The 2020 NFL season will be the 101st season of the competition. However, it could be a little different from many of the previous campaigns as the National Football League monitor the developments surrounding coronavirus in the United States. Nonetheless, the season is due to begin on time so let’s take a look at 5 reasons to get excited about the return of the NFL.
1. Opening Kickoff
The season is set to begin with the NFL Kickoff Game on the 10th of September and one of the main reasons to get excited about the return of the NFL in the opening game. It will feature the defending Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs as they play host to the Houston Texans. This is a rematch of last season’s AFC Divisional Round, which was a thrilling game. Kansas City was 24-0 behind but staged a remarkable comeback which saw them score seven consecutive touchdowns and a field goal over eight drives. Houston is going to want revenge.
2. Hot New Rookies
Looking at the draft picks and the fans of Miami Dolphins, in particular, will be looking forward to the return of the NFL. It was clear the Dolphins required offensive line help and they have drafted Austin Jackson for the job. While the addition of Noah Igbinoghene was seen as a surprise by some people, one of the major reasons to be excited about the return of the NFL has to be the pick of Tua Tagovailoa. The quarterback is already being talked up as the man to follow in the footsteps of Dan Marino, which would be tremendous to watch. If that is enough to tempt you to have a wager on Miami Dolphins this season, don’t forget to use a BetMGM Sportsbook Bonus Code.
3. Joe Burrow
While discussing the position of quarterback, it is impossible to ignore the rise of Joe Burrow. Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals as the first round, the first pick, it is going to be extremely exciting to see Burrow in action this season and beyond. He set a new NCAA single-season record for touchdown passes for LSU but that was not where he started his college career. Burrow transferred from Ohio State has failed to secure a regular starting position in the team over the course of three seasons. Not many people could have predicted his meteoric rise into the NFL.
4. New Cowboys Head Coach
Fans will be looking on during the new NFL season with excitement at the Dallas Cowboys. They have made a change in the head coach position by bringing in former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. CeeDee Lamb is considered one of the best value picks from the draft in April while the decision to allow Kellen Moore to continue to call plays has been met with praise in many quarters. The one thing Dallas Cowboys will be hoping for perhaps more than most is a change in luck. It is easy to forget that Dallas was statistically one of the best teams in the NFL in 2019. However, in terms of games won or lost by a one-score margin, six went against them and they will be hoping for better luck this time around.
5. Early Marquee Matchup
Patrick Mahomes vs Lamar Jackson is one of the early season delights to look forward to in the NFL this season. In week three of the season, Kansas City Chiefs are at Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football and there should be fireworks. In terms of the AFC in 2020, both teams rank very highly and they have two of the most entertaining quarterbacks in the business.