“Counting Down to Kickoff: Everything You Need to Know About the 2023 NFL Schedule Release”

## NFL Unveils 2023 Schedule: What to Expect and What It Means for Football Fans

As we count down to the start of the 2023 NFL season, the league’s biggest event of the offseason is about to take place – the unveiling of the schedule. Despite rumors that the event could be delayed, the NFL has confirmed that the schedule reveal will take place on Thursday, May 11, as planned. Here is what fans can expect and what the schedule means for the upcoming season.

### 14 Postseason Rematches from the 2022 Season

According to ESPN, the 2023 NFL season will feature 14 postseason rematches from the 2022 season, including the Super Bowl (Eagles-Chiefs), conference championships (Bengals-Chiefs as well as 49ers-Eagles), and all of the divisional round games (Jaguars-Chiefs, Bengals-Bills, Cowboys-49ers, and Giants-Eagles). It is a testament to the competitive nature of the league that these high-stakes games are expected to be repeated in the following year.

### Changes in the Schedule

The 2023 schedule will feature a few other changes, including the league’s first Black Friday game, and a tripleheader on Christmas Day, which falls on a Monday. Additionally, games don’t necessarily “belong” to networks anymore, meaning any network can bid for any game time slot. This change provides more flexibility and an opportunity for different networks to showcase their strengths with certain matchups.

### Moving Towards a Meritocracy

All 32 teams will be eligible to be on Thursday Night Football multiple times in a season. On the flip side, not all teams are guaranteed to have a primetime spot. The NFL is moving towards more of a meritocracy, providing the biggest spots for the more exciting teams. This move reflects a belief that fans want to see the most thrilling and competitive matchups, rather than simply promoting certain teams’ brand.

### Conclusion: It’s a New Era for the NFL‘s Schedule

As the NFL moves towards a meritocratic vision and embraces flexibility in scheduling, it’s clear that this represents a new era for the league’s schedule. This shift is no surprise given the NFL‘s continual efforts to improve the fan experience and respond to viewership changes. Ultimately, the 2023 schedule looks like it will be packed with exciting matchups and provide an excellent platform for the league’s stars to shine. We cannot wait for the kickoff!