Last season was frustrating for anyone covering the San Francisco 49ers, as it meant missing out on family activities due to the team playing games on Thanksgiving night and Christmas night. Although the Christmas night game was less burdensome because most family activities were done by then.
Additionally, the team played on New Year's Eve, although it was a morning game, making it less of an issue.
However, for fans, it must have been enjoyable to mix holiday activities, such as stuffing your face with turkey, with watching a 49ers game. The 2024 NFL schedule is expected to be released this week. While the date has yet to be officially announced, reports point to a potential Wednesday unveiling.
The NFL announced plans to schedule two games on Christmas Day, marking rare Wednesday NFL contests. This will be the fifth consecutive year of games on Christmas Day. The decision drew criticism after Hans Schroeder, NFL executive vice president of media distribution, assured the Wall Street Journal in December that the league would avoid scheduling games on Christmas if the holiday fell on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
"The Christmas Day thing is a pretty unnecessary display of greed by the league and its owners," Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer declared after the announcement of the plan to play on Christmas Day. "To make four teams, and I'm going to assume the NFL will intend to have contenders in those broadcast windows, in a spot to play three games in just 11 days on the doorstep of the playoffs only makes sense in one way, and we all know what way that is."
With the 49ers expected to once again be Super Bowl contenders during the upcoming season, it would certainly make sense if the NFL wanted to showcase the team during these primetime matchups.
As fans, what are you hoping for regarding the 49ers' schedule? Did you enjoy watching the team on Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you hoping to see something similar this year? Leave a comment below.