NFL 2022-2023: When Does the Next Season Start?

As the excitement of the NFL offseason builds, fans everywhere eagerly await the kickoff of the 2022-2023 season. From blockbuster trades and draft picks to intense preseason preparations, the buildup is always thrilling. If you’re wondering, NFL 2022-2023: When does the next season start?, we’ve got you covered. This upcoming season is set to deliver the drama, spectacular plays, and intense rivalries that football fans live for, so let’s dive into the key dates and what you can expect.

The Official Start Date

Mark your calendars! The regular season for the NFL 2022-2023 is officially slated to begin on Thursday, September 8, 2022. The tradition of starting the season with a primetime Thursday night game continues, and it’s one that fans eagerly anticipate. The opening game usually features the reigning Super Bowl champions, which this year would be the Los Angeles Rams. They’ll likely face off against a formidable opponent to kick things off in style.

The Week 1 matchups are always compelling, setting the stage for what’s to come. Teams will be looking to make an early statement, and fans can expect high-stakes football right from the start.

Key Dates Leading Up to the Regular Season

Before the official kickoff, several important events shape the course of the season. Here’s a rundown of key dates leading up to the much-awaited NFL 2022-2023: When does the next season start? moment:

• NFL Draft (April 28-30, 2022): The NFL Draft is where teams build their future. Held in Las Vegas this year, the draft is a spectacle in itself, as young talents are selected to join the league. These fresh faces could become the stars of tomorrow, and fans are always eager to see who their team picks.
• Offseason Workouts and Minicamps (May – June 2022): Once the draft concludes, teams jump straight into organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps. This is when rookies and veterans come together for the first time to begin crafting the chemistry needed for success.
• Training Camps (July – August 2022): Training camps mark the true beginning of preparation for the regular season. It’s a time of intense workouts, team bonding, and position battles. Teams refine their rosters and strategies, making it a critical period for determining who starts and who sits when Week 1 arrives.
• Preseason Games (August 2022): While the preseason might not carry the same weight as regular-season games, it offers a glimpse of what’s to come. For players fighting for a roster spot, these games are make-or-break moments. For fans, it’s a chance to see how new acquisitions and rookies perform under pressure.

What to Expect in the 2022-2023 Season

As we look ahead to the new season, several storylines are already generating buzz. The question on everyone’s mind might be, NFL 2022-2023: When does the next season start?, but beyond that, what can we expect once it does?

Returning Superstars and Injuries: The 2021-2022 season saw some star players sidelined with injuries, and their return could shift the balance of power across the league. Names like Derrick Henry and Jameis Winston will be pivotal in their teams’ pursuit of postseason glory.

New Faces in New Places: The offseason saw numerous high-profile trades and free agency signings. How will big names like Russell Wilson, now with the Denver Broncos, or Davante Adams, now with the Las Vegas Raiders, impact their new teams? These moves could dramatically reshape the playoff landscape.

Rookie Impact: Every year, first-year players step in and make immediate impacts. Keep an eye on key draft picks like the Jacksonville Jaguars’ top pick, Travon Walker, and how they adjust to the speed and complexity of the professional level. Rookies will be hungry to prove they belong, and their contributions could be game-changers.

Super Bowl Contenders: Of course, the journey to the Super Bowl begins in Week 1. The defending champions, the Los Angeles Rams, look poised for another deep run, but they won’t go unchallenged. The Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs are among the early favorites. It’s anyone’s guess who will hoist the Lombardi Trophy come February.

Rule Changes and Updates: The NFL continuously tweaks its rules to improve the game and address player safety concerns. As the 2022-2023 season approaches, be on the lookout for any rule adjustments that might influence gameplay or strategies, especially regarding overtime procedures, taunting penalties, and the use of instant replay.

The Path to the Playoffs and Beyond

The NFL regular season spans 18 weeks, with each team playing 17 games. It’s a grueling marathon where every win or loss can determine playoff seeding. The expanded playoff format, introduced in recent years, keeps more teams in contention late into the season, ensuring there’s no shortage of drama.

Once the regular season concludes in early January 2023, the playoffs will begin. Wild Card Weekend kicks off the postseason frenzy, leading up to the conference championships and eventually the Super Bowl. The road to Super Bowl LVII, set for February 12, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, will be paved with thrilling matchups and clutch performances.

The Bigger Picture: What the New Season Means for Fans

For millions of fans worldwide, the start of the NFL 2022-2023 season is more than just a return of football—it’s a cultural event. From fantasy football leagues to tailgate parties, the NFL season brings people together in a way few other sports can. The anticipation, the hope that this could be “our year,” and the unpredictability of each game fuel the passion that keeps fans coming back season after season.

Whether you’re a die-hard follower of a specific team or just someone who loves the sport, the countdown to the new season is always an exciting time. As we approach the big kickoff, the question of NFL 2022-2023: When does the next season start? serves as a reminder that football is just around the corner, ready to bring us another year of unforgettable moments.

So gear up, because before you know it, the opening whistle will blow, and the chase for the Lombardi Trophy will be underway.