The 2024 NFL season is set to offer fans even more exciting primetime football with the return of Monday Night Football (MNF) doubleheaders. The Buffalo Bills and the Jacksonville Jaguars will kick off the first of four MNF doubleheaders in Week 3, with a primetime matchup scheduled at 7:30 p.m. EDT on ESPN.

As part of the ongoing television contract between ESPN/ABC and the NFL, the league has expanded its slate of primetime games, allowing fans to enjoy more exciting matchups. The deal, which took effect in 2022, has already introduced changes, including the addition of multiple weeks with double-scheduled Monday night games.

The anticipation for Week 3 is high as the Buffalo Bills, known as the Bills Mafia, host the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bills have become regulars in primetime football in recent years, showcasing their status as one of the NFL's top contenders. Led by star quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills have frequently been featured in marquee matchups on Monday Night Football (MNF), Sunday Night Football (SNF), and Thursday Night Football (TNF).

Josh Allen himself has an impressive track record under the Monday night lights, with 18 touchdowns thrown in his first seven MNF games. This places him third all-time for most passing touchdowns in a player's first seven MNF appearances, behind only Dan Marino and Patrick Mahomes. With Allen's playmaking abilities, there is a possibility that he could surpass this record with another standout performance in this Monday night showdown against the Jaguars.

The decision to feature two Monday Night Football games in a single night represents a strategic move by the NFL and its broadcasting partners to expand viewership and capitalize on fan engagement. By airing the doubleheader across both ESPN and ABC, the league can reach a wider audience, increasing total viewership compared to a single broadcast. This format also allows viewers to toggle between the two games, drawing in fans from both matchups and markets, thus maximizing overall engagement.

While each individual game in a doubleheader may see slightly lower ratings than a standalone MNF game, the combined audience reach often surpasses regular Monday night games. This format not only generates more buzz but also offers fans more variety in primetime, even if it poses challenges for avid fans with overlapping game times.

In addition to the Bills vs. Jaguars matchup, the 2024 season will bring three more MNF doubleheaders. In Week 4, the Tennessee Titans will take on the Miami Dolphins, while the Seattle Seahawks battle the Detroit Lions. Week 7 will feature the Baltimore Ravens facing off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Los Angeles Chargers going head-to-head with the Arizona Cardinals. Finally, the Week 15 doubleheader will showcase a late-season showdown between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings, and the Atlanta Falcons against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The 2024 NFL season has kicked off with a bang, and the return of Monday Night Football doubleheaders adds even more excitement to the mix. Whether you're cheering from Highmark Stadium or tuning in from home, mark your calendars for these thrilling primetime matchups that promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats.