The NFL returns with 32 teams again vying for a place in Super Bowl LIX at the Superdome in New Orleans.

The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, go in search of an unprecedented third consecutive Lombardi Trophy after retaining their crown in Las Vegas earlier this year.

After their near miss, the San Francisco 49ers could again contend, while the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans are among a clutch of teams on the rise.

But a long season contested over 18 weeks will see plenty of twists and turns before the play-offs even begin.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is the NFL season?

Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season begins on Thursday 5 September, kicking off 18 weeks of regular season play that concludes on 5 January 2025. Each team will play 17 games with one bye week, with 14 teams in each conference making the play-offs.

Super Bowl LIX will be on 9 February 2025.

How can I watch it in the US?

For viewers in the US, the games can be streamed via NFL+, Fox Sports, Paramount+, ESPN, NBC Sports on Peacock, Thursday Night Football on Amazon, Telemundo Deportes and more. Traditional broadcasts will continue on CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN/ABC, while Netflix will exclusively show two games on Christmas Day as part of a three-year deal.

NFL Week 1 US TV schedule (all times Eastern)

Thursday, Sept. 5

Friday, Sept. 6

Sunday, Sept. 8

• Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons, 1pm | FOX

• Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills, 1pm | CBS

• Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears, 1pm | FOX

• New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals, 1pm | CBS

• Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts, 1pm | CBS

• Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins, 1pm | CBS

• Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints, 1pm | FOX

• Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants, 1pm | FOX

• Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers, 4.05pm | CBS

• Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks, 4.05 pm | CBS

• Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns, 4.25 pm | FOX

• Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4.25 pm | FOX

• Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions, 8.20 pm | NBC

Monday, Sept. 9

How can I watch in the UK?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch selected games each week on Sky Sports and the Sky Go streaming service, with two games shown on Sunday evening alongside the marquee night game each Thursday, Sunday and Monday. The broadcaster will also continue to show Redzone on Sky Sports Mix, covering the action from all other games on Sunday.

Every Monday Night Football will also be shown live on Channel 5, while all other games will be available via DAZN’s NFL Game Pass and Amazon Prime Game Pass.

Here are the games selected by Sky to be shown in Week 1 (all times BST):

• Thursday Night Football: Ravens at Chiefs 1.20am (FRIDAY)

• NFL Sao Paulo game: Packers at Eagles 1.15am (SATURDAY)

• Steelers at Falcons: 6.pm (SUNDAY)

• Cowboys at Browns: 9.25pm (SUNDAY)

• Sunday Night Football: Rams at Lions 1.20am (MONDAY)

• Monday Night Football: Jets at 49ers 1.15am (TUESDAY)

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

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