Written by Richard Deitch, Zack Rosenblatt, Charlotte Carroll, and Zack Berman
The NFL will kick off the holiday season with a handful of divisional rivalry games, including the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins meeting for the first-ever Black Friday game. Here’s what you need to know:
- The Jets and quarterback Aaron Rodgers will host Miami in the AFC East Showdown at 3 PM EST on November 24.
- The holiday action continues when the Eagles and New York Giants meet in Philadelphia in the NFC East game on Christmas Day at 4:30 PM ET.
- To usher in 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Cincinnati Bengals on New Year’s Eve at 4:25 p.m. ET.
the athleteInstant Analysis:
Amazon lands a major match
The NFL’s Black Friday has a built-in feel to it as it’s a new media franchise for the league. So there will always be curious researchers watching – especially on a day off from work for many people. But the NFL really took care of its big money partner – at least on paper – by giving Amazon the Jets in exchange for the Dolphins.
Rodgers is on the short list of the most recognizable players in the league – he’s also polarizing and that always draws viewers. The Dolphins are expected to be playoff contenders. So you have two important media markets and two teams with the potential for playoffs in a divisional game that could make real sense. There is nothing historical in terms of viewership to compare to 3:00 PM EST, but I think Amazon will do well here. Don’t be surprised if the viewership is amazing. – Deitsch
Planes on Black Friday are no surprise
It’s no surprise that the Jets would be featured in one of the NFL’s newest holiday games – but that’s what happens when Rodgers is the starting quarterback. The Jets and Dolphins should be in the running for the AFC East title by the time this game comes around, too.
This time last year the Jets began to fall apart which knocked them out of the playoffs, so they’re hoping it doesn’t happen again this time around. As an added wrinkle: MetLife Stadium is located right next to a mall, which must be packed on Black Friday. Prepare accordingly. – Rosenblatt
Go deeper
NFL 2023 schedule: Team opponents, release time and what you need to know
Divisional match at Christmas
If we don’t get a Giants vs Jets one weekend this season, a game with the Eagles is the next best thing. While the Eagles won all three encounters this past season – including victory in the Divisional Round – the fixtures in contention were expected.
The NFL grants two major markets and one fanbase from the present. Now, the Giants are on to deliver their first win of the series in the Brian Daboll era. – Carol
The Eagles giants can be pivotal
You can count on a Philadelphia crowd in the Christmas spirit when the Giants visit. That rivalry has veered toward Philadelphia in recent seasons. The Eagles have won 16 of their last 20 games, and the Giants haven’t won at Lincoln Financial Field since 2013.
As the defending NFC champions and one of the favorites to play in the Super Bowl again, the Eagles would be disappointing if they didn’t retain their winning record at this point in the season. Fans are hoping the season will have something in common with the last time the Eagles hosted a game at Christmas: when they beat the Raiders on a cold 2017 night en route to their only Lombardy Cup. – Berman
background story
The addition of Black Friday comes after the NFL and Prime Video teamed up for the 2022 season to make Amazon the new home for “Friday Night Football.” Under their agreement, Prime Video will carry 15 “TNF” games annually through the 2032 season.
The NFL has announced its slate of international games, which includes the Chiefs and Dolphins meeting in Germany at Frankfurt Stadium in Week 9. The full 2023 NFL schedule will be released Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
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