In Texas, football is everything. From high school to college to the NFL, it’s a game that rallies the state like no other.
So naturally, with the Houston Texans hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, NBC Sports took a look at how important the sport is to the region. And there may not be a better voice to drive the point home than Kyle Chandler, who plays Coach Taylor on Friday Night Lights. Check out the montage above.
While the NFL is a league that is ever-changing, some things are set to stay the same in 2023 — like the revealing of Chris Simms’ top 40 QB countdown.
Last year’s list saw Josh Allen take his place atop the quarterback throne, with Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Los Angeles’ Justin Herbert not far behind at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. It was, however, Mahomes who would ultimately reign over all NFL quarterbacks at the end of the season, as the 27-year-old collected both the NFL MVP honors and his second Lombardi Trophy.
This NFL offseason, however, has brought some intriguing adjustments that are likely to shake up Simms’ rankings.
While some signal-callers such as Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson found their prolonged home with massive contract signings, others will be venturing to a new franchise in search of a fresh start. Aaron Rodgers‘ trade to the New York Jets is unquestionably the most staggering shift, but other quarterbacks on the move such as Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo cannot be forgotten.
RELATED: Mike Florio gives an inside look into the Lamar Jackson deal
And with three of the first four picks in the 2023 NFL Draft being spent on a quarterback, emerging talent will likely turn the tides for some franchises this upcoming season.
See below for Chris Simms’ top 40 QB countdown ahead of the upcoming season. Be sure to subscribe to Chris Simms Unbuttoned for more on the 2023 NFL season as well as an unfiltered look at the NFL featuring player access, unabashed opinion, X&O film breakdown and stories from a life in and around football.
RELATED: Peter King’s latest offseason NFL power rankings
40. Desmond Ridder (ATL)
39. Sam Howell (WAS)
38. Bryce Young (CAR)
37. CJ Stroud (HOU)
36. Anthony Richardson (IND)
35. Mike White (MIA)
34. Gardner Minshew (IND)
33. Taylor Heinicke (ATL)
32. Jarrett Stidham (DEN)
31. Jordan Love (GB)
30. Davis Mills (HOU)
29. Tyler Huntley (BAL)
28. Andy Dalton (CAR)
27. Sam Darnold (SF)
26. Brock Purdy (SF)
25. Kenny Pickett (PIT)
24. Baker Mayfield (TB)
23. Justin Fields (CHI)
22. Jimmy Garoppolo (LV)
21. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA)
20. Mac Jones (NE)
With another exciting NFL Draft in the books, teams can now turn their gaze toward the road to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. The path to Super Bowl glory, however, is about to become abundantly more clear with the 2023 NFL season schedule release.
This year’s NFL season schedule release is nearly here, with the entirety of the 2023 NFL schedule being unveiled on Thursday, May 11 at 8 p.m. ET on both Peacock and NFL Network. See below for everything you need to know for one of the offseason’s most anticipated events.
RELATED: Click here for full analysis on Rounds 1-7 of the 2023 NFL Draft
While all 272 matchups have been known since the conclusion of the 2022 regular season, the order and dates for these games have remained a mystery. The secret is nearly out, however, with every NFL game on the brink of revelation.
The full 2023 NFL schedule will be released on Thursday, May 11 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
While the entirety of the schedule will be unveiled at that time, select games have already been and will continue to be released prior to the official event. Ahead of the 2023 NFL season schedule release, the following games will be announced:
The first game of the 2023-24 NFL season will see the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs take the field in Arrowhead Stadium.
The opponent that will meet Patrick Mahomes and company in Kansas City, however, remains to be revealed.
While the majority of the matchups set to take place next season have yet to be announced, the league has already revealed which teams will head overseas for international showdowns.
Below is the full list of international NFL games for the 2023-24 season, with three in London, U.K., and two in Frankfurt, Germany.
Falcons vs. Jaguars: Week 4, Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. ET | Wembley Stadium in London, U.K.
Jaguars vs. Bills: Week 5, Oct. 8 at 9:30 a.m. ET | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, U.K.
Ravens vs. Titans: Week 6, Oct. 15 at 9:30 a.m. ET | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, U.K.
Dolphins vs. Chiefs: Week 9, Nov. 5 at 9:30 a.m. ET | Frankfurt Stadium in Frankfurt, Germany
Colts vs. Patriots: Week 10, Nov. 12 at 9:30 a.m. ET | Frankfurt Stadium in Frankfurt, Germany
RELATED: NFL’s 2023 international games full of “star power”
Stars will be shining bright in Las Vegas, Nevada, for Super Bowl LVIII, set to take place on Feb. 11, 2024, at the home of the Raiders in Allegiant Stadium.
This will be the first Super Bowl to ever take place in Las Vegas, which hosted the 2023 Pro Bowl and 2022 NFL Draft.
Be sure to follow ProFootballTalk for the latest news, updates, and storylines about the upcoming NFL season!