Could Aaron Rodgers’ Week 1 Appearance Make It a Must-See NFL Showdown? Insights from NFL VP Mike North

Steelers owner Art Rooney II recently expressed disappointment about the team’s late-season night games. However, they will kick off the season with four 1 p.m. ET games in their first five matchups.

A lot of this scheduling focuses on uncertainty around quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Jets had been in the spotlight for the past two seasons with their many prime-time games, showcasing the four-time MVP. But injuries and inconsistent play have changed the narrative.

There’s speculation that Rodgers might join the Steelers. NFL vice president Mike North mentioned to CBS Sports that this potential move wasn’t considered when scheduling the Steelers’ visit to the Jets for the season opener. If it had been taken into account, the game could have been scheduled for prime time instead of the 1 p.m. slot, which competes with seven other games.

In North’s words, “If the league knew, we probably would’ve scheduled that game for a national television window.” This sentiment highlights how the league strives to feature exciting matchups. The Steelers are also set for four night games and two late-afternoon games, offering different exposure in contrast to the Jets’ schedule with Rodgers.

The interest in prime-time games often stirs debates among fans. Social media buzz indicates that many want more evening slots for thrilling matchups to increase excitement. According to a recent survey by the ESPN Sports Poll, around 65% of NFL fans prefer watching key games in prime time.

Flex scheduling might change things as the season progresses. The flexibility allows the league to highlight the most compelling games later on. The anticipation around Rodgers and the Steelers will likely keep fans engaged throughout the season, showing how dynamic the NFL landscape can be.

For the latest updates on NFL scheduling and player movements, you can check out trusted sports news sources like CBS Sports or ESPN.

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