The NFL 2024-2025 season has officially begun, with heightened anticipation and excitement among American football fans. Kicking off on September 6, 2024, reigning champions the Kansas City Chiefs started their title defense strong, securing a win against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs claimed victory with a score of 27-20, continuing their successful run from the previous season.
The regular season is set to last 18 weeks, with each team competing in 17 games. The playoffs will follow, where the best teams will battle it out for the coveted Super Bowl title. This year, Super Bowl LIX will take place on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana, marking another significant date on the NFL calendar.
With the season now underway, fans are eager to know how the games will be broadcast. RTL has secured the rights to air NFL games until 2028, providing access to roughly 80 games, including playoffs, for free. The network will showcase several key matchups throughout the season and will also stream games live on its platform, RTL+.
For those seeking even more access, DAZN continues to offer paid live streams of NFL games, primarily on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday nights, available with subscriptions starting at €9.99 per month. For die-hard fans, the NFL Game Pass adds another layer of accessibility, allowing streaming of all season games from preseason to the Super Bowl, which is available through Amazon Prime and DAZN.
The NFL schedule is packed with games, including international fixtures, with notable matches on the horizon. Some of the key dates include: October 6, 2024, featuring the New York Jets against the Minnesota Vikings in London; November 10, 2024, with the Carolina Panthers playing the New York Giants at the Allianz Arena, Munich; and traditional Thanksgiving Day games on November 28, 2024.
With just one week remaining until the playoffs, the intensity is rising as teams aim for postseason berths. A total of 12 teams have already clinched their spots, leaving two at stake. The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are locked in combat for the final slot in the NFC, with the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, and Miami Dolphins vying for the same opportunity in the AFC.
On the eve of Week 18, the Baltimore Ravens have confirmed their playoff position, clinching the AFC North title, highlighting quarterback Lamar Jackson's impressive season. Finishing with outstanding statistics, Jackson's leadership has been pivotal for the Ravens, demonstrating resilience after facing setbacks earlier this season. The injuries and challenges endured make their strong finish all the more commendable, especially after starting the season with back-to-back losses.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers faced unfortunate developments just before the playoffs. Critical injuries to key players, including wide receiver Christian Watson and quarterback Jordan Love, have raised concerns about the team's prospects heading forward. Coach Matt LaFleur's decision not to rest starters before securing playoff qualification has come under scrutiny, especially following the injuries sustained during their match against the Chicago Bears.
The Packers were forced to rely on Malik Willis to guide the team after Watson and Love's departures. This situation now casts uncertainty over their playoff lineup as they prepare to face tough opponents.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these playoff scenarios will play out, with many eyes on the performances of the teams and individual stars as they prepare to vie for the Super Bowl championship. The second season with 17 games has added to the competitive nature, but fans across the league are just happy to see their teams take the field each week.
Overall, expectation and excitement fill the air as the NFL season transitions from regular play to the playoffs. Teams are ready to advance, and only time will tell which franchises will emerge as champions come Super Bowl Sunday. Whether through free broadcasts, streaming platforms, or the NFL Game Pass, fans have ample opportunities to catch all the action and cheer on their favorites through every thrilling moment until the season’s grand finale.