There’s magic in the air as an exciting new National Football League season draws ever closer. The 2024/25 campaign begins on Thursday, 5th September, when the Kansas City Chiefs play the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium. A capacity crowd will welcome the players to the field as the curtain lifts on the 105th renewal of the sport’s biggest and best-loved competition. Football fans can follow the play live on television and make predictions using the BetOnline mobile apps.
An action-packed opening weekend features more mouth-watering fixtures, including the Vikings vs. Giants, Patriots vs. Bengals, and Cowboys vs. Browns. Millions across the United States will celebrate the occasion, bolstered by a healthy international audience, including fans from Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond. The start of a new NFL season is a special time in the calendar, and this year’s schedule promises to be something quite special.
Kansas the team to beat
Which team will perform best and blast their way to Super Bowl glory at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans early next year? Pundits, ex-players, and sportsbook traders have had their say, with those in the know picking Kansas as the team to beat. The Chiefs are red-hot favorites, ahead of the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and the Cincinnati Bengals.
In addition to the hard-tackling, upset wins, controversy, and show-reel touchdowns, the 2024 season will showcase some of the latest and most impressive technology. Modern football uses revolutionary tech to complement the play, entertain the fans, and ensure officials get the big calls right every time. But which tech can you expect to see used across the competition when the season gets going? That’s an area that interests us the most.
Keep reading as our tech writers and sports fans combine their passions to highlight the best technology you’ll see used in the NFL 2024 Regular Season, Playoffs, and the Super Bowl. It’s going to be a year like no other as professional sports and the latest tech combine to create the greatest show on earth.
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Wearable tech
Player safety has always been a concern in American Football, and the latest wearable tech ensures that players on the field are safer than ever before. Smart helmets carry impact sensors that monitor collisions in real time, instantly feeding back data to coaches and staff on the sidelines. Smart helmets measure the force of the impact of tackles, allowing medical teams to make quick decisions on their next move. The information is invaluable in spotting the early signs of concussion, which might otherwise go unnoticed. In some cases, players can suffer concussions without showing any obvious signs, and the tech helps prevent further damage while allowing quick treatment.
AI-driven shock absorbers are another crucial piece of tech you’ll see used in the NFL this year and beyond. Helmets adjust protection levels based on the type of impact, ensuring safety in every aspect of the play. NFL players will also benefit from smart mouthguards and chest sensors. These provide protection and feedback data on heart rate, hydration, and more. The latest technology is driving change in football, making it safer than ever before while extending player’s careers and improving the sport’s reputation.
Artificial Intelligence
AI impacts almost every area of our daily lives, and it’s no surprise to learn it’s also an important tool in American Football at the highest level. AI-driven analytics provide huge amounts of relevant data on player performance, strategies, opposition, and other key areas of play. The programs can quickly analyze data from recent fixtures, including yards covered, movement, weather, and more. The coaching team then uses the information to help them prepare for the next game.
NFL coaches use AI to simulate different possible scenarios in a fixture with precision and ensure the players are ready to react. Fans watching the game from home will also benefit from this data in the coming season as it becomes more integrated into the gameplay. Armchair fans will enjoy a better understanding of why coaches make decisions and see for themselves which players are performing the best and which are slacking.
AI won’t just help improve a team’s players; it will also help scouts find the next generation of superstars. The tech can quickly and accurately analyze the performances of college players, predicting how their skills will translate to professional football and where they must improve. Teams using AI in their scouting program should find better players faster, giving them an advantage over other scouts.
Smart stadiums
We’ve already touched upon how tech will enhance the viewer experience for those watching the play on television and the best live-streaming apps. But what about the paying public? Fans inside the stadium creating an atmosphere and cheering on their favorite players are the lifeblood of the sport and they will benefit from tech’s influence through modern Smart Stadiums.
Many football stadiums in 2024 will be high-tech hubs, using the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve every area, from ticketing to food ordering. Supporters can connect their smartphones to their seats and order food and drinks without missing a kick. It will also make finding your seat easier and quicker, which will cut down on queues and confusion before kickoff.
The arrival of 5G technology in stadiums means fans can stay connected throughout the play, allowing them to instantly stream highlights, access data, and enjoy exclusive content not available to those watching at home. Advanced connectivity also allows major online sportsbooks to provide live betting to their customers while they watch the game and send updated odds, markets, and promotions. Tech will make attending the game a modern and enjoyable experience like we’ve never seen before.
Are you ready to enjoy modern football? The NFL has embraced technology, and fans watching from the stadium and at home will really begin to notice the benefits this year. Football and tech’s exciting partnership is only getting started and is capable of so much more. Make sure you’re prepared for a brave new dawn.
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