Regardless of personal opinions, it’s undeniable that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell‘s marketing prowess has significantly contributed to the league’s popularity.

His latest masterpiece comes from the NFL schedule release. He created a week-long event over an announcement that could take place on X.

The Kansas City Chiefs discovered they would unveil their Super Bowl banner and begin their quest for a three-peat against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5. Last season, Andy Reid’s team took on an NFC opponent, the Detroit Lions, with whom they did not share much history in the inaugural game of the NFL season.

The NFL did not make the mistake twice.

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Kansas City knocked out Baltimore in the AFC Championship game last season on the road, stifling Lamar Jackson’s MVP season and the Flock’s home-field advantage. Revenge will be on the Ravens’ minds after their disappointing finish and the budding rivalry between these AFC powerhouses. Both teams need to be sharp from the kickoff, as this week, one matchup could determine playoff seeding later in the year.

ESPN Bet set the opening line of the matchup with the Chiefs as a slight -2.5 home favorite. Patrick Mahomes‘ crew finished a pedestrian 5-4 record at home in 2023, and they will face an early opportunity to change their fortune in 2024.

Thursday’s game marks the beginning of a busy week for the league. A day later, the NFL hosts its first game in South America, as the Philadelphia Eagles play in Brazil. Goodell does not want to be known for only playing on Sunday, and his efforts to play football on unique days should reinvigorate fans and drive up ratings with stand-alone matchups.

Only 113 days until the return of football season, but who is counting?

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