NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson has announced an exciting change to the NFL schedule for the 2024 season, promising a more balanced and thrilling viewing experience for fans. This season, viewers of NFL RedZone will enjoy a significant shift in how games are staggered throughout the day, particularly in the later time slots.
Traditionally, the NFL schedule has heavily favored the early afternoon games, with as many as eight or more matchups kicking off at 1 p.m., leaving only two or three games in the 4 p.m. window. This often created a packed early slate, while the late afternoon could feel sparse. However, the NFL has decided to even out the distribution of games, ensuring a more consistent flow of action throughout the entire Sunday.
Hanson, speaking on WFAN, explained the reasoning behind this shift. “The NFL typically staggers the schedule with more games in the early window and fewer in the late window. They do this because they want big, marquee matchups like Cowboys vs. Chiefs to stand out in the late window, drawing national attention with top commentators like Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on CBS,” Hanson said.
The new scheduling approach guarantees that there will always be at least three games in the 4 p.m. window, a significant improvement over previous years. Hanson expressed his enthusiasm for the change, noting that it enhances the overall experience for RedZone viewers. “I prefer a good eight-four split if we have 12 games on a Sunday. Eight early games give us a full octobox, and four late games provide a solid quadbox. That balance keeps the excitement going all day,” Hanson added.
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The NFL’s decision to adjust the schedule was made with RedZone in mind, recognizing the channel’s growing popularity and the unique way it presents live games. Hanson revealed that during a Zoom meeting with NFL executives in the offseason, the schedule makers were specifically instructed to avoid having only two games in the late window. “We can’t have any two-game late windows,” Hanson recalled being told. As a result, this season’s schedule will feature at least three late games every week, with many Sundays offering four or even five late matchups.
The news has been met with widespread approval from NFL fans, especially those who enjoy the fast-paced, non-stop action that RedZone provides. Social media lit up with excitement, with one fan calling it a “game changer for RedZone fans,” though acknowledging that some everyday fans might prefer the previous setup to focus solely on their favorite team. Another fan echoed Hanson’s sentiment, saying, “It’s all about that Octo-Quad split,” while others celebrated the prospect of more football later in the day, making it easier to catch games after work.
This scheduling change represents a thoughtful adjustment by the NFL to cater to its diverse fanbase, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the best of what Sunday football has to offer.
Whether you’re a die-hard RedZone viewer or just tuning in for your team’s game, the 2024 season promises to deliver more balanced and exciting football action throughout the day.
