NFL games today: Everything you need to know about the 2021 NFL season

There aren’t any NFL games today per say, but the 2021 offseason is in full swing, and there are plenty of key dates and events surrounding pro football to keep fans interested until the weekly game action gets underway again.

Whether it’s the anticipation around free agency, the official start to the draft or any number of unforeseen transactions, the NFL is always buzzing no matter what date it is on the calendar. Every franchise is engaging in a chess match of sorts, figuring out how to strategically address issues on their rosters to field the most competitive team possible next season.

With all that as the backdrop, prior to taking a full look at the NFL schedule and the home and away opponents for all 32 NFL teams, let’s hone in on some key 2021 dates on the NFL calendar.

NFL calendar: Key 2021 dates leading up to regular season

February 23 through March 9: Deadline to franchise tag players (ends at 4 p.m. EST)

Each team gets to used either an exclusive franchise tag, a non-exclusive franchise tag or a transition tag on one player. The franchise tag pays that player a one-year salary that’s an average of the top five highest-paid players at his position, or 120% of the player’s previous annual salary. It’s whichever number is greater.

A player must remain with his incumbent team if he’s given an exclusive franchise tag. The only other option is to hold out for a long-term contract extension by refusing to sign the franchise tender. A non-exclusive franchise tag means another team can bid for the player, and if the incumbent team doesn’t match, the player goes to another team, earning two first-round picks as compensation.

In the case of the transition tag, it’s a cheaper option than the franchise tag (average of the top 10 salaries at the player’s position, or a 20% pay raise, whichever is higher), but other teams can outbid for the player, and the player’s incumbent team doesn’t receive any draft pick compensation if he signs with a new team.

Read More: 5 most valuable NFL franchise tag candidates teams must retain in 2021

Thursday, March 17: NFL free agency opens

Trades also become official on this date, but negotiations and blockbuster deals have already been made, with plenty of movement already among quarterbacks.

But to remain on topic, NFL free agency is where players whose contracts are expired are free to sign with any team of their choosing.

For three days before the official start of free agency, teams and players can negotiate contracts. Anything prior to then can be considered tampering and is punishable by a fine from the league office.

Related: Top 50 NFL free agents of 2021.

April 15/April 22: Potential dates for official 2021 NFL schedule release

We’ll get to the opponents for every team in a short while, but these approximations made by Pro Football Network are based on the NFL’s precedent for revealing its full schedule on a Thursday in mid-April.

Last year’s release was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The schedule drop date should revert to the normal timeline in 2021, yet the strong possibility of a 17th regular-season game being added casts some doubt on this notion.

A 17th game would definitely change how the schedule is formulated. Going by what we know, though, there are at least 16 opponents determined for all 32 teams to date.

Read More: NFL likely to expand to 17-game season in 2021 after new TV deals signed

April 15, April 19: Teams start offseason workouts for new coaches, returning coaches

The offseason programs could change based on how the COVID-19 pandemic plays out, but the tentative dates for the start of organized team activities has been set.

Teams who have a new coaching staff get a slight head start on getting their veterans into the building. OTAs were canceled prior to last NFL season, so there’s a chance the protocols could again be modified are acquainted with each other through virtual meetings when possible.

April 23: Restricted free agency ends

As opposed to unrestricted free agents who can sign anywhere, restricted free agents (RFAs) have less say in where they go. They receive an offer from their incumbent team, and a potential new suitor has to exceed that offer to acquire the player. Alternatively, another team can make an offer for the RFA, which the incumbent team must match.

April 28: Deadline to match restricted free agency offers

Just one day before the 2021 NFL Draft, teams are required to match any restricted free agent offer sheets, or decline to do so. This gives teams a slightly clearer picture of how to approach the draft.

April 29 through May 1: The 2021 NFL Draft

This year’s NFL Draft is going to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, and will be televised on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. There are plenty of places to follow the action.

Due to their winning only one game last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars own the No. 1 overall pick. They’re widely expected to select Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and usher in a new era of Jaguars football under new head coach Urban Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke.

Related: 2021 NFL mock draft – Six teams land new QB in 2021 NFL Draft mock.

Lawrence headlines a strong quarterback class, which also features first-round prospects in Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, Trey Lance and Mac Jones.

It’ll be interesting to see how Jacksonville goes about building its roster, as the team should look a lot different after free agency since the Jags have the most salary cap space in the NFL and can spend a lot on the open market.

Late July 2021: Training camp opens

Official start dates haven’t been revealed, and last offseason teams had to deal with shortened training camps.

This is when the real preparation for the season begins, as teams ramp up the practice schedule and work to get on the same page as they gear up for potential preseason games, and ultimately, lock in for the 2021 campaign.

Thursday, August 5: Hall of Fame Game, NFL preseason begins

It’s unclear what the plans are for the NFL preseason at this juncture. It was canceled in 2020, as was the annual Hall of Fame game, which is played in Canton, Ohio.

In the three prior years it was played, the exhibition opener took place on the first Thursday of August, hence the projected date here.

NFL 2021 season Week 1 kickoff: Thursday, September 9

Once the schedule releases in April, we’ll know who’s squaring off. If history is any indication, it’ll either be a heated, iconic division rivalry game, or a rematch of one of the matchups from the most recent postseason.

Don’t be surprised to see Tom Brady and the Super Bowl LV champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers the Green Bay Packers, or possibly host one of their division rivals like the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers or New Orleans Saints.

We could also see the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes or the new-look Los Angeles Chargers led by Justin Herbert in action to kick off the schedule. Check back here for a brief breakdown of the official duel when it’s announced.

Read More: NFL Q&A: Super Bowl LVI start time, channel, date, and the halftime show

NFL games today: Full schedules for all 32 teams

The NFL’s official game plan for how it draws out the annual schedule is fascinating. As mentioned before, a 17th regular-season game is possible, and how that shakes out will likely be fully determined soon.

What we do know are the home and away opponents for all 32 teams for their initial 16-game schedule. The order of those games is still to be determined by the official schedule release. For now, enjoy seeing who your favorite team will take on in 2021.

Related: NFL Power Rankings – 2021 offseason outlook for all 32 teams after J.J. Watt signs with Cardinals.

NFL games today: 2021 schedule for AFC North division

Baltimore Ravens 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Cincinnati Bengals 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Cleveland Browns 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

NFL games today: 2021 schedule for AFC South division

Houston Texans 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Indianapolis Colts 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Tennessee Titans 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

NFL games today: 2021 schedule for AFC East division

Buffalo Bills 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Miami Dolphins 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

New England Patriots 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

New York Jets 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

NFL games today: 2021 schedule for AFC West division

Denver Broncos 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Kansas City Chiefs 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Read More: Super Bowl 2022 odds: Kansas City Chiefs still favorites despite loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Las Vegas Raiders 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Los Angeles Chargers 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Related: We‘ve already got our 2022 Super Bowl pick, along with next year’s NFL playoff teams.

NFL games today: 2021 schedule for NFC North division

Chicago Bears 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Detroit Lions 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Green Bay Packers 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Minnesota Vikings 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

NFL games today: 2021 schedule for NFC South division

Atlanta Falcons 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Carolina Panthers 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

New Orleans Saints 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

NFL games today: 2021 schedule for NFC East division

Dallas Cowboys 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

New York Giants 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Philadelphia Eagles 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Washington Football Team 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

NFL games today: 2021 schedule for NFC West division

Arizona Cardinals 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Los Angeles Rams 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Read More: Former Lions QB Matthew Stafford speaks out on trade to Los Angeles Rams

San Francisco 49ers 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

Seattle Seahawks 2021 schedule: Home and away opponents

NFL Cheerleaders

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Dec 23, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during a timeout from the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers Cheerleaders

Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cheerleaders during the second quarter between the Carolina Panthers and the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Football Team Cheerleaders

Dec 15, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; A Washington Football Team cheerleader dances on the field during a timeout against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleaders

Dec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; The Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleaders, The Roar perform before a game against the Chicago Bears at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders

Aug 8, 2019; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins cheerleaders perform during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports.

Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders

Oct 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders perform in the fourth quarter in a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleaders

Oct 15, 2017; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleaders perform during a football game against the Los Angeles Rams at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Jan 5, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders

Oct 15, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas Raiders Cheerleaders

Sep 10, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cheerleaders perform during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots Cheerleaders

Aug 16, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cheerleaders perform during the first quarter of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders

Oct 28, 2018; Kansas City, MO, USA; The Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Chargers Cheerleaders

Aug 20, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cheerleaders perform during a NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders

Oct 5, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders perform during the second half of a football game against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform a holiday show at halftime for the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Tampa 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers Cheerleaders

Aug 24, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers Topcats Cheerleaders perform during the second quarter between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Dec 9, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs on the sidelines during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Football Team Cheerleaders

Aug 16, 2018; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Football Team cheerleaders dance on the field during a timeout against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. Washington won 15-13. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans Cheerleaders

Jan 4, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cheerleader perform in the AFC Wild Card NFL Playoff game between the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders

Oct 21, 2018; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins cheerleader performs against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders

Nov 19, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A Minnesota Vikings cheerleader performs during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots Cheerleaders

Oct. 9, 2011 – Foxboro, Massachusetts, U.S – New England Patriots cheerleaders perform. The New England Patriots defeat the New York Jets 30 – 21 during the AFC East matchup at Gillette Stadium. (Credit Image: © Geoff Bolte/Southcreek/ZUMAPRESS.com)

Los Angeles Chargers Cheerleaders

Aug 25, 2018; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers girls cheerleaders perform during a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Dec 23, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during a timeout from the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports