Unprecedented December Challenge: NFL Teams Face Grueling Schedule

Unprecedented December Challenge: NFL Teams Face Grueling Schedule

When the NFL released the 2024 schedule, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had a visceral reaction. The Chiefs, along with the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, and Pittsburgh Steelers, were set to play three games in 11 days this December. “Not a good feeling,” Mahomes admitted, reflecting the sentiment of many players facing this daunting schedule.

Historically, this kind of schedule is almost unheard of. Since 1933, only the 2011 Jacksonville Jaguars have faced such a challenge in December. Mahomes expressed concerns about the physical toll, saying, “You never want to play this many games in this short of time. It’s just not great for your body.”

In recent years, from 2019 to 2023, no team had to endure such a stretch. However, this season, the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, and Dallas Cowboys have already navigated this demanding schedule.

For the Chiefs, Ravens, Texans, and Steelers, this stretch comes at a critical time when playoff positions are on the line. The Steelers, for instance, have seen their lead in the AFC North evaporate as the Ravens surge, while the Chiefs have solidified their hold on the conference’s No. 1 seed.

Ravens tight end Mark Andrews noted, “It’s crazy. But at the end of the day, everybody that’s in that boat is in that boat, so we’re all going through the same things.”

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin often challenges his players to determine if they’re thriving or merely surviving. This December, it’s all about adapting. With limited recovery time, teams are adjusting their practice routines, focusing more on walk-throughs and body maintenance, including massages, diet, and cryotherapy.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud emphasized the importance of mental preparation, saying, “Getting your mental back is just as important. So, you probably do less active things and it’s more mental than physical.”

• Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams is on track to play 18 regular-season games due to an in-season trade.
• The Steelers face the toughest schedule, playing three opponents with winning records: the Philadelphia Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs.
• The Ravens and Texans had a Week 14 bye, providing a slight advantage in terms of rest and preparation.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh motivated his team with a message: “December Football Season. Commit Everything. Save Nothing.” The Ravens have a history of performing well on short weeks, boasting an 11-5 record on Thursday games under Harbaugh.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans highlighted the importance of rest and recovery, stating, “It is a heightened sense of focus on rest and recovery as best as we can, while also understanding the game plan and being able to get those mental reps in.”

Despite the challenges, the Chiefs and Ravens have won their first two games in this stretch and could join a select group if they win Wednesday. Only the 1992 Saints and the 2011 Green Bay Packers have won all three games in an 11-day span in the Super Bowl era.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones plans to address the NFLPA about scheduling concerns, advocating for a later bye week for teams facing such a demanding schedule. “We don’t need a Week 6 bye. Give it to us in Week 8, Week 10, something like that,” Jones said.

As the Chiefs, Ravens, Texans, and Steelers navigate this unprecedented December challenge, the focus remains on recovery, preparation, and resilience. The outcome of these games could significantly impact the AFC playoff landscape, making every moment of rest and every strategic decision crucial.