NFL Schedule 2023 Leaks: Who's Opening the Season? Who's Playing on Thanksgiving and Christmas? All the Rumors So Far!

The 2023 NFL season schedule is set to be released tonight at 8pm ET.

However, football fans know that leaks are very common in the sports world and already, we’re finding out who is playing who during some key games.

Most of this information is not confirmed, but we’re breaking down the best rumors so far!

Keep reading to find out more…

WHO’S OPENING 2023 SEASON?

ESPN is reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs will be hosting the NFL opening night on Thursday (September 7) in a game against the Detroit Lions. Patrick Mahomes and his squad are the defending Super Bowl champions and will be taking on the Jared Goff-led Lions, who had a strong second half of their season last year, in what is sure to be an exciting game!

WHO’S PLAYING THE FIRST SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL OF THE SEASON?

WFAN‘s Brandon Tierney is reporting that the Giants and Cowboys are back in the coveted Sunday Night Football opening night spot! For years, the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys always played in the first SNF of the season, however, that had changed in recent years. With both teams being incredibly competitive going into the 2023 season, it looks like the NFL wants to open with a big rivalry matchup on Sunday (September 10).

WHO’S PLAYING THE FIRST MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL OF THE SEASON?

It looks like Aaron Rodgers‘ New York Jets debut is set to happen on the first Monday Night Football of the season against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.

WHO’S PLAYING ON THANKSGIVING?

Three teams traditionally play on Thanksgiving day. This year, the rumored schedule is as follows:
Packers at Lions (morning game)
49ers at Seahawks (evening game)

The Dallas Cowboys traditionally play on Thanksgiving as well, so look for them to be in that afternoon timeslot.

WHO’S PLAYING ON BLACK FRIDAY?

In an NFL first, there will be a Black Friday game, and that is rumored to be the New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins.

WHO’S PLAYING ON CHRISTMAS DAY?

There will be a triple-header on Christmas Day this year (which falls on a Monday). So far, the NFL has revealed that the following teams will play on Christmas:

Raiders vs. Chiefs in a big AFC West mathchup.

Giants vs. Eagles in a big NFC East matchup.

WHO IS PLAYING IN THE INTERNATIONAL GAMES?

This appears to be the finalized international schedule this year:
Falcons vs. Jaguars (Week 4): Oct. 1, 9:30 a.m. ET, Wembley Stadium in London
Jaguars vs. Bills (Week 5): Oct. 8, 9:30 a.m. ET, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London
Ravens vs. Titans (Week 6): Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m. ET, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London
Dolphins vs. Chiefs (Week 9): Nov. 5, 9:30 a.m. ET, Frankfurt Stadium in Germany
Colts vs. Patriots (Week 10): Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m. ET, Frankfurt Stadium in Germany

OTHER CONFIRMED GAMES SO FAR…

Stay tuned as we learn more, and head to CBS for more rumors!