The anticipation for the NFL season reaches a fever pitch each year as the league releases its schedule, stirring excitement among fans and analysts alike. The unveiling of the 2017 NFL schedule was no exception, ranking it as one of the most pivotal moments of the offseason. Notably, this year has highlighted various winners and losers based on matchups, scheduling, and strategic advantages that will shape the teams’ trajectories throughout the upcoming season.
Breaking Down the 2017 NFL Schedule
The NFL officially released its 2017 schedule, marking the beginning of a countdown to the thrilling season ahead. Although no games are fought in the present moment, significant implications arise from how the schedule is structured. Below, we delve into the key winners and losers from the schedule announcement, providing insight into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Winners of the 2017 NFL Schedule
1. Broadcasters and National Viewers
Through careful scheduling, the NFL aims to revive ratings that faced a decline in the previous year. For the first time in five years, teams like the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars have notably been kept out of prime-time slots. This decision opens up opportunities for the league to showcase its most compelling matchups during prime time, which has traditionally seen higher viewership. Selection focused on high-draw teams ensures that audiences remain engaged.
2. Major Franchises with Prime-Time Appeal
Franchises such as the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers each received substantial airtime, featuring five or more prime-time games. With the Cowboys being the “ratings gold mine,” their late-afternoon slots typically attract larger audiences. This strategic scheduling not only benefits the franchises in terms of fan engagement but also impacts merchandising and publicity.
3. Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars
While missing out on prime-time games may seem like a setback, Cleveland and Jacksonville notably avoid “short weeks.” The lack of Thursday night games means both teams can maintain standard preparation routines without the burden of altered schedules, giving them a unique competitive advantage.
4. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have managed to escape an immediate rematch with the New England Patriots, following their Super Bowl LI heartbreaker. Instead, they are slated to take on the Patriots in Week 7, allowing Atlanta to build momentum before facing their former tormentors. This delay offers the Falcons the chance to establish their identity before confronting a narrative laden with the potential for heartbreak.
5. Baltimore Ravens
With a schedule presenting the NFL’s easiest September, the Ravens can kickstart their season against the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars. This advantageous positioning affords them a prime opportunity to regain playoff contention.
Losers of the 2017 NFL Schedule
1. Oakland Raiders (Weeks 11-15)
The Raiders find themselves in arguably the most challenging stretch of the season, facing teams with a combined winning percentage of .738 from the previous year. This daunting five-game stretch, starting with a “home” matchup against the Patriots in Mexico City, could potentially derail their playoff aspirations.
2. Buffalo Bills
The Bills are faced with a similarly daunting December, battling against significant teams—including the Patriots and fellow rivals—where they will contend with a cumulative winning percentage of .700. This tough December may prove to be a decisive factor in their postseason hopes.
3. New York Giants
Analysts have suggested that the Giants have one of the most challenging schedules, contending with four teams coming off bye weeks, leading to a significant disadvantage with a net rest deficit of -22 days. This scheduling could hinder their competitiveness in crucial matchups throughout the season.
4. Los Angeles Teams
Playing in the same city at the same time poses a unique challenge for both the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers as they attempt to carve out their respective fan bases. With the Rams playing at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Chargers at the StubHub Center, there may be logistical challenges ahead in garnering adequate support.
5. Washington Redskins
The scheduling of the Washington Redskins on Thanksgiving against the New York Giants garnered scrutiny due to concerns surrounding the team’s name and mascot. Public reaction underscores the sensitivity of the NFL and its franchises in addressing social issues within their scheduling decisions. The uninterest around changing the name could reflect poorly on the league’s engagement with social responsibility.
Conclusion
The strategic implications of the 2017 NFL schedule reverberate across every franchise, influencing fan engagement, competitive balance, and even social narratives. As the season approaches, every team will be keenly aware of their status as either a winner or a loser based on how the schedule is laid out. With the kickoff of the regular season just around the corner, the excitement, analysis, and strategizing among fans and teams alike will only intensify.
In preparation for the action ahead, enthusiasts should circle their calendars for key matchups, debates will surely emerge over the efficacy of the schedule, and each week’s game results will play pivotal roles in shaping the stories of the teams throughout the season. As we anticipate this exciting journey, one thing is clear: the stage is set for an electrifying NFL season to unfold.
