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. But at the end of the day, it’s your job, your profession. You have to come to work and do it.”

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 rigorous schedule. But for the Chiefs, Ravens, Texans, and Steelers, the stakes are higher as these games could shape the AFC playoff picture.

As the games progressed, the Steelers saw their lead in the AFC North slip away, while the Ravens surged forward. Meanwhile, the Chiefs solidified their position as the conference’s No. 1 seed. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews commented on the situation, “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 with the question: are they thriving or merely surviving? This December, it’s all about adaptation. With limited recovery time, teams are opting for fewer full-speed practices and more walk-throughs. The Ravens, for instance, only donned helmets for two practices between their Dec. 15 game against the New York Giants and their Wednesday game at Houston.

Body maintenance has become a priority, with players focusing on 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’ Unique Challenge

No player has had a more demanding season than Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams. If he plays the last two games, he and teammate Preston Smith will join Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams as the only players in the modern era to play 18 regular-season games. Williams was traded from the Jets on Nov. 5, before their bye week, and joined the Steelers after their bye, playing every week since Sept. 9.

The Steelers face the toughest schedule, playing three opponents with winning records: the Philadelphia Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs. Losses to the Eagles and Ravens have impacted their standing in the AFC North. Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson remains optimistic, saying, “We have aspirations going, playing in February.”

Ravens and Texans: A Strategic Advantage

When Ravens players entered their team meeting on Dec. 9, coach John Harbaugh had a message for them: “December Football Season. Commit Everything. Save Nothing.” The Ravens and Texans had a strategic advantage with a Week 14 bye, allowing extra rest and preparation time. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton noted, “It all comes down to culture. We could play the next day; we don’t really care.”

The Texans benefit from having two home games in this stretch, focusing on rest and recovery. Coach DeMeco Ryans emphasized the importance of mental reps and recovery, saying, “We take care of our guys and make sure their bodies are taken care of to recover.”

However, the Texans face a setback with the loss of wide receiver Tank Dell to a dislocated knee and torn ACL. They claimed veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers to fill the gap.

Chiefs’ Quest for a Three-Peat

If the Chiefs are to continue their championship run, they must overcome this challenging schedule. Defensive tackle Chris Jones plans to address the NFLPA about scheduling concerns, advocating for a late bye week for teams with such demanding schedules.

Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for player safety. The Chiefs and Ravens have the opportunity to join a select group of teams that have won all three games in an 11-day stretch, a feat achieved by only the 1992 Saints and the 2011 Green Bay Packers.

As the NFL season reaches its climax, the resilience and adaptability of these teams will be tested. The outcome of this grueling schedule could have lasting implications for the playoff landscape and the future of scheduling in the league.