Former NFL player JJ Watt. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

JJ Watt reveals what players care about on NFL schedules

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 5/15/24

The NFL is releasing its 2024 regular-season schedule on Wednesday, and fans are mostly interested in when the most marquee matchups will happen. For players, the story is a bit different.

JJ Watt discussed what NFL players actually focus on when the schedule is revealed, and the focus is quite different than what fans look at.

According to Watt, players want to know when their bye week is, when they might have to play on Thursday night and when they might have to focus on any other games that might disrupt their usual routine. That also includes games in which unusual weather might be a factor.

NFL Schedule Release Day.

Here’s what players look at:

– First Game
– Bye Week
– Thursday Night Game
– Any other games that may disrupt routine/recovery (International, MNF, etc)
– Possible weather games (Buffalo in December, Miami in Sept, etc)

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 15, 2024

From a player’s perspective, rest and recovery is hugely important. Anything that might disrupt that usual process is going to draw attention. That includes international games, as well as Monday night games. Holiday matchups would also factor into that.

We already know Thursday night games tend to be unpopular with the majority of players. It is not a surprise that players are quick to see when they might have to play that night, and the same goes for anything else out of the ordinary.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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