Each spring, six NFL executives take on an enormous task: creating the NFL schedule for the next season.
The NFL schedule makers — Vice President of Broadcasting Michael North, Senior Vice President of Broadcasting Howard Katz, Senior Director of Broadcasting Blake Jones, Director of Broadcasting Charlotte Carey, Vice President of Broadcasting Onnie Bose, and Broadcasting Senior Coordinator Lucy Popko — must consider the fans, the league's broadcast partners and many other factors when building the 272-game schedule that spans the 18 weeks of the NFL season and showcases the league's best matchups and talent.
The schedule makers will have to work around events that are already scheduled to take place in or near NFL stadiums — events that may compete with the games, put undue stress on the playing surface, or create traffic or logistical nightmares. The league begins collecting information from the clubs in January about any events that may create scheduling conflicts.
The schedulers are also constrained by internal factors. A formula determines each team's opponents every year, and a rotating schedule ensures that every team plays each of the other 31 at least once in a four-year period.
It takes thousands of cloud-based computers to produce thousands of possible schedules — a process that sets the stage for the schedule makers to begin the arduous task of picking the best possible one.
THE ANATOMY OF THE NFL SCHEDULE
The league's 32 teams are split into two conferences — the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The 16 teams in each conference are split into the East, North, South and West divisions; every division has four teams.
Every team will play 17 regular-season games with one bye week. Teams will alternate seasons where they host nine regular-season games and one preseason game, or eight regular-season games and two preseason games. The AFC will have nine regular season home games in the 2023 season.
Here's a breakdown of how each NFL team's opponents are set:
- Six games against divisional opponents — two games per team, one at home and one on the road.
- Four games against teams from a division within its conference — two games at home and two on the road.
- Four games against teams from a division in the other conference— two games at home and two on the road.
- Two games against teams from the two remaining divisions in its own conference — one game at home and one on the road. Matchups are based on division ranking from the previous season.
- The 17th game is an additional game against a non-conference opponent from a division that the team is not scheduled to play. Matchups are based on division ranking from the previous season.
View photos of the New York Giants' 2024 active roster as it currently stands.
ILB Matthew Adams
CB Deonte Banks
TE Daniel Bellinger
S Dane Belton
OLB Brian Burns
DL Elijah Chatman
DL D.J. Davidson
QB Tommy DeVito
OT Jermaine Eluemunor
OL Joshua Ezeudu
CB Cor'Dale Flott
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton
OLB Tomon Fox
K Graham Gano
P Jamie Gillan (6)
RB Eric Gray
CB Art Green
CB Tre Hawkins III
OT Chris Hubbard
WR Jalin Hyatt
CB Adoree' Jackson
S Anthony Johnson Jr.
LB Patrick Johnson
TE Theo Johnson
QB Daniel Jones
LS Casey Kreiter
G Jake Kubas
DL Dexter Lawrence II
QB Drew Lock
TE Chris Manhertz
LB Micah McFadden
ILB Darius Muasau
WR Malik Nabers
T Evan Neal
S Tyler Nubin
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches
OLB Azeez Ojulari
ILB Bobby Okereke
CB Dru Phillips
S Jason Pinnock
DL Jordon Riley
WR Wan'Dale Robinson
G Jon Runyan
C John Michael Schmitz Jr.
S/LB Isaiah Simmons
RB Devin Singletary
WR Darius Slayton
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
G Aaron Stinnie
LB Ty Summers
RB Tyrone Tracy
G Greg Van Roten
DL Armon Watts
ONCE EVERY TEAM'S OPPONENTS ARE SET, THE SCHEDULE MAKERS BEGIN THE PROCESS OF DETERMINING WHEN EVERY GAME WILL BE PLAYED.
The NFL's marquee matchups often are scheduled to air during the week's premier time slots — Thursday, Sunday or Monday nights or the late game on Sunday afternoons. The league typically schedules the Super Bowl champion at home for the Thursday night game that kicks off the new season.
The league will also schedule games on the Saturdays of Weeks 15, 16 and 18. In Week 15, three of the five designated matchups will be played on Saturday with the remainder being played on Sunday. Specific dates and start times for the designated Week 15 matchups will be determined and announced later during the season.
INTERNATIONAL SERIES
The National Football League has announced the schedule of the 2024 International Games that will be played across London, U.K., Munich, Germany and São Paulo, Brazil — as the league's global footprint continues to expand.
The Minnesota Vikings will kick off the league's return to Europe on Sunday, Oct. 6, as they play the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the U.S.
The following Sunday, Oct. 13, also at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Chicago Bears will play the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The London focus then shifts to Wembley Stadium as the Jaguars take on the New England Patriots on Sunday, Oct. 20. This is the second time Jacksonville will play back-to-back games in the U.K., marking the team's 12th and 13th regular season games in London.
The Carolina Panthers will play the New York Giants in Munich at Allianz Arena — Home of FC Bayern Munich on Sunday, Nov. 10 as part of the NFL's commitment to playing regular season games in Germany.
This season's slate of International Games will begin in São Paulo, Brazil on Friday night of Week 1 of the regular season. The Green Bay Packers will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, Sept. 6 at 8:15 PM ET.
View photos from the New York Giants' previous regular-season trips to Europe, where they are 3-0.
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Corner back Sam Madison #29 of the New York Giants celebrates a broken pass play against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Sam Madison
Miami Dolphins' Cleo Lemon (17) throws the ball during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game against New York Giants at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Eli Manning, David Diehl and Michael Strahan in the pregame huddle
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants qb Eli Manning, left, with Plaxico Burress on the sidelines during their game against the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 23, 2016 in London, U.K. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
A general view of game action during an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress walks to the field during a walk-through at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. The Giants are in London for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, the first regular season NFL game outside North America.(AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
New York Giants Amani Toomer, left, Shaun O'Hara, 2nd left, Eli Manning, centre, Michael Strahan, 2nd right, and coach Tom Coughlin pose for photographers at the Chelsea soccer team's training ground, Cobham, England Friday Oct. 26, 2007. The New York Giants will face the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Sunday Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants kicker Robbie Gould kicks the extra point after a touchdown during an NFL football game against Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) is tackled during an NFL football game against Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning speaks on stage during an NFL Fan Rally at the NFL House in Victoria House, in London, Saturday Oct. 22, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are due to play the New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London on Sunday in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
The New York Giants, right, kick off against The Miami Dolphins in their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Wembley National Stadium Limited/Pool)
New York Giants' Reuben Droughns (22) is pulled down by Miami Dolphins' Jason Allen, left, during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Referee Ron Torbert, center, conducts the coin toss as New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams players watch prior to an NFL football game at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants' Eli Manning quarter back (10) throws the ball whilst Miami Dolphins, Stiveni Fifita (60 ) is held back during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball in the first quarter during an NFL football game at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants starts his route against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Plaxico Burress
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is seen during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Former New York Giants player David Diehl high-fives school children during an NFL community event at Syon House in Syon Park, south west London, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are due to play the New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London on Sunday in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants on the sidelines against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Tom Coughlin
New York Giants practice squad players wide receiver Geremy Davis, 18, and defensive end Stansly Maponga, 71, take part in an NFL community event with children at Syon House in Syon Park, south west London, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are due to play the New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London on Sunday in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning speaks during a press conference at Syon House in Syon Park, south west London, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are due to play the New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London on Sunday in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul appears on stage during an NFL Fan Rally at the NFL House in Victoria House, in London, Saturday Oct. 22, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are due to play the New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London on Sunday in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Members of the New York Giants practice squad take part in an NFL community event with children at Syon House in Syon Park, south west London, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are due to play the New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London on Sunday in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning speaks during a press conference at Syon House in Syon Park, south west London, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are due to play the New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London on Sunday in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Running back Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants rushes for a solid gain against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Brandon Jacobs
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning speaks during a press conference at Syon House in Syon Park, south west London, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are due to play the New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London on Sunday in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, waits to be driven away on a golf buggy after speaking to media huddles at Syon House in Syon Park, south west London, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are due to play the New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London on Sunday in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) runs through before scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks to the crowd during an NFL Fan Rally at the NFL House in Victoria House, in London, Saturday Oct. 22, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants will play at Twickenham stadium in London in a week 7 matchup on Sunday. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, right, holds his phone up as defensive tackle Damon Harrison, left, looks down at the wheel clearance as they sit on a golf buggy after speaking to media huddles at Syon House in Syon Park, south west London, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are due to play the New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London on Sunday in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs the ball after a catch during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants huddles up his team against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Eli Manning
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs a route in front of Los Angeles Rams cornerback Troy Hill (32) during an NFL football game at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) following a week 7 NFL football game on October 23, 2016 in London, U.K. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning listens during a press conference at Syon House in Syon Park, south west London, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. The Los Angeles Rams are due to play the New York Giants at Twickenham stadium in London on Sunday in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) returns and interception for a touchdown during a week 7 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 23, 2016 in London, U.K. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) runs through before scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
From left, New York Giants running back Bobby Rainey (43), quarterback Eli Manning (10), and tackle Ereck Flowers (74) run onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants players line up to sing the national anthem before an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) pumps up the crowd during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) runs through before scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) evades a tackle from Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Mark Barron (26) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) during a week 7 NFL football game on October 23, 2016 in London, U.K. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) rushes the pass in front of New York Giants offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants kicker Robbie Gould (5) watches after kicking the ball off during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13), left, is tackled by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Troy Hill (32) during an NFL football game at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
New York Giants outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) lines up prior to the snap during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) celebrates after a play during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) throws the ball under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during an NFL football game at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) lines up prior to the snap during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) tackles Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) receives the snap and looks to throw the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) pumps up the crowd during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) returns and interception for a touchdown during a week 7 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 23, 2016 in London, U.K. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) evades a tackle by New York Giants outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants linebacker Keenan Robinson (57) lines up in position at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) is hit by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during an NFL football game at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) returns and interception for a touchdown during a week 7 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 23, 2016 in London, U.K. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across from the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants line up to sing the national anthem before an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) prepares to throw the ball during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs after the catch in front of Los Angeles Rams cornerback Troy Hill (32) during an NFL football game at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 23, 2016 in London, U.K. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) intercepts a pass in the end zone during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) evades a tackle by Los Angeles Rams running back Benny Cunningham (23) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) hits Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) evades a tackle from Los Angeles Rams cornerback Troy Hill (32) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) walks on the field before an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs after a catch during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21), centre, runs through before scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after leading his team to a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs after the catch during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams middle linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin runs onto the field before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants qb Eli Manning calls signals against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
Miami Dolphins qb Cleo Lemon (17) throws a pass against the New York Giants R.W. McQuaters (25) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Safety Michael Johnson #43 of the New York Giants waits for the Miami Dolphins snap on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Michael Johnson
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Running back Reuben Droughns #22 of the New York Giants can't get past the Miami Dolphins defensive line on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Reuben Droughns
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback Cleo Lemon #17 of the Miami Dolphins attempts to pass against the New York Giants on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This was the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Cleo Lemon
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants shouts out play calls against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Eli Manning
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: The New York Giants against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte)
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants shouts out play calls against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Eli Manning
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Tight end Jeremy Shockey #80 of the New York Giants is brought down by Will Allen #25 of the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Jeremy Shockey, WIll Allen
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback Cleo Lemon #17 of the Miami Dolphins drops back to pass against the New York Giants on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This was the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Cleo Lemon
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Center Shaun O'Hara #60 of the New York Giants against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Shaun O'Hara
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Running back Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants rushes for a solid gain against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Brandon Jacobs
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Running back Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants rushes for a solid gain against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Brandon Jacobs
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Corner back R.W. McQuarters #25 of the New York Giants returns an interception against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) R.W. McQuarters
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Corner back R.W. McQuarters #25 of the New York Giants returns an interception against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) R.W. McQuarters
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants rushes for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Eli Manning
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants shouts out play calls against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Eli Manning
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants shouts out play calls against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Eli Manning
LONDON - OCTOBER 28: Guard Rich Seubert #69 of the New York Giants pulls in a Giants fumble against the Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 in London, England. This is the first ever regular season NFL match to be played outside of the United States. The Giants won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Rich Seubert
New York Giants Michael Strahan (92) recovers a fumble by the Miami Dolphins Cleo Lemon (17) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) is hit by Miami Dolphins Michael Lehan (22) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) runs away from the Miami Dolphins Channing Crowder (52) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Fred Robbins (98) bears down on Miami Dolphins QB Cleo Lemon (17) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
FILE New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled by Miami Dolphins' Channing Crowder (52 ) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London on Oct. 28, 2007. Jacobs and his Giants teammates face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Nov. 11. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Reuben Droughns (22) runs against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) is chased by Miami Dolphins' Donnie Spragan (59) and John Denney (92) during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants' Sam Madison (29) and Miami Dolphins' Derek Hagan (82) leap for the ball during the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants center Weston Richburg (70) prepares to snap the ball to quarterback Eli Manning (10) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) is pulled down by Miami Dolphins Jesse Chatman during the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) warms up before an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning, left, is congratulated by a member of the coaching staff after scoring a touchdown against Miami Dolphins in the second quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
The New York Giants take the field to face the Miami Dolphins in their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants' Fred Robbins (98) tackles Miami Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon (17) in the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress (17) is tackled by Miami Dolphins' Michael Lehan (22) in the firrst quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants players practice during a walk-through at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. The Giants are in London for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, the first regular season NFL game outside North America. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
A view of the field ahead of New York Giants' walk-through at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. The New York Giants will play the Miami Dolphins there on Sunday 28 Oct., in the first trans-Atlantic regular-season game in NFL history. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss, second right, and his teammates look at the field during a walk-through at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. The Giants are in London for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, the first regular season NFL game outside North America. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
New York Giants players practice during a walk-through at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. The Giants are in London for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, the first regular season NFL game outside North America. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
New York Giants players practice during a walk-through at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. The Giants are in London for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, the first regular season NFL game outside North America. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
New York Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin looks at his players on the field during a walk-through at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. The Giants are in London for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, the first regular season NFL game outside North America. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
New York Giants safety Michael Johnson, center, smiles as he practices with his teammates during a walk-through at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. The Giants are in London for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, the first regular season NFL game outside North America. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning walks to the field during a walk-through at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. The Giants are in London for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, the first regular season NFL game outside North America. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
New York Giants players practice during a walk-through at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. The Giants are in London for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, the first regular season NFL game outside North America. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
Giants Offensive Huddle
Plaxico Burress pregame
Tom Coughlin
Rich Seubert and Chris Snee pregame
Giants Defense
Osi Umenyiora
Justin Tuck
Michael Strahan pregame huddle
Lawrence Tynes
Antonio Pierce
Michael Strahan
Coin Toss
Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Kawika Mitchell
Jeff Feagles
Osi Umenyiora
Osi Umenyiora
Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Reuben Droughns (22)
Eli Manning and Shaun O'Hara
Jeff Feagles (18)
Brandon Jacobs
Eli Manning
Brandon Jacobs (27)
Carter Coughlin (52)
Jihad Ward (55)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Jihad Ward (55)
Darius Slayton (86)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
FLEX SCHEDULING
In 2006, the NFL introduced a "flexible scheduling" procedure for NBC's "Sunday Night Football." Flex scheduling ensures that the Sunday night game will feature a quality primetime matchup.
Flexible scheduling for Sunday night may be used twice between Weeks 5–10, Weeks 11–15 and Week 17. In flex scheduling weeks, the games listed for the Sunday night window are tentative and subject to change. Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to move to Sunday night, in which the tentatively scheduled Sunday night game would move to a Sunday afternoon.
Sunday afternoon games may also be moved between the 1 p.m. ET, 4:05 p.m. ET, or 4:25 p.m. ET time slots.
Beginning in 2023, flexible scheduling will also be applied to ESPN's "Monday Night Football." This flexibility will be available in Weeks 12-15 and 17, allowing the NFL to move a different game into Monday Night Football and allowing the originally scheduled Monday night game to go back to Sunday afternoon. Monday Night Football flex scheduling decisions will be made on 13 days' notice.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD SCHEDULE?
Each team has one bye week assigned and many teams have a specific number of cross-country games scheduled (as determined by the standard formula at the conclusion of the previous season), stadium conflicts and other operational obstacles in their schedule. The scheduling teams aim to balance these operational elements while still trying to maximize fan viewership.
The process is challenging, and there may be no such thing as a perfect schedule, but the schedule makers consistently try to provide the NFL's fans and broadcast partners with a compelling and entertaining slate of games week after week.
