How does the NFL preseason work? - Sportingbet

Author: Vitória Correa

Website: Sportingbet

Original: https://www.sportingbet.bet.br/pt-br/blog/nfl-futebol-americano/saiba-tudo-sobre-pre-temporada-nfl/

How does the NFL preseason work?

The NFL (National Football League) preseason has existed since the beginning of professional American football. At first, these games were considered for the teams' total campaigns before the playoffs. However, currently only matches from the regular season, which starts in September, are considered. Learn more about the period!

How does the NFL preseason work?

The NFL was founded in 1920, and so the preseason has been around ever since. However, at that time, as previously stated, all matches were counted towards the classification.

The following year, the rule changed and only games played against teams from outside the league were accepted as preseason. That is, there were no more duels between NFL teams, only against amateur or university teams.

In 1924, the NFL decided to change the rule again, considering preseason (or exhibition/test) games played in December or later. At the time, there was a 12-match schedule, but in 1939, non-league matches were held before the competition started or during the weeks off.

Later, in the 1960s, the NFL provided for a schedule of 14 games valid for the regular season. However, the pre-season had four or five matches.

Ten years later, the NFL merged with the AFL (American Football League) and had 14 regular games, in addition to six preparation games. This lasted until 1978, when the schedule became 16 matches valid for classification, and four exhibition matches.

Definition of the match schedule

Unlike the regular season, the NFL allows its teams to negotiate which teams to play with in the preseason. If you are interested, the league asks for information and requirements to understand what each franchise would like to face, according to its needs. It is rare, but it can happen to have two equal clashes in the preparation season.

In addition, it is interesting that teams choose to play with teams that are from outside their conference. For example, a team from the AFC (American Conference) must play against one from the NFC (National Conference), as duels between them do not usually happen often.

It is worth remembering that the NFL prioritizes duels that are close geographically speaking, to avoid wear and tear.

Findings

The 2024 NFL preseason began last August 1, during the Hall of Fame ceremony celebrations. On that occasion, the Chicago Bears beat the Houston Texans by 21 to 17.

In week 2, the NFL preseason continued with the New York Giants' 14-03 victory over the Detroit Lions. The New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers also played, with the Patriots winning 17-3.

Subsequently, on the 9th, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Atlanta Falcons by 20 to 13. On the same day, still in the NFL preseason, the Texans beat the Pittsburgh Steelers by the score of 20 to 12, while the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Baltimore Ravens by 16 to 13.

On Saturday (10), it was the turn of the New York Jets to beat the Washington Commanders by 20 to 17. The same happened with the Chicago Bears, who beat the Buffalo Bills with a score of 33 to 06, and with the Minnesota Vikings, who beat the Oakland Raiders by 24 to 23.

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Cleveland Browns 23-10, while the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Kansas City Chiefs 26-13. On the same day, it was the turn of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals by 17 to 14, as well as the Tennessee Titans beat the San Francisco 49ers by 17 to 13.

In addition, the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16-03, while the New Orleans Saints beat the Arizona Cardinals 16-14. Week 2 of the NFL preseason ended with the Denver Broncos beating the Indianapolis Colts 34-30. In addition, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Dallas Cowboys 13-12.

Calendar for 2024

Patriots and Eagles open week 3 of the NFL preseason on August 15. Meanwhile, Ravens vs. Falcons, Bears vs. Bengals, Texans vs. Giants, Chiefs vs. Lions, Browns vs. Vikings, Titans vs. Seahawks, Steelers vs. Bills, Panthers vs. Jets, Dolphins vs. Commanders, Colts vs. Cardinals, Chargers vs. Rams, Jaguars vs. Buccaneers and Raiders vs. Cowboys duel on the 17th. On Sunday (18), Broncos vs. Packers and 49ers vs. Sains also play.

In week 4, then, already finishing the NFL preseason, Bengals vs. Colts and Chiefs vs. Bears play on Thursday (22). Then, on Friday (23), it's the turn of Falcons vs. Jaguars, Buccaneers vs. Dolphins and Raiders vs. 49ers to duel.

On the 24th, the Eagles vs. Vikings, Packers vs. Ravens, Lions vs. Steelers, Texans vs. Rams, Bills vs. Panthers, Cowboys vs. Chargers, Jets vs. Giants, and Seahawks vs. Browns play. Finally, on August 25, Saints vs. Titans, Broncos vs. Cardinals and Commanders vs. Patriots close out the NFL preseason.

Where to watch NFL preseason games?

The NFL preseason is free on NFL Game Pass via DAZN, as the streaming channel has partnered with the American league to broadcast around the world.

However, in the case of the United States and China, the partnership is not valid, which restricts transmission. Here in Brazil, however, the signal is free and, to watch, you need to click here and register.

In addition, ESPN should broadcast matches on both pay TV and Disney+ streaming. On TV, ESPN2 has already broadcast Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears and is expected to show four other games. To watch the games on Disney+, click here and sign up.