The NFL schedule is always involving, including international games, Christmas Day matchups and the recent expansion to a 17-game schedule.
This evolution will continue in 2023 as the NFL is making four key schedule changes.
So, let's go ahead and run through four key updates to the 2023 NFL schedule that fans should know.
4 NFL Schedule Changes for 2023
1. The First Black Friday Game
Thanksgiving and professional football are already synonymous with each other, but for the first time ever, the NFL is expanding to Black Friday as well.
In 2023, the Miami Dolphins will take on the New York Jets on Black Friday at 3 p.m. ET, pitting Tua Tagovailoa against Aaron Rodgers in a standalone mid-afternoon matchup.
2. FOX & CBS No Longer Linked to Conferences
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, FOX and CBS are no longer tied to conferences, meaning that there could be more of a mix of games on each network in 2023.
3. Thursday Night Football Limits Expanded
Teams were limited to one appearance on Thursday Night Football in the past, though that has been adjusted for the upcoming season.
NFL teams can now be scheduled for two games on Thursday night in 2023.
4. Primetime for the Prime Teams
Loosely tied to No. 3 above is the fact that not all teams are guaranteed to play in front of a primetime audience in 2023.
It appears that the NFL is doing its best to put its best product (and teams) in front of the largest audiences, which typically occurs in its primetime slots like Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football and Sunday Night Football.
