You’ll Notice a Major Change Starting on the Minnesota Vikings’ First Play of 2024
Dates and times for the upcoming NFL season haven't been announced yet, but we know the Minnesota Vikings will play 1 game in London, 8 games at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, and 8 road games.
The home schedule includes games against the Bears, Lions, Packers, Cardinals, 49ers, Falcons, Texans, Colts, and Jets and the Vikings will travel to play against the Bears, Lions, Packers, Rams, Seahawks, Jaguars, Titans, and Giants. Fans attending any of these games or watching from home will notice a major change on the very first play of the season.
Every off-season NFL owners and team reps meet to discuss the league's playbook and recommend changes to improve the game and/or reduce the chance of injuries.
At their latest gathering, they introduced a new rule to be put into action for the upcoming season, with a plan to review its effectiveness during the following off-season to decide whether it should become permanent. NBC Sports says it's "one of the most significant rule changes in NFL history."
Vikings Fans Will Notice This Major Change On The First Play Of The Season
NFL owners have approved a major change to kickoffs.
ESPN explains how things will look: "During the 2024 season, kickers will continue to kick from the 35-yard line, but the other 10 players on the kickoff team will line up at the receiving team's 40-yard line. At least nine members of the return team will line up in a "setup zone" between the 35- and 30-yard lines. Up to two returners can line up in a "landing zone" between the goal line and the 20-yard line."
Since touchbacks will now be spotted at the 30-yard line, the team kicking off would aim to keep the ball in play and try to win the field position game. The XFL used a similar model for kickoffs.
The rule is designed to promote kickoff returns which can be very exciting while limiting the chance of full-speed collisions.
