where and in what order they will meet.
Here’s a rundown of some of the best and worst outlooks following the schedule release.
Brightest spotlight
Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets will certainly command a huge amount of attention. They’re scheduled for five prime-time games, a 3 p.m. ET Black Friday contest and four games that begin at 4:25 p.m. ET. That means the bulk of their games will be played in front of some of the largest TV audiences of the season.
The Chiefs, Bills, Chargers and Cowboys all have six prime-time games. But the Jets’ jump from one prime-time game in 2022 to six nationally-televised contests in 2023 is a clear indication the NFL schedule-makers expect Rodgers to make the Jets must-see TV.
Now, this could wind up being a disaster. Last year, Russell Wilson and the Broncos were expected to be a big draw, initially scheduled to play in seven nationally-televised games, and we all know how that turned out.
But while we’re on spotlights … Jordan Love, Rodgers’ replacement in Green Bay, will receive plenty of opportunities to shine. The Packers are scheduled for five prime-time contests.
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Most overhyped?
The Lions exceeded expectations in 2022 by going 9–8. Ready or not, they will kick off the season on the biggest stage — on “Thursday Night Football” against the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs. From there, the Lions have three more prime-time games, a sign they are expected to be one of the more compelling teams this season. Sure, everybody likes to see lovable losers turn their fortunes around, and head coach Dan Campbell’s fun personality adds to Detroit’s appeal. But are they really ready for this?
Worst turnarounds
It’s no secret that teams scheduled to play “Thursday Night Football” hate the shortened turnaround from Sunday. Now teams can be subjected to this provision twice per season. The teams that will play on Thursday twice this year, after playing the prior Sunday: Steelers, Bears and Saints. The Jets have one Sunday-to-Thursday turnaround as well as one Sunday-to-Friday slate.
Worst prime-time matchups
Night games are supposed to be showdowns of the best of the best, but the schedule-makers appear to have some potential blunders on tap. Lions-Chiefs could wind up being rather lopsided in favor of Kansas City. Week 3, it’s the Steelers at the Raiders, which seems like a Sunday night snoozer. The next evening, the Eagles visit the Bucs. And in Week 8, it’s the Bucs at the Bills on Thursday night. Did the NFL forget that Tom Brady retired? Another seemingly undesirable prime-time pairing: Vikings at Broncos in Week 11.
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Best prime-time matchups
There’s no better showdown on the prime-time slate than the Week 11 Super Bowl rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs in Kansas City on Monday night. Last February’s Super Bowl performance between these two teams was one of the best in league history, and this could wind up being a rivalry for years to come.
Another can’t-miss matchup is the Week 17 Sunday contest between the Bengals and the Chiefs in Kansas City. It’s slated for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, but don’t be surprised if this game gets flexed.
Another classic showdown to circle is Cowboys-49ers in Week 5 at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers have beaten the Cowboys in the playoffs for two straight years, so this Sunday night game very well could be a postseason preview.
Toughest start
The Patriots get no time to ease into the season, opening with Philadelphia and then Miami before traveling to take on the Jets and the Cowboys. And it’s not like they get much relief as a reward for a tough opening stretch. Their season ends with a fairly high level of difficulty as well. Following a Week 11 bye, the Patriots close out the season against the Giants, Chargers, Steelers, Chiefs, Broncos, Bills and Jets.
Easiest start
Derek Carr and the Saints have a good chance for a turnaround thanks largely to their strength of schedule, which is the weakest in the NFL, at least on paper.
The Saints open at home against the Titans, who are in this weird place, stuck between trying to hang on while also retooling on the fly. Then they travel to the Panthers, who are starting over again with a new coach and rookie quarterback. That’s followed by a road game against the Packers and a home contest versus the Bucs, both of whom also have new quarterbacks.
Given the state of the rest of the NFC South and its soft overall slate, New Orleans could wind up winning the division.
(Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
