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2019 NFL season

{{Short description|2019 National Football League season}}

{{about|the American football season in the United States|the Gaelic football season in Ireland|2019 National Football League (Ireland)}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2020}}

{{Infobox NFL

| year = 2019

| image = 100 NFL seasons logo.svg

| imagesize = 300

| caption = The NFL's centennial logo, which was used throughout the 2019 season

| regular_season = {{Start date|2019|9|5}} – {{end date|2019|12|29}}

| playoffs_start = January 4, 2020

| NFLchampion = Kansas City Chiefs

| NFCchampion = San Francisco 49ers

| AFCchampion = Kansas City Chiefs

| sb_name = LIV

| sb_date = February 2, 2020

| sb_site = Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

| pb_date = January 26, 2020

| pb_site = Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida

}}

{{NFL Team Maps 2017–19}}

The 2019 NFL season was the 100th season of the National Football League (NFL) and the 54th of the Super Bowl era. The season began on September 5, 2019, with the NFL Kickoff Game, in which the Green Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears. The season concluded with Super Bowl LIV, the league's championship game, on February 2, 2020, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, in which the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Kansas City Chiefs defeated the National Football Conference (NFC) champion San Francisco 49ers 31–20 to win their second Super Bowl championship. This was also the final NFL season with the 12-team playoff format, as two more teams were added to the annual NFL playoffs as of the 2020 NFL season.

The 2019 season was also the last season for the Oakland Raiders after playing in Oakland for 47 non-consecutive years before their relocation to Las Vegas for 2020 with the completion of Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders were previously approved for relocation in March 2017 but spent the last two seasons at RingCentral Coliseum.

Player movement

The 2019 NFL league year and trading period began on March 13. On March 8, teams were allowed to exercise 2019 options for players with option clauses in their contracts, to submit qualifying offers to their pending restricted free agents and to submit minimum salary tenders to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2018 contracts who had fewer than three accrued seasons of free-agent credit. Teams were required to be under the salary cap using the "Top 51" definition (in which the team's 51 highest-paid players must have a combined salary cap). On March 11, clubs were allowed to contact and begin contract negotiations with the agents of players who were set to become unrestricted free agents.

This season's salary cap increased to $188.2 million per team, up from $177.2 million in 2018.{{Cite web|title=NFL salary cap set at $255.4M per team for 2024 regular season|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-salary-cap-set-at-255-4m-per-team-for-2024-regular-season|website=NFL.com|date=February 29, 2024|access-date=April 1, 2025}}

=Free agency=

Free agency began on March 13. Notable players to change teams included:

=Trades=

The following notable trades were made during the 2019 league year:

=Notable retirements=

The following notable players retired prior to the 2019 season:

  • LB NaVorro Bowman – Three-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro. Played for San Francisco and Oakland during his eight-year career.{{cite web |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/navorro-bowman-retires-from-nfl-as-a-member-of-the-49ers#:~:text=NaVorro%20Bowman%20Retires%20from%20NFL%20as%20a%20Member,from%20football%20as%20a%20member%20of%20the%2049ers. |title=NaVorro Bowman Retires from NFL as a Member of the 49ers |work=49ers.com |date=June 4, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606030022/https://www.49ers.com/news/navorro-bowman-retires-from-nfl-as-a-member-of-the-49ers |archive-date=June 6, 2019 }}
  • RB Jamaal Charles – Four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro (two first-team, one second-team). Played for Kansas City, Denver, and Jacksonville during his 11-year career.{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jamaal-charles-signs-one-day-contract-to-retire-a-chief-0ap3000001029325#:~:text=Around%20The%20NFL%20Writer%20Running%20back%20Jamaal%20Charles,City%20Chiefs%20and%20retired%2C%20the%20team%20announced%20Wednesday. |title=Jamaal Charles signs one-day contract to retire a Chief |work=NFL.com |last=Teope |first=Herble |date=May 1, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112021554/https://www.nfl.com/news/jamaal-charles-signs-one-day-contract-to-retire-a-chief-0ap3000001029325 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 }}
  • LB Derrick Johnson – Four-time Pro Bowl Selection and two-time All Pro (one first-team, one second-team). Played for Kansas City and Oakland during his 14-year career.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/derrick-johnson-retiring-with-chiefs/ |title=Derrick Johnson: Retiring with Chiefs |work=CBS Sports |date=May 2, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108062641/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/derrick-johnson-retiring-with-chiefs/ |archive-date=November 8, 2021 }}
  • TE Rob Gronkowski – Five-time Pro Bowler, four-time first-team All-Pro, three-time Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI, and LIII), and 2014 Comeback Player of the Year. Played for New England during his entire nine-year career.{{cite web |last=Ross |first=Franz |date=March 24, 2019 |url=https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/rob-gronkowski-announces-retirement1/1874024639 |title=Rob Gronkowski announces retirement from NFL |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324224745/https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/rob-gronkowski-announces-retirement1/1874024639 |archive-date=March 24, 2019 |work=WIVB-TV |access-date=March 24, 2019}} Later came out of retirement in {{nfly|2020}} and was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29078406/patriots-trade-rob-gronkowski-buccaneers-4th-round-pick|title=Gronk reunited with Brady after trade to Bucs|date=April 21, 2020|website=ESPN.com|access-date=May 1, 2020|archive-date=May 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501211931/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29078406/patriots-trade-rob-gronkowski-buccaneers-4th-round-pick|url-status=live}} where he became a Super Bowl champion for a fourth time in his first season with the team.
  • P Shane Lechler – Seven-time Pro Bowler and nine-time All-Pro (six first-team, three second-team). Played for Oakland and Houston during his 18-year career.{{cite web|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/all-pro-punter-shane-lechler-retiring-after-18-seasons-0ap3000001024786|title=All-Pro punter Shane Lechler retiring after 18 seasons|first=Jeremy|last=Bergman|date=March 30, 2019|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330155642/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001024786/article/allpro-punter-shane-lechler-retiring-after-18-seasons|url-status=live}}
  • QB Andrew Luck – Four-time Pro Bowler, first overall selection in the 2012 NFL draft, and 2018 Comeback Player of the Year. Played for Indianapolis during his entire seven-year career.{{cite web |url=https://www.colts.com/news/andrew-luck-announces-retirement-from-nfl |title=Andrew Luck Announces His Retirement From The NFL |work=Colts.com |last=Walker |first=Andrew |date=August 25, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825210147/https://www.colts.com/news/andrew-luck-announces-retirement-from-nfl |archive-date=August 25, 2019 }}
  • DT Haloti Ngata – Five-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro (two first-team, three second-team) and Super Bowl XLVII champion. Played for Baltimore, Detroit, and Philadelphia during his 13-year career.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26295599/dt-ngata-announces-retirement-13-seasons |title=Ngata retires from NFL atop Mount Kilimanjaro |first=Jamison |last=Hensley |work=ESPN |date=March 18, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331063833/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26295599/dt-ngata-announces-retirement-13-seasons |url-status=live }}
  • LB Brian Orakpo – Four-time Pro Bowler. Played for Washington and Tennessee during his 10-year career.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/titans-lb-brian-orakpo-retiring-after-10-seasons-in-nfl-0ap3000001006599 |title=Titans LB Brian Orakpo retiring after 10 seasons in NFL |first=Herbie |last=Teope |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |date=December 31, 2018 |access-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-date=January 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101001527/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001006599/article/titans-lb-brian-orakpo-retiring-after-10-seasons-in-nfl |url-status=live }}
  • DE Julius Peppers – Nine-time Pro Bowler, six-time All-Pro (three first-team, three second-team), and 2002 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Played for Carolina, Chicago, and Green Bay during his 17-year career.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25899290/panthers-julius-peppers-announces-retirement |title=Panther's Julius Peppers announces his retirement |first=David |last=Newton |work=ESPN |date=February 1, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507043746/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25899290/panthers-julius-peppers-announces-retirement |url-status=live }}
  • G Josh Sitton – Four-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro (one first-team, two second-team) and Super Bowl XLV champion. Played for Green Bay, Chicago, and Miami during his 11-year career.{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/former-packers-bears-guard-josh-sitton-retires-0ap3000001025360 |title=Former Packers, Bears guard Josh Sitton retires |work=NFL.com |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203021038/https://www.nfl.com/news/former-packers-bears-guard-josh-sitton-retires-0ap3000001025360 |archive-date=February 3, 2021 }}
  • DT Kyle Williams – Six-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. Played for Buffalo during his entire 13-year career.{{cite news |url=https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/kyle-williams-to-retire-after-sunday-s-game-against-miami/1677829914 |title=Kyle Williams to retire after Sunday's game against Miami |first=Kaley |last=Lynch |work=WIVB-TV |date=December 28, 2018 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=December 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229031214/https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/kyle-williams-to-retire-after-sunday-s-game-against-miami/1677829914 |url-status=live }}

==Other retirements==

{{columns-list|colwidth=12em|

  • Derek Anderson{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/derek-anderson-tells-bills-he-s-retiring-after-14-seasons-0ap3000001030443 |title=Derek Anderson tells Bills he's retiring after 14 seasons |first=Derek |last=Maya |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |date=May 9, 2019 |access-date=May 10, 2019 |archive-date=May 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510010024/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001030443/article/derek-anderson-tells-bills-hes-retiring-after-14-seasons |url-status=live }}
  • Doug Baldwin{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/doug-baldwin-appears-to-indicate-retirement-from-nfl-0ap3000001030628 |title=Doug Baldwin appears to indicate retirement from NFL |work=NFL.com |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=May 13, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524055256/https://www.nfl.com/news/doug-baldwin-appears-to-indicate-retirement-from-nfl-0ap3000001030628 |archive-date=May 24, 2020 }}
  • Clint Boling{{cite press release |last1=Hobson |first1=Geoff |title=Family No. 1 Concern As Boling Retires |url=https://www.bengals.com/news/family-no-1-concern-as-boling-retires |work=Cincinnati Bengals |date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715194427/https://www.bengals.com/news/family-no-1-concern-as-boling-retires |url-status=live }}
  • Rafael Bush{{cite news |url=https://www.wkbw.com/sports/buffalo-bills/bills-safety-rafael-bush-retires-team-signs-safety-kurt-coleman |title=Bills safety Rafael Bush retires |first=Jenna |last=Callari |work=WKBW-TV |date=July 18, 2019 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719223109/https://www.wkbw.com/sports/buffalo-bills/bills-safety-rafael-bush-retires-team-signs-safety-kurt-coleman |url-status=live }}
  • Chandler Catanzaro{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/08/11/jets-kicker-catanzaro-retires-after-shaky-start-to-camp/39940361/ |title=Jets kicker Chandler Catanzaro retires after shaky start to camp |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |date=August 11, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811212855/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/08/11/jets-kicker-catanzaro-retires-after-shaky-start-to-camp/39940361/ |archive-date=August 11, 2019 }}
  • Vontae Davis{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/09/16/vontae-davis-possible-retirement-halftime-bills-chargers |title=Bills CB Vontae Davis Retires After Leaving at Halftime vs. Chargers |first=Charlotte |last=Carroll |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=September 16, 2018 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=May 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510120926/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/09/16/vontae-davis-possible-retirement-halftime-bills-chargers |url-status=live }}
  • Phil Dawson{{cite web |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-k-phil-dawson-announces-his-retirement |title=Browns K Phil Dawson announces his retirement |author=Staff writers |work=clevelandbrowns.com |date=August 1, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801185147/https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-k-phil-dawson-announces-his-retirement |url-status=live }}
  • Sebastian Janikowski{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26628603/ex-raiders-k-janikowski-retiring-19-seasons |title=Ex-Raiders K Janikowski retiring after 19 seasons |first1=Adam |last1=Schefter |first2=Brady |last2=Henderson |work=ESPN |date=April 29, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=May 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501094341/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26628603/ex-raiders-k-janikowski-retiring-19-seasons |url-status=live }}
  • Adam Jones{{cite news |title=Game Over: 'Pacman' Jones retires from NFL |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26814384/pacman-jones-retires-nfl |last1=Staff writers |first2=Josina |last2=Anderson |work=ESPN |date=May 26, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=June 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628132059/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26814384/pacman-jones-retires-nfl |url-status=live }}
  • T. J. Lang{{cite web |url=https://www.packers.com/news/former-packers-offensive-lineman-t-j-lang-announces-retirement |title=Former Packers offensive lineman T.J. Lang announces retirement |work=Packers.com |last=Spofford |first=Mike |date=March 29, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330122339/https://www.packers.com/news/former-packers-offensive-lineman-t-j-lang-announces-retirement |archive-date=March 30, 2019 }}
  • Andy Levitre{{cite web |title=Andy Levitre announces retirement after 10 seasons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/andy-levitre-announces-retirement-after-10-seasons-0ap3000001030771 |last=Teope |first=Herbie |website=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |date=May 1, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729033542/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001030771/article/andy-levitre-announces-retirement-after-10-seasons |url-status=live }}
  • Chris Long{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chris-long-announces-retirement-after-11-seasons-0ap3000001031176 |title=Chris Long announces retirement after 11 seasons |work=NFL.com |date=May 18, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107224338/https://www.nfl.com/news/chris-long-announces-retirement-after-11-seasons-0ap3000001031176 |archive-date=November 7, 2020 }}
  • Jeremy Maclin{{cite web |title=Ex-Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin retiring after 10 years |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001024009/article/former-eagles-wr-jeremy-maclin-retiring-after-10-years |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |date=March 24, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=March 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324224026/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001024009/article/former-eagles-wr-jeremy-maclin-retiring-after-10-years |url-status=dead }}
  • EJ Manuel{{cite news |url=https://billswire.usatoday.com/2019/05/13/former-buffalo-bills-quarterback-first-round-ej-manuel-retires/ |title=Former Bills QB, 1st round pick, E.J. Manuel retires |first=Nick |last=Wojton |work=USA Today |publisher=Gannett Company |date=May 13, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602202346/https://billswire.usatoday.com/2019/05/13/former-buffalo-bills-quarterback-first-round-ej-manuel-retires/ |url-status=live }}
  • Rishard Matthews{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rishard-matthews-announces-nfl-retirement-0ap3000001040937 |title=Rishard Matthews announces NFL retirement |last=Patra |first=Kevin |work=NFL.com |date=August 12, 2019 |access-date=January 22, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107224342/https://www.nfl.com/news/rishard-matthews-announces-nfl-retirement-0ap3000001040937 |archive-date=November 7, 2020 }}
  • Zach Miller{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26539886/bears-te-miller-retires-1-years-leg-injury |title=Bears TE Miller retires 1½ years after leg injury |work=ESPN |last=Dickerson |first=Jeff |date=April 16, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416234706/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26539886/bears-te-miller-retires-1-years-leg-injury |archive-date=April 16, 2019 }}
  • Derrick Morgan{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/former-titans-lb-derrick-morgan-says-he-s-retiring-0ap3000001035809 |title=Former Titans LB Derrick Morgan says he's retiring |work=NFL.com |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=January 22, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107224052/https://www.nfl.com/news/former-titans-lb-derrick-morgan-says-he-s-retiring-0ap3000001035809 |archive-date=November 7, 2020 }}
  • Jordy Nelson{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jordy-nelson-to-retire-from-nfl-after-11-seasons-0ap3000001024404 |title=Jordy Nelson to retire from NFL after 11 seasons |last=Teope |first=Herble |work=NFL.com |date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021224943/https://www.nfl.com/news/jordy-nelson-to-retire-from-nfl-after-11-seasons-0ap3000001024404 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 }}
  • Brock Osweiler{{Cite web|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/16/brock-osweiler-retires/|title=Brock Osweiler retires|first=Michael David|last=Smith|work=Profootballtalk.com|publisher=NBC Sports|date=October 16, 2019|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016214514/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/16/brock-osweiler-retires/|url-status=live}}
  • Niles Paul{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tight-end-niles-paul-retires-after-being-cut-by-49ers-0ap3000001039245#:~:text=Tight%20end%20Niles%20Paul%20retires%20after%20being%20cut,Aug.%202%20after%20signing%20him%20a%20week%20earlier.|title=Tight end Niles Paul retires after being cut by 49ers |work=NFL.com |date=August 6, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814211716/https://www.nfl.com/news/tight-end-niles-paul-retires-after-being-cut-by-49ers-0ap3000001039245 |archive-date=August 14, 2020 }}
  • Glover Quin{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ex-lions-s-glover-quin-to-retire-after-10-seasons-in-nfl-0ap3000001035305 |title=Ex-Lions S Glover Quin to retire after 10 seasons in NFL |last=Patra |first=Kevin |work=NFL.com |date=July 9, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913140917/https://www.nfl.com/news/ex-lions-s-glover-quin-to-retire-after-10-seasons-in-nfl-0ap3000001035305 |archive-date=September 13, 2020 }}
  • Brian Robison{{cite press release |title=Brian Robison Signs One-Day Contract with Vikings, Announces Retirement from the NFL |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/brian-robison-signs-one-day-contract-vikings-retirement |work=Minnesota Vikings |date=April 24, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=April 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424235249/https://www.vikings.com/news/brian-robison-signs-one-day-contract-vikings-retirement |url-status=live }}
  • Mark Sanchez{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mark-sanchez-retiring-from-nfl-after-10-seasons-0ap3000001036606#:~:text=Veteran%20quarterback%20Mark%20Sanchez%20is%20retiring%20after%2010,ABC%2FESPN%2C%20per%20the%20New%20York%20Post%27s%20Andrew%20Marchand. |title=Mark Sanchez retiring from NFL after 10 seasons |work=NFL.com |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=July 23, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813033551/https://www.nfl.com/news/mark-sanchez-retiring-from-nfl-after-10-seasons-0ap3000001036606 |archive-date=August 13, 2020 }}
  • Matt Slauson{{cite news |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/guard-matt-slauson-retires-after-10-seasons-in-nfl-0ap3000001017191 |title=Guard Matt Slauson retires after 10 seasons in NFL |first=Nick |last=Shook |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |date=February 6, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=August 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802154833/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001017191/article/guard-matt-slauson-retires-after-10-seasons-in-nfl |url-status=live }}
  • Telvin Smith{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/05/09/jaguars-telvin-smith-steps-away-to-get-my-world-in-order/39465331/ |title=Jaguars' Telvin Smith steps away to 'get my world in order' |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |date=May 9, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608013938/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/05/09/jaguars-telvin-smith-steps-away-to-get-my-world-in-order/39465331/ |archive-date=June 8, 2019 }}
  • Torrey Smith{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/two-time-super-bowl-champion-torrey-smith-retires-0ap3000001054183 |title=Two-time Super Bowl champion Torrey Smith retires |work=NFL.com |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=September 13, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205145619/https://www.nfl.com/news/two-time-super-bowl-champion-torrey-smith-retires-0ap3000001054183 |archive-date=December 5, 2020 }}
  • Jonathan Stewart{{cite press release |title=Jonathan Stewart signs one-day contract to retire a Panther |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/jonathan-stewart-signs-one-day-contract-to-retire-a-panther |last=Strickland |first=Bryan |work=Carolina Panthers |date=April 23, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423194249/https://www.panthers.com/news/jonathan-stewart-signs-one-day-contract-to-retire-a-panther |url-status=live }}
  • Travis Swanson{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ex-lions-center-travis-swanson-announces-retirement-0ap3000001031221 |title=Ex-Lions center Travis Swanson announces retirement |work=NFL.com |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=May 19, 2019 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202083202/https://www.nfl.com/news/ex-lions-center-travis-swanson-announces-retirement-0ap3000001031221 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 }}
  • Max Unger{{cite web|title=Saints center Max Unger retires after 10 seasons|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-center-max-unger-retires-after-10-seasons-0ap3000001022939|author=Bergman, Jeremy|website=NFL.com|date=March 16, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=January 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200120215527/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001022939/article/saints-center-max-unger-retires-after-10-seasons|url-status=live}}
  • Charcandrick West{{cite tweet |author=Charcandrick West|user=Charcandrick26|number=1201958640753754113|date=December 3, 2019|title=Retirement}}

}}

=Draft=

{{Details|2019 NFL draft}}

The 2019 NFL draft was held from April 25–27 in Nashville, Tennessee.{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/300000933939/article/nashville-tennessee-titans-to-host-2019-draft/|title=Nashville Tennessee Titans To Host 2019 Draft|first=Austin|last=Knoblauch|website=NFL.com|date=May 23, 2018|access-date=May 23, 2018}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The Arizona Cardinals selected Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray with the first overall selection.

Officiating changes

  • Walt Coleman III retired: With 30 seasons as an NFL official, Coleman was the longest-tenured.{{cite news |url=http://www.footballzebras.com/2019/01/referee-pete-morelli-will-retire-after-22-seasons/ |title=Referee Pete Morelli will retire after 22 seasons |first=Cameron |last=Filipe |work=Football Zebras |date=January 24, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803060914/http://www.footballzebras.com/2019/01/referee-pete-morelli-will-retire-after-22-seasons/ |url-status=live }} Former NFL Europe referee Adrian Hill, a longtime official in various positions, replaced Coleman.{{cite news |url=http://www.footballzebras.com/2019/02/adrian-hill-and-scott-novak-promoted-to-referee-position/ |title=Adrian Hill and Scott Novak promoted to referee position |first=Cameron |last=Filipe |work=Football Zebras |date=February 28, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-date=August 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806213426/http://www.footballzebras.com/2019/02/adrian-hill-and-scott-novak-promoted-to-referee-position/ |url-status=live }}
  • Pete Morelli: Morelli retired after having spent 22 seasons as an NFL official.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-keeps-losing-refs-with-pete-morelli-and-tuck-rule-referee-walt-coleman-set-to-retire|title=NFL keeps losing refs with Pete Morelli and 'Tuck Rule' referee Walt Coleman set to retire|first=John|last=Breech|work=CBS Sports|date=January 18, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2019|archive-date=January 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119143451/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-keeps-losing-refs-with-pete-morelli-and-tuck-rule-referee-walt-coleman-set-to-retire/|url-status=live}} Scott Novak, one of the Big 12 Conference's most decorated referees, succeeded Morelli.
  • John Parry retired after being the referee in Super Bowl LIII to join the Monday Night Football booth as a rules analyst. He had spent 19 seasons as an official and 12 as a head referee.{{cite news |url=http://www.footballzebras.com/2019/04/john-parry-to-become-new-espn-rules-analyst/ |title=John Parry to become new ESPN rules analyst |first=Cameron |last=Filipe |publisher=Football Zebras |date=April 1, 2019 |access-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401202608/http://www.footballzebras.com/2019/04/john-parry-to-become-new-espn-rules-analyst/ |url-status=live }} Brad Rogers, a field judge for the past two seasons who was previously a referee in Conference USA and the Southeastern Conference, succeeded Parry.{{Cite web|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/04/22/brad-rogers-promoted-to-referee|title=Brad Rogers Promoted to Referee|first=Michael|last=David Smith|work=ProFootballTalk.com|publisher=NBC Sports|date=April 22, 2019|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422165920/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/04/22/brad-rogers-promoted-to-referee/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.footballzebras.com/2019/04/brad-rogers-to-fill-newest-white-hat-vacancy/|title=Brad Rogers to fill newest white hat vacancy|first=Cameron|last=Filipe|date=April 22, 2019|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422163858/http://www.footballzebras.com/2019/04/brad-rogers-to-fill-newest-white-hat-vacancy/|url-status=live}} Combined with the 2018 offseason retirements of Ed Hochuli, Terry McAulay, Gene Steratore and Jeff Triplette, the league was forced to replace seven of its 17 referee positions within a two-year period. In July 2019, the NFL announced that all of the league's officials would return to part-time status. For the previous two seasons, under a pilot program, a small number of NFL officials were classified as full-time employees of the NFL.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001035651/article/nfl-suspends-fulltime-officiating-program-for-season|title=NFL suspends full-time officiating program for season|first=Kevin|last=Patra|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|date=July 12, 2019|access-date=July 12, 2019|archive-date=July 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712193238/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001035651/article/nfl-suspends-fulltime-officiating-program-for-season|url-status=dead}}

The following officials were hired:

  • Roddy Ames (Replay Official)
  • Saleem Choudhry (Replay Official)
  • Terry Killens (Umpire)
  • Patrick Holt (Down Judge)
  • Matthew Sumstine (Replay Official)
  • Tripp Sutter (Line Judge)
  • Nate Jones (Field Judge)
  • Dave Hawkshaw (Side Judge)
  • Jimmy Russell (Side Judge)

The following official retired:

  • Walt Coleman (Referee)
  • John Parry (Referee)
  • Pete Morelli (Referee)
  • Steve Stelljes (Down Judge)
  • Hugo Cruz (Down Judge) fired mid-season{{Cite web|date=2018-10-25|title=NFL fires down judge Hugo Cruz {{!}} Football Zebras|url=http://www.footballzebras.com/2018/10/nfl-fires-down-judge-hugo-cruz/|access-date=2022-01-12|language=en-US}}

Rule changes

The following rule changes were approved for the 2019 season at the NFL owners' meeting on March 26:{{cite press release|title=Approved 2019 Playing Rules|url=https://operations.nfl.com/updates/football-ops/approved-2019-playing-rules-from-nfl-annual-meeting/|author=Staff writers|work=NFL Football Operations|date=March 26, 2019|access-date=March 26, 2019|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327024323/https://operations.nfl.com/updates/football-ops/approved-2019-playing-rules-from-nfl-annual-meeting/|url-status=live}}

  • Make permanent the experimental kickoff rules from the {{NFL year|2018}} season.
  • Abolish all blindside blocks anywhere on the field (personal foul, 15 yards).
  • As a one-year experiment, make the following plays reviewable, subject to coaches' challenges outside of the final 2:00 of each half, and subject to booth review after the two-minute warning of each half or entire overtime:
  • Pass interference, whether called or not (modified in June 2019)
  • Scoring plays and turnovers negated by penalties.
  • Any extra point or two-point conversion attempt.
  • Change how double fouls are enforced after a change in possession; the last team to possess retains the ball at the spot of enforcement. If the enforcement spot is after a touchback, the ball is placed at the 20-yard line (after punt or turnover) or 25-yard line (free kick). If the spot of enforcement is in the end zone, the ball is placed at the 1-yard line.
  • Make scrimmage kick rules apply if a missed field goal is touched in the end zone before hitting the ground, and if the ball is touched by either team behind the line of scrimmage.
  • Allow teams to enforce a personal foul or unsportsmanlike conduct penalty committed during a touchdown on either the try or on the ensuing kickoff. Previously, these fouls were required to be enforced on the ensuing kickoff.
  • Individuals not in uniform who enter the field to celebrate a play will draw an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty (15 yards, and automatic first down if on the defensive team).
  • Players who make any flagrant "football" play risk immediate disqualification. Previously, this was limited to players who make a flagrant "non-football" play.

An additional rule change was built upon a rule originally passed in 2018. The NFL limited helmets to a list of 34 league-approved models, up from the 23 originally approved in 2018. The grandfather clause allowing existing players to wear their previous non-approved helmets expired, and 32 players were required to change helmets.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/tom-brady-among-32-players-who-just-had-their-helmets-officially-banned-by-the-nfl/|title=Tom Brady among 32 players who just had their helmets officially banned by the NFL|first=John|last=Breech|work=CBS Sports|date=April 12, 2019|access-date=April 18, 2019|archive-date=April 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418122756/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/tom-brady-among-32-players-who-just-had-their-helmets-officially-banned-by-the-nfl/|url-status=live}} In May 2019, the NFL banned Oklahoma drills, "bull in the ring", and other high-contact drills from team practices.{{cite web|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/05/22/nfl-bans-certain-old-school-training-camp-drills/|first=Mike|last=Florio|title=NFL bans certain old-school training-camp drills|work=Profootballtalk.com|publisher=NBC Sports|date=May 22, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523064406/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/05/22/nfl-bans-certain-old-school-training-camp-drills/|url-status=live}} In June 2019, the league clarified March 2019 temporary rule change regarding reviews of pass interference plays as follows:{{cite press release|url=https://operations.nfl.com/updates/football-ops/competition-committee-finalizes-replay-rule-for-2019-season/|title=Competition Committee Finalizes Replay Rule for 2019 season|author=Staff writers|work=NFL Football Operations|date=June 20, 2019|access-date=June 21, 2019|archive-date=June 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621135305/https://operations.nfl.com/updates/football-ops/competition-committee-finalizes-replay-rule-for-2019-season/|url-status=live}}

  • The initial rule passed in March 2019 regarding review of pass interference stays.
  • A ruling will only be changed if there is clear and obvious evidence that pass interference did or did not occur (as is the standard for any other replay review).
  • All pass plays are subject to review for pass interference, including the "Hail Mary" play.

2019 deaths

=Members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame=

;Pat Bowlen: Bowlen owned the Denver Broncos since 1984. His Broncos won three Super Bowls during his tenure (XXXII, XXXIII and 50). He was inducted in 2019 but died from complications of Alzheimer's disease at the age of 75 on June 13, before the induction ceremonies. Under the terms of a succession plan, the team will be operated by a trust headed by longtime executive Joe Ellis until it can be determined which of Bowlen's five surviving children will inherit the team.[https://www.denverpost.com/2019/06/14/pat-bowlen-dies/ Pat Bowlen dies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614163043/https://www.denverpost.com/2019/06/14/pat-bowlen-dies/ |date=June 14, 2019 }} from the Denver Post

;Cliff Branch: Branch was a wide receiver who played for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders from 1972 to 1986. 3-Time Super bowl champion (XI, XV, XVIII), 4-time pro bowl, and 3-time first team all pro. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022. He died August 3, aged 71.{{Cite web|title=Raiders receiving great Cliff Branch dies at 71|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-receiving-great-cliff-branch-dies-at-71-0ap3000001038898|work=NFL.com|date=August 3, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2023}}

;Willie Brown: Brown spent his first four seasons with the Denver Broncos (1963–1966) and his last twelve with Oakland Raiders (1967–1978), winning Super Bowl XI with the Raiders. Brown was also a nine-time Pro Bowler and was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984. He died on October 22 at the age of 78.{{Cite web|last=Gutierrez|first=Paul|title=Willie Brown, Hall of Fame cornerback with Raiders, dies at 78|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27903518|work=ESPN.com|date=October 22, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2023}}

;Nick Buoniconti: Buoniconti, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001, was an eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker who played seven seasons with the Boston Patriots from 1962 to 1968 and seven more with the Miami Dolphins from 1969 to 1974 and 1976. He won two Super Bowls with the Dolphins in 1972 and 1973. Buoniconti died on July 30 at the age of 78.{{Cite web|title=Hall of Fame LB Nick Buoniconti dies at 78|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27295060|work=ESPN.com|date=July 30, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2023}}

;Forrest Gregg: Gregg, a guard, spent all but the final season of his playing career with the Green Bay Packers, a member of the Packers' 1960s dynasty. In his final year, he helped the Dallas Cowboys team win Super Bowl VI. Gregg was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977, his first year of eligibility. He also had a less illustrious coaching career in the NFL, college football and the Canadian Football League in the late 1970s, 1980s and into the 1990s, most successfully leading the 1981 Cincinnati Bengals to an AFC championship and a loss in Super Bowl XVI to the San Francisco 49ers. Gregg died on April 12 at the age of 85.{{Cite web|title=Hall of Fame lineman Forrest Gregg dies at 85|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26505006|work=ESPN.com|date=April 12, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2023}}

;Jim Langer: Langer, who played center for 11 NFL seasons, nine with the Miami Dolphins alongside Buoniconti (with the team earning its perfect season during his rookie year) and two with the Minnesota Vikings, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987. He died on August 29 at the age of 71.{{Cite web|title=HOF center, Dolphins great Jim Langer dies at 71|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/hof-center-dolphins-great-jim-langer-dies-at-71-0ap3000001045790|work=NFL.com|date=August 29, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2023}}

;Gino Marchetti: Marchetti was a defensive end who played 14 seasons in the NFL, 13 with the Baltimore Colts. Marchetti won two NFL championships, was selected to 11 Pro Bowls and made earned first-team All-Pro designations with the Colts. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972. Marchetti died on April 29 at the age of 93.{{Cite web|title=Hall of Fame DE Gino Marchetti dies at 93|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26639921/hall-fame-de-gino-marchetti-dies-93|work=ESPN.com|date=April 29, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2023}}

;Bart Starr: Starr played quarterback for the Green Bay Packers during his entire 16-year career (1956-1971) and was the team's undisputed starter for the last 12 of those seasons. He was the Packers' starting quarterback for all five of the NFL championships the team won in the 1960s and was the Most Valuable Player of the first two World Championship Games. He also had a nine-season run as the Packers' head coach from 1975 to 1983, but only two of the nine were winning seasons (one of those, 1982, was shortened by a strike, and was also Starr's only playoff appearance as a coach). Starr was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977. He died on May 26 at the age of 85.{{Cite web|last=Harrison|first=Elliott|title=Packers legend Bart Starr passes away at age 85|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/packers-legend-bart-starr-passes-away-at-age-85-0ap3000001031961|work=NFL.com|date=May 26, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2023}}

=Team owners=

;Bill Bidwill: Bidwill was the owner of the Arizona Cardinals since the 1960s. He died on October 2 at the age of 88. The Bidwill family has been associated with the Cardinals since Bidwill's father Charles bought the team in 1933. His son Michael is expected to succeed his father as team owner.{{Cite web|last=Weinfuss|first=Josh|title=Bill Bidwill, owner of NFL's Cardinals, dies at age 88|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27753150/bill-bidwill-owner-nfl-arizona-cardinals-dies-age-88|work=ESPN.com|date=October 2, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2023}}

;Barron Hilton: Hilton was the original owner of the Los Angeles Chargers from 1960 to 1966. He was the last living member of the original Foolish Club, the group of owners who established the American Football League (Hilton divested in 1966; second- and third-generation heirs of two members, Kenneth S. Adams, Jr. (daughters and grandsons) and Lamar Hunt (son), continue to operate their clubs).{{Cite web|last=Helsel|first=Phil|title=Barron Hilton, hotelier and founding owner of Chargers NFL team, dies at age 91|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/barron-hilton-hotelier-founding-owner-chargers-nfl-team-dies-age-n1057231|work=NBCNews.com|date=September 20, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2023}}

=Others=

{{Div col|colwidth=20em|content=

}}

Preseason

Training camps for the 2019 season were held in late July through August. Teams started training camp no earlier than 15 days before their first scheduled preseason game. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was played on August 1; in which Denver defeated Atlanta at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Denver was represented in the 2019 Hall of Fame class by owner Pat Bowlen (posthumously) and former cornerback Champ Bailey, while Atlanta was represented by former tight end Tony Gonzalez.{{cite news |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-falcons-to-face-off-in-2019-hall-of-fame-game-0ap3000001022207 |title=Broncos, Falcons to face off in 2019 Hall of Fame Game |first=Adam |last=Maya |work=NFL.com |date=July 31, 2019 |access-date=August 2, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722193147/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001022207/article/broncos-falcons-to-face-off-in-2019-hall-of-fame-game |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/photos/gallery/hof-tight-ends/ |title=HOF Tight Ends |author=HOF staff |work=Pro Football Hall of Fame |date=2019 |access-date=August 2, 2019 |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328122415/https://www.profootballhof.com/photos/gallery/hof-tight-ends/ |url-status=live }}

On August 17, Dallas and the Los Angeles Rams played a preseason game at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, the former home of the Pro Bowl.{{cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams to play '19 preseason game in Hawaii |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/los-angeles-rams-to-play-19-preseason-game-in-hawaii-0ap3000000987030 |author=Staff writers |work=NFL.com |date=November 11, 2018 |access-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231143733/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000987030/article/los-angeles-rams-to-play-19-preseason-game-in-hawaii |url-status=live }}

On August 22, Oakland played Green Bay at IG Field in Winnipeg, home of the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers; it was the first NFL game on Canadian soil since the end of the Bills Toronto Series in 2013.{{cite news |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/03/27/raiders-roundup-possible-preseason-game-in-canada-jordy-nelson-retires/ |title=Raiders roundup: Possible preseason game in Canada, Jordy Nelson retires |first=Matt |last=Schneidman |work=The Mercury News |date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=August 2, 2019 |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331014723/https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/03/27/raiders-roundup-possible-preseason-game-in-canada-jordy-nelson-retires/ |url-status=live }} Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan, was another potential site for the game, and the teams had secured the cooperation of the city and local sports promoter On Ice Management, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) vetoed the proposal, as the Roughriders feared they would be unable to reconfigure the field from NFL to CFL standards in time for their August 24 home game{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/regina-ready-for-an-nfl-game-but-logistics-need-to-work-mayor-says-1.5076956 |title=Attempt to host NFL preseason game in Regina stopped short of the goal line |author=Staff writers |work=CBC News |date=March 29, 2019 |access-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329211029/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/regina-ready-for-an-nfl-game-but-logistics-need-to-work-mayor-says-1.5076956 |url-status=live }} (the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers were away that weekend and thus did not have a scheduling conflict). Because of safety concerns caused by the reconfiguration of the goalposts, the NFL, at the last minute, shortened the playing field to 80 yards long (the first such known NFL usage of a field that short since 1932) and eliminated kickoffs, starting all possessions on the 15-yard line.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/winnipegs-nfl-pre-season-game-changed-80-yard-field-due-conditions/|title=Raiders beat Packers in Winnipeg on reconfigured 80-yard field|agency=Canadian Press|publisher=Sportsnet|date=August 23, 2019|access-date=August 23, 2019|archive-date=August 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823111307/https://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/winnipegs-nfl-pre-season-game-changed-80-yard-field-due-conditions/|url-status=live}} Thirty-three Packers players refused to play on the surface, including starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-packers-play-preseason-game-on-80-yard-field-0ap3000001043417|title=Raiders, Packers play preseason game on 80-yard field|work=NFL.com|first=Grant|last=Gordon|date=August 22, 2019|access-date=August 23, 2019|archive-date=August 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823053455/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001043417/article/raiders-packers-play-preseason-game-on-80yard-field|url-status=live}}

NFL centennial promotions

On October 18, 2018, the NFL announced that it would commemorate its 100th season throughout 2019, beginning with Super Bowl LIII in February 2019. An NFL 100 emblem was featured in promotions across all NFL properties during the season, worn on jerseys as a patch, placed on game balls, and painted on fields.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25019717/nfl-celebrate-100th-season-2019-yearlong-series-events|title=NFL prepares to celebrate 100th season in '19|work=ESPN|access-date=November 16, 2018|archive-date=November 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117022225/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25019717/nfl-celebrate-100th-season-2019-yearlong-series-events|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/19/nfl-unveils-100th-season-logo/|title=NFL unveils 100th season logo|date=October 19, 2018|last=Florio|first=Mike|work=ProFootballTalk.com|publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=November 16, 2018|archive-date=November 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117104907/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/19/nfl-unveils-100th-season-logo/|url-status=live}}

The Chicago Bears (who, as the Decatur Staleys, were one of the 14 charter members of the league) celebrated their centennial season with commemorative events throughout 2019. On November 15, 2018, the team unveiled a customized version of the league-wide centennial emblem (which was worn on jerseys in place of the NFL-branded version).{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-100th-season-celebration-20181115-story.html|title=Bears to celebrate 100th season with fan festival and new book featuring rare interview with Virginia McCaskey|last=Kane|first=Colleen|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=November 16, 2018|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116141934/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-100th-season-celebration-20181115-story.html|url-status=live}} The team also unveiled a throwback jersey based on its 1936 design, which it donned for two games.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4709362/bears-going-with-1936-throwback-uniforms-against-the-vikings|title=Bears going with 1936 throwback uniforms against the Vikings|date=September 26, 2019|last=Dickerson|first=Jeff|work=ESPN|access-date=September 26, 2019|archive-date=September 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926202201/https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4709362/bears-going-with-1936-throwback-uniforms-against-the-vikings|url-status=live}}

The NFL aired a special two-minute commercial during Super Bowl LIII to launch the centennial campaign, which featured a gala dinner attended by 40 current and former NFL players, including Los Angeles Rams RB Todd Gurley, then-New York Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr., New England QB Tom Brady, former Indianapolis and Denver QB Peyton Manning, Hall of Fame WRs Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin, and Hall of Fame QB Terry Bradshaw,{{Cite news|title=Can you name all the stars in the NFL 100 commercial?|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/sports/2019/02/04/can-you-name-all-stars-nfl-commercial|date=February 4, 2019|last=Bonesteel|first=Matt|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204223830/https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/sports/2019/02/04/can-you-name-all-stars-nfl-commercial/|url-status=dead}} NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (who delivered the welcome address), NFL officials Ron Torbert and Sarah Thomas, viral teenage girl football star Samantha Gordon,{{cite web|title=The girl in that 'NFL 100' commercial? She's a star football player|url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article225541855.html|date=February 5, 2019|last=Grathoff|first=Pete|work=The Kansas City Star|publisher=McClatchy|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015358/https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article225541855.html|url-status=live}} and video game streamer Tyler "Ninja" Blevins. The commercial won the annual Super Bowl Ad Meter survey held by USA Today, marking the first time that the NFL itself won.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/Ad-Meter/2019/02/04/nfl-super-bowl-ad-players-100-year-game/2767667002/|title=This is every NFL player in 'The 100-Year Game': Ad Meter's winning Super Bowl commercial|date=February 4, 2019|last=Huth|first=Lindsay|work=USA Today|publisher=Gannett Company|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204225056/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/Ad-Meter/2019/02/04/nfl-super-bowl-ad-players-100-year-game/2767667002/|url-status=live}}

In honor of the site of the first NFL game, the league announced plans to donate a new artificial turf field to Triangle Park in Dayton, Ohio, home field of the former Dayton Triangles, intending for Cincinnati to hold a day of training camp at the site. However, the project was rejected by the city after concerns that construction could potentially disturb a Native American burial site. The NFL instead donated the turf to nearby Kettering Field.{{Cite web|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/nfl-build-new-turf-field-dayton-kettering-field-park/61MTpZ0CsEVCtF5M8kpRvM/|title=NFL to build new turf field at Dayton's Kettering Field park|last=Frolik|first=Cornelius|website=Dayton Daily Newsglish|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-date=August 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826184649/https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/nfl-build-new-turf-field-dayton-kettering-field-park/61MTpZ0CsEVCtF5M8kpRvM/|url-status=live}} The Bengals still held a training camp day in Dayton, doing so at Welcome Stadium instead.{{Cite web|url=https://www.whio.com/news/local/city-dayton-calls-off-plans-for-turf-field-triangle-park/OBm0j7MZ5avA2MaEELOiiJ/|title=City of Dayton calls off plans for turf field at Triangle Park|date=May 15, 2019|access-date=May 15, 2019|website=WHIO.com|publisher=Cox Media Group|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515205621/https://www.whio.com/news/local/city-dayton-calls-off-plans-for-turf-field-triangle-park/OBm0j7MZ5avA2MaEELOiiJ/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2019/07/27/zac-taylor-and-bengals-have-first-training-camp-practice-dayton/1849982001/|title=History and football: Bengals have practice in Dayton to celebrate 100 years of football|first=Tyler|last=Dragon|website=Cincinnati.com|publisher=Gannett Company|access-date=July 28, 2019|archive-date=July 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728182345/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2019/07/27/zac-taylor-and-bengals-have-first-training-camp-practice-dayton/1849982001/|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/07/27/aj-green-injury-bengals-training-camp-zac-taylor-dayton-field-turf-conditions|title=A.J. Green suffers apparent ankle injury as Bengals open camp|date=July 28, 2019|last=Breer|first=Albert|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=July 28, 2019|archive-date=July 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728011702/https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/07/27/aj-green-injury-bengals-training-camp-zac-taylor-dayton-field-turf-conditions|url-status=live}}

The NFL intentionally scheduled a weekly game to honor landmark moments in NFL history:{{Cite news|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/league-reveals-slate-for-nfl100-game-of-the-week-0ap3000001026789|title=League reveals slate for NFL100 Game of the Week|first=Herbie|last=Teope|publisher=NFL Media|location=Los Angeles|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-date=August 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826055149/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001026789/article/league-reveals-slate-for-nfl100-game-of-the-week|url-status=live}}

class="wikitable"

|+

!Week

!! colspan=4 class="unsortable" |Result

!Significance

1

| Green Bay

| 10

| Chicago

| 3

| NFL's longest-running rivalry

2

| Cleveland

| 23

| New York Jets

| 3

|First game televised on Monday Night Football; the series also celebrated its 50th season in 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27621452/monday-night-football-turns-50-does-future-nfl-broadcasts-hold|title=Monday Night Football turns 50: What does the future of NFL broadcasts hold?|date=September 16, 2019|first=Kevin|last=Seifert|work=ESPN|access-date=October 31, 2019|archive-date=October 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031020252/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27621452/monday-night-football-turns-50-does-future-nfl-broadcasts-hold|url-status=live}}

3

| Miami

| 6

| Dallas

| 31

|Super Bowl VI

4

| Los Angeles Chargers

| 30

| Miami

| 10

|Epic in Miami

5

| Buffalo

| 14

| Tennessee

| 7

|Music City Miracle

6

| New York Giants

| 14

| New England

| 35

|Super Bowls XLII (David Tyree's helmet catch that spoiled the first perfect season since 1972) and XLVI

7

|Oakland

|24

|Green Bay

|42

|Super Bowl II

8

|Green Bay

|31

|Kansas City

|24

|Super Bowl I

9

|Minnesota

|23

|Kansas City

|26

|Super Bowl IV

10

|Atlanta

|26

|New Orleans

|9

|Rivalry game and Saints' return to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina

11

|New England

|17

|Philadelphia

|10

|Super Bowls XXXIX and LII (Philly Special)

12

|Oakland

|3

|New York Jets

|34

|Heidi Game

13

|San Francisco

|17

|Baltimore

|20

|Super Bowl XLVII

14

| Cincinnati

|19

|Cleveland

|27

| Battle of Ohio (state where NFL was founded), both teams founded by Paul Brown

15

|Indianapolis

|7

|New Orleans

|34

|Super Bowl XLIV

16

|Oakland

|24

|Los Angeles Chargers

|17

|Rivalry game, Holy Roller play

17

|San Francisco

|26

|Seattle

|21

|Rivalry game, 2013 NFC Championship (The Tip){{cite press release |title=Week 17 NFL Preview |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-17-NFL-Preview----.aspx |author=Staff writers |work=NFL Communications |access-date=December 25, 2019 |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225012042/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-17-NFL-Preview----.aspx |url-status=live }}

Regular season

The 2019 regular season's 256 games were played over a 17-week schedule that began on September 5, 2019. Each of the league's 32 teams played a 16-game schedule, with one bye week for each team. There were games on Monday nights and on Thursdays, including the National Football League Kickoff game and games on Thanksgiving Day. The regular season concluded with a full slate of 16 games on December 29, all of which were intra-division matchups, as it had been since {{nfly|2010}}.

=Scheduling formula=

Under the NFL's current scheduling formula, each team played the other three teams in its own division twice. In addition, teams played against all four teams in one other division from each conference. The final two games on a team's schedule were against the two remaining teams in the same conference that had finished in the same position in their respective divisions in 2018 (e.g., the team that finished fourth in its division played all three other teams in the conference that also finished fourth). The division parings for 2019 were as follows:

border=0 style="margin: 0 0 0 1.5;"
valign="top"

|

    Intra-conference

AFC East vs AFC North

AFC West vs AFC South

NFC East vs NFC North

NFC West vs NFC South

| style="padding-left:40px;" |

    Inter-conference

AFC East vs NFC East

AFC North vs NFC West

AFC South vs NFC South

AFC West vs NFC North

The entire schedule was released on April 17, 2019.

Highlights of the 2019 season included:

  • NFL Kickoff Game: The Kickoff Game was played September 5. Chicago hosted Green Bay in honor of the Bears' and the NFL's centennial season, a game announced on March 25 ahead of the rest of the schedule. Green Bay won the game, 10–3. The move broke with the league tradition to give the defending Super Bowl champion the hosting rights to the first game of the season; New England instead hosted the first Sunday Night Football game against Pittsburgh, which New England won 33–3.{{cite web|url=https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/packers-bears-kick-nfl-season-thursday-night|title=Packers at Bears to kick off NFL season on Thursday Night|first=Sal|last=Capaccio|work=WGR|date=March 25, 2019|access-date=March 25, 2019|archive-date=March 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326085731/https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/packers-bears-kick-nfl-season-thursday-night|url-status=live}}
  • NFL International Series: Five games were held outside the United States in 2019. In addition to Jacksonville and the three teams who hosted an annual game abroad as part of their relocation agreements (the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, and Oakland), Tampa Bay also hosted a home game abroad in 2019 as part of their agreement to host Super Bowl LV in 2021.{{cite web|last1=Teope|first1=Herbie|title=NFL reveals home teams for '19 international games|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-reveals-home-teams-for-19-international-games-0ap3000000999036|date=December 12, 2018|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|access-date=December 12, 2018|archive-date=December 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213091500/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000999036/article/nfl-reveals-home-teams-for-19-international-games|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Gordon|first1=Grant|title=NFL announces matchups for international games|date=January 21, 2019|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-matchups-for-international-games-0ap3000001012393|website=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121232651/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001012393/article/nfl-announces-matchups-for-international-games|url-status=live}}
  • NFL London Games: Four games were played in London in 2019: Oakland hosted and defeated Chicago on October 6 and Tampa Bay hosted and lost to Carolina on October 13, both at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Los Angeles Rams hosted and defeated Cincinnati on October 27 and Jacksonville hosted and lost to the Houston on November 3, both at Wembley Stadium. Houston and Carolina both made their first trip to London, leaving Green Bay as the only NFL team to have not played a game in London.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/46034493|title=NFL: Wembley and Tottenham's new stadium to host two games in 2019|work=BBC Sport |date=October 30, 2018|access-date=November 5, 2018|archive-date=November 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102120406/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/46034493|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Patra|first1=Kevin|title=NFL to play four games in London during '19 season|date=December 8, 2018|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-to-play-four-games-in-london-during-19-season-0ap3000000981494|website=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|access-date=December 3, 2018|archive-date=November 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129211310/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000981494/article/nfl-to-play-four-games-in-london-during-19-season|url-status=live}}
  • NFL Mexico Game: The Los Angeles Chargers hosted and lost to Kansas City at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on November 18.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-chargers-chiefs-mexico-city-20190121-story.html|title=Chargers-Chiefs scheduled for Mexico City during 2019 regular season|date=March 19, 2019|last=DiGiovanna|first=Mike|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=March 19, 2019|archive-date=February 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228235841/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-chargers-chiefs-mexico-city-20190121-story.html|url-status=live}}
  • Thanksgiving Day: As has been the case since {{nfly|2006}}, three games were played on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, including the traditional afternoon doubleheader hosted by Detroit (defeated by the Chicago for the second year in a row) and Dallas Cowboys (defeated by Buffalo). Atlanta hosted and lost to New Orleans in the night game; the two teams had played on Thanksgiving night in 2018 as well.

=Scheduling changes=

When the entire season schedule was released on April 17, the league announced Saturday games to be played in Week 16. On November 12, the NFL announced that three games would be moved from Sunday to Saturday

  • Week 8: The Oakland–Houston game was moved from 1:00 p.m. ET to 4:25 p.m. ET, trading time slots with the Denver–Indianapolis game; both games remained on CBS.{{cite press release |title=Week 8 schedule change - Broncos-Colts, Raiders-Texans |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-8-schedule-change---Broncos-Colts,-Raiders-Texans.aspx |work=NFL Communications |date=October 11, 2019 |access-date=October 11, 2019 |archive-date=October 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012171652/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Week-8-schedule-change---Broncos-Colts,-Raiders-Texans.aspx |url-status=live }}
  • Week 10: The Carolina–Green Bay game was moved from 1:00 p.m. ET to 4:25 p.m. ET; game remained on Fox.{{cite press release|title=Weeks 10-11 Schedule Changes|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Weeks-10-11-Schedule-Changes.aspx|work=NFL Communications|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=October 28, 2019|archive-date=October 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028175324/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Weeks-10-11-Schedule-Changes.aspx|url-status=live}}
  • Week 11: The New York Jets–Washington game was cross-flexed from CBS to Fox; game remained at 1:00 p.m. ET.
  • Week 12: The Green Bay–San Francisco game, originally at 4:25 p.m ET on Fox, was flexed into the NBC Sunday Night Football 8:20 p.m. ET timeslot, replacing the originally scheduled Seattle–Philadelphia game, which was moved to 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox. In addition, the Carolina–New Orleans game was cross-flexed from Fox to CBS and the Miami–Cleveland game was cross-flexed from CBS to Fox; kickoff times for both games remained at 1:00 p.m. ET.{{cite press release|title=NFL announces schedule changes for Weeks 12, 16|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFL-announces-schedule-changes-for-Weeks-12,-16.aspx|work=NFL Communications|date=November 12, 2019|access-date=November 12, 2019|archive-date=November 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113004928/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFL-announces-schedule-changes-for-Weeks-12,-16.aspx|url-status=live}}
  • Week 13: The Oakland–Kansas City game was moved from 1:00 p.m. ET to 4:25 p.m. ET, trading time slots with the Cleveland–Pittsburgh game; both games remained on CBS.{{cite press release|title=NFL announces schedule changes for Week 13 (December 1)|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFL-announces-schedule-changes-for-Week-13-(December-1).aspx|work=NFL Communications|date=November 18, 2019|access-date=November 18, 2019|archive-date=March 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308163417/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFL-announces-schedule-changes-for-Week-13-(December-1).aspx|url-status=live}}
  • Week 15: The Buffalo–Pittsburgh game, originally scheduled at 1:00 p.m ET on CBS, was flexed into the NBC Sunday Night Football 8:20 p.m. ET timeslot, replacing the originally scheduled Minnesota–Los Angeles Chargers game, which was moved to 4:05 p.m. on CBS.{{Cite web|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFL-ANNOUNCES-SCHEDULE-CHANGES-FOR-WEEK-15-(DECEMBER-15).aspx|title=NFL ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR WEEK 15 (DECEMBER 15)|website=nflcommunications.com|access-date=December 2, 2019|archive-date=March 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308165904/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/NFL-ANNOUNCES-SCHEDULE-CHANGES-FOR-WEEK-15-(DECEMBER-15).aspx|url-status=live}}
  • Week 16: Three games were moved to Saturday: Houston–Tampa Bay at 1:00 p.m. ET, Buffalo–New England at 4:30 p.m. ET, and Los Angeles Rams–San Francisco at 8:15 p.m. ET, all on the NFL Network. The two other games that the NFL had the option of moving (Detroit–Denver and Oakland–Los Angeles Chargers) remained on Sunday.
  • Week 17: The San Francisco–Seattle game that was originally scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox was selected as the final 8:20 p.m. ET NBC Sunday Night Football game of the season, which decided the NFC West champion.{{cite web |last1=Gordon |first1=Grant |title=Niners-Seahawks title bout flexed to 'SNF' finale |website=NFL.com |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-seahawks-title-bout-flexed-to-snf-finale-0ap3000001090305 |access-date=December 22, 2019 |archive-date=December 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222201052/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001090305/article/ninersseahawks-title-bout-flexed-to-snf-finale |url-status=live }} In addition, the following games with playoff implications were rescheduled from 1:00 p.m. ET to 4:25 p.m. ET (with networks in parentheses): Tennessee–Houston (CBS); Indianapolis-Jacksonville (CBS); Washington–Dallas (Fox); Philadelphia–New York Giants (Fox).{{cite web |last1=Fucillo |first1=David |title=NFL announces full schedule for Week 17 |url=https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/12/22/21034617/nfl-schedule-week-17-flex-49ers-vs-seahawks-snf-titans-vs-texans-steelers-vs-ravens |website=Draft Kings Nation |date=December 22, 2019 |access-date=December 23, 2019 |archive-date=December 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223145555/https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/12/22/21034617/nfl-schedule-week-17-flex-49ers-vs-seahawks-snf-titans-vs-texans-steelers-vs-ravens |url-status=live }} The Cleveland–Cincinnati game was cross-flexed from CBS to Fox, but remained at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Regular season standings

=Division=

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{2019 AFC East standings}}

{{2019 AFC North standings}}

{{2019 AFC South standings}}

{{2019 AFC West standings}}

{{col-2}}

{{2019 NFC East standings}}

{{2019 NFC North standings}}

{{2019 NFC South standings}}

{{2019 NFC West standings}}

{{col-end}}

=Conference=

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{2019 AFC standings}}

{{col-2}}

{{2019 NFC standings}}

{{col-end}}

Postseason

{{main|2019–20 NFL playoffs}}

The 2019 playoffs began on January 4–5, 2020 with the wild-card round. The four winners of these games visited the top two seeds in each conference in the Divisional Round games on January 11–12. The winners of those games advanced to the Conference Championships on January 19. The 2020 Pro Bowl was played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on January 26. Super Bowl LIV was played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on February 2.

The start times for the Divisional Round games on Sunday, January 12, were moved to 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET (as is already the case with the conference championship games), rather than the typical 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. windows used for this round in previous seasons.{{cite news | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-changes-start-times-for-divisional-round-playoff-games/ | title=NFL changes start times for divisional round playoff games | last=Dubin | first=Jared | work=CBS Sports | date=May 22, 2019 | access-date=June 1, 2019 | archive-date=June 1, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601050311/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-changes-start-times-for-divisional-round-playoff-games/ | url-status=live }}

This was the final season under the 12-team playoff bracket.

=Bracket=

{{2019–20 NFL playoffs}}

Notable events

=Andrew Luck's retirement=

News of Indianapolis Colts quarterback and 2012 first overall pick Andrew Luck retiring broke out during the Colts' third preseason game. His retirement quickly became one of the most surprising revelations of the year. During his post-game press conference, Luck stated that his retirement was due to the recent mental and physical difficulties of playing football.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2019/08/30/andrew-luck-retirement|title=Andrew Luck's Retirement Stunned The NFL – And Left Behind A Big Message For The Game|date=August 30, 2019|last=Harwood|first=John|work=WBUR|publisher=NPR|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=September 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914131413/https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2019/08/30/andrew-luck-retirement|url-status=live}} Luck had won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2018.

=Antonio Brown controversies=

Wide receiver Antonio Brown was involved in several controversies throughout the off-season, preseason, and regular season.{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2019/09/11/a-timeline-of-trouble-surrounding-antonio-brown/|title=A timeline of trouble surrounding Antonio Brown|date=September 11, 2019|last=Miller|first=Joshua Rhett|work=New York Post|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=September 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914015329/https://nypost.com/2019/09/11/a-timeline-of-trouble-surrounding-antonio-brown/|url-status=live}} Brown was held out by his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers during week 17 of 2018 due to a heated falling out with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He was subsequently traded to the Oakland Raiders in March 2019. However, Brown's helmet model had been banned by the NFL due to inadequate protection, prompting Brown to hold out of practices and file two grievances against the NFL, both of which were denied. Brown then accepted the new helmet model and returned to practice, but later wore inadequate footwear in a cryogenic chamber and got frostbite on his feet, causing additional concern for his availability in Week 1.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/antonio-brown-helmet-issue-explained-nfl-rules-raiders-options-contract/nd165z394jfw1pmgw0f6mc1nn|title=Explaining Antonio Brown's helmet issue: What are the NFL's rules, Raiders' options, AB's contract?|date=September 9, 2019|last=Haislop|first=Tadd|work=Sporting News|access-date=September 9, 2019|archive-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922175233/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/antonio-brown-helmet-issue-explained-nfl-rules-raiders-options-contract/nd165z394jfw1pmgw0f6mc1nn|url-status=live}} Brown next released recorded audio of Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and requested that the Raiders release him. He was subsequently released and signed with the New England Patriots. On September 10, allegations that Brown had raped his former trainer, Britney Taylor, caused speculation that he might be put on the commissioner's exempt list, barring him from playing.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/antonio-brown-is-likely-not-leaving-the-patriots-any-time-soon|title=Antonio Brown likely not leaving the Patriots any time soon|last=Dyer|first=Kristian|date=September 12, 2019|work=Fox Business|access-date=September 12, 2019|archive-date=September 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913045541/https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/antonio-brown-is-likely-not-leaving-the-patriots-any-time-soon|url-status=live}} However, the NFL did not do so and Brown played in the Patriots' Week 2 game. On September 16, a second woman accused Brown of sexual misconduct.{{cite magazine |author=Klemko, Robert |date=September 16, 2019 |title=There's More History to Antonio Brown's History |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/16/antonio-brown-new-england-patriots-lawsuits-accusations-sexual-midconduct-assault |access-date=September 17, 2019 |archive-date=September 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917011857/https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/16/antonio-brown-new-england-patriots-lawsuits-accusations-sexual-midconduct-assault |url-status=live }} That same day, Pittsburgh-based Dr. Victor Prisk, who worked with Brown during his time with the Steelers, sued Brown for $11,500 in unpaid fees. The Patriots cut Brown on September 20 after he allegedly sent intimidating text messages to his second accuser.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27662788/patriots-cut-ties-antonio-brown |title=Brown out: Pats cut WR amid off-field allegations |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=September 20, 2019 |work=ESPN |access-date=September 20, 2019 |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920202749/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27662788/patriots-cut-ties-antonio-brown |url-status=live }}

=Steelers–Browns brawl=

{{see also|Browns–Steelers rivalry}}

In the final seconds of a November 14 Thursday Night Football matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett tackled Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph after Rudolph completed a screen pass to running back Trey Edmunds. Upset by the late tackle, Rudolph attacked Garrett by attempting to pull off Garrett's helmet. Garrett then ripped off Rudolph's helmet and used it to hit Rudolph in the head while being restrained by Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey and Steelers guard David DeCastro. Pouncey and Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi then joined in on the fight, with Pouncey punching and kicking Garrett's head several times. Garrett, Ogunjobi, and Pouncey were all ejected from the game. Following the game, Garrett was suspended for the remainder of 2019 and required to apply for reinstatement in 2020, while Pouncey and Ogunjobi received 2-game and 1-game suspensions, respectively.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28083493/three-ejected-nasty-brawl-tarnishes-end-steelers-browns |title=Three ejected after nasty brawl tarnishes end of Steelers-Browns |last1=Trotter |first1=Jake |last2=Pryor |first2=Brooke |work=ESPN |date=November 15, 2019 |access-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115062908/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28083493/three-ejected-nasty-brawl-tarnishes-end-steelers-browns |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/news/pittsburgh-steelers-mason-rudolph-lit-the-match-started-the-fire-fanned-the-flames-not-suspended/ |title=Mason Rudolph Lit the Match, Started the Fire, Fanned the Flames, Not Suspended |last=Smith |first=Pete |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=November 15, 2019 |access-date=November 20, 2019 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116054122/https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/news/pittsburgh-steelers-mason-rudolph-lit-the-match-started-the-fire-fanned-the-flames-not-suspended/ |url-status=live }} Garrett was reinstated in February 2020, ending his suspension after six games. The six-game suspension was the longest in NFL history for a single on-field transgression.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/browns-steelers-fight-myles-garrett-suspended-today-for-helmet-hit-steelers-qb-mason-rudolph-nfl-brawl-football-game/ |title=Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett suspended by NFL after hitting Pittsburgh Steelers QB with helmet |last1=Carrisimo |first1=Justin |last2=Smith |first2=Stephen |date=November 15, 2019 |work=CBS News |access-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116010735/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/browns-steelers-fight-myles-garrett-suspended-today-for-helmet-hit-steelers-qb-mason-rudolph-nfl-brawl-football-game/ |url-status=live }}

=Patriots videotaping controversy=

During the December 8 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, the New England Patriots were alleged to have spied on the Bengals' sideline. The Patriots, who were scheduled to play the Bengals the following week, sent a video team to Cleveland to film a documentary of an advance scout, part of the "Do Your Job" series on the Patriots' website. This video contractor was given media credentials by the Browns, but the Bengals and NFL were not made aware of the presence of the Patriots' video crew.{{cite web |last1=Brinson |first1=Will |title=Patriots-Bengals video drama: Everything you need to know about Spygate 2.0 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/g00/nfl/news/patriots-bengals-video-drama-everything-you-need-to-know-about-spygate-2-0/?i10c.ua=1&i10c.encReferrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8%3d&i10c.dv=2 |website=CBS Sports |access-date=December 13, 2019}} According to ESPN's Dianna Russini, a Bengals staffer spotted the Patriots' cameraman and proceeded to observe what he was doing. Allegedly, the cameraman proceeded to point his camera at the Bengals coaching staff and sideline for most of the quarter. The Bengals employee reported him to media relations, who reported him to security; security then seized the film and leaked it to Jay Glazer, who made the footage public. The NFL has launched an investigation into these allegations.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/bengals-not-happy-patriots-videotaping-being-treated-joke |title=Breer: Bengals 'not happy' that videotaping is being treated 'like a joke' |last=Green |first=Dave |date=December 15, 2019 |website=NBC Sports Boston |access-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218050052/https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/bengals-not-happy-patriots-videotaping-being-treated-joke |url-status=live }} This was the second time the current Patriots administration was involved in an unauthorized videotaping scandal, following the Spygate controversy in 2007.

Records, milestones, and notable statistics

Week 1

  • The Baltimore Ravens scored 42 points in the first half, setting an NFL record for most points in the first half of a season opener.{{cite web |author=Wormeli, Ryan |date=September 8, 2019 |title=Ravens explode for 42 points in historic first half against the Dolphins |work=NBC Sports |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/ravens/ravens-explode-42-points-historic-first-half-against-dolphins |access-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001141303/https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/ravens/ravens-explode-42-points-historic-first-half-against-dolphins |url-status=live }}

Week 2

  • Matt Ryan became the 12th player to throw 300 career touchdown passes{{cite web |author=McFadden, Will |date=September 15, 2019 |title=Matt Ryan throws 300th career touchdown pass, ties John Elway for 11th-most all-time |work=AtlantaFalcons.com |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/matt-ryan-throws-300th-career-touchdown-pass-ties-john-elway-for-11th-most-all-t |accessdate=October 7, 2021}}
  • Adrian Peterson passed Jim Brown for fifth place on the all-time rushing touchdowns list.{{cite web |title=Cowboys vs. Redskins - Game Recap - September 15, 2019 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128115 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=September 16, 2019 |archive-date=September 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916161630/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128115 |url-status=live }}
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster became the youngest player in NFL history to record 2,500 career receiving yards, at the age of 22 years, 297 days, a record previously held by Randy Moss, who was 22 years, 310 days old.{{cite web |author=DeArdo, Bryan |date=September 15, 2019 |title=JuJu Smith-Schuster breaks one of Randy Moss' NFL records in Steelers' Week 2 loss to Seahawks |work=CBS Sports |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/juju-smith-schuster-breaks-one-of-randy-moss-nfl-records-in-steelers-week-2-loss-to-seahawks/ |access-date=September 15, 2019 |archive-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921185009/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/juju-smith-schuster-breaks-one-of-randy-moss-nfl-records-in-steelers-week-2-loss-to-seahawks/ |url-status=live }}

Week 4

  • Frank Gore became the fourth player in NFL history to rush for 15,000 yards.{{cite web |title=Frank Gore becomes 4th RB with 15,000 yards |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/frank-gore-becomes-4th-rb-with-15-000-yards-0ap3000001059866 |last=Gordon |first=Grant |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=September 29, 2019 |archive-date=September 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929211843/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001059866/article/frank-gore-becomes-4th-rb-with-15000-yards |url-status=live }}
  • Larry Fitzgerald caught his 1,326th reception, moving into second place all-time, behind Jerry Rice.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/larry-fitzgerald-passes-tony-gonzalez-for-second-all-time-in-career-receptions/|title=Larry Fitzgerald passes Tony Gonzalez for second all-time in career receptions|last=DeArdo|first=Bryan|date=September 29, 2019|work=CBS Sports|access-date=September 30, 2019|archive-date=September 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930143627/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/larry-fitzgerald-passes-tony-gonzalez-for-second-all-time-in-career-receptions/|url-status=live}}
  • Von Miller recorded his 100th career sack, becoming the fourth-fastest player to do so (124 games).{{cite web|url=https://www.milehighreport.com/2019/9/29/20890334/von-miller-100-sacks|title=Von Miller reaches 100 sack milestone|last=Lynch|first=Tim|date=September 29, 2019|work=Mile High Report|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=September 30, 2019|archive-date=September 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930144902/https://www.milehighreport.com/2019/9/29/20890334/von-miller-100-sacks|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Broncos' Von Miller records 100th regular season sack; two in first half vs. Jaguars |url=https://usa-latestnews.com/sports/broncos-von-miller-records-100th-regular-season-sack-two-in-first-half-vs-jaguars/ |access-date=October 2, 2019 |archive-date=October 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002162043/https://usa-latestnews.com/sports/broncos-von-miller-records-100th-regular-season-sack-two-in-first-half-vs-jaguars/ |url-status=usurped }}
  • Jared Goff set the record for most completions in regulation of a regular season game, with 45. The previous record of 44 was set by Ben Roethlisberger.

Week 5

  • Tom Brady passed Brett Favre for third place on the all-time passing yards list.{{cite web |title=Tom Brady Passes Brett Favre, Moves Into Third Place On All-Time Passing List |last=Hurley |first=Michael |work=WBZ-TV |date=October 6, 2019 |publisher=CBS Sports |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/10/06/tom-brady-passes-brett-favre-all-time-passing-yards-peyton-manning/ |access-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007110211/https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/10/06/tom-brady-passes-brett-favre-all-time-passing-yards-peyton-manning/ |url-status=live }}

Week 6

  • Tom Brady passed Peyton Manning for second place on the all-time passing yards list.{{cite web |last1=Reiss |first1=Mike |title=Tom Brady surpasses Peyton Manning for second on passing yardage list |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27816303/tom-brady-surpasses-peyton-manning-second-passing-yardage-list |work=ESPN |access-date=October 11, 2019 |date=October 11, 2019 |archive-date=October 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011044204/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27816303/tom-brady-surpasses-peyton-manning-second-passing-yardage-list |url-status=live }}
  • Justin Tucker became the fastest player to score 1,000 career points, doing so in 118 games. The record was previously held by Stephen Gostkowski who reached 1,000 points in 119 games.{{cite press release |author=Brown, Clifton |date=October 15, 2019 |title=Why Justin Tucker's Milestone Is Even More Impressive Than It May Seem |work=Baltimore Ravens |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/why-justin-tucker-s-milestone-is-even-more-impressive-than-it-may-seem |access-date=October 15, 2019 |archive-date=October 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016001601/https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/why-justin-tucker-s-milestone-is-even-more-impressive-than-it-may-seem |url-status=live }}{{cite press release|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/celebrating-stephen-gostkowski-240156?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook|title=Celebrating Stephen Gostkowski|author=Staff writers|work=New England Patriots|access-date=October 21, 2019|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016124636/https://www.patriots.com/news/celebrating-stephen-gostkowski-240156?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook|url-status=live}}

Week 7

  • Matthew Stafford became the fastest player to throw for 40,000 yards, doing so in 147 games. The record was previously held by Matt Ryan, who reached 40,000 yards in 151 games.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/matthew-stafford-breaks-matt-ryans-record-becomes-fastest-quarterback-to-reach-40000-career-passing-yards/|title=Matthew Stafford breaks Matt Ryan's record, becomes fastest quarterback to reach 40,000 career passing yards|date=October 20, 2019|last=Dajani|first=Jordan|work=CBS Sports|access-date=October 20, 2019|archive-date=October 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020211719/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/matthew-stafford-breaks-matt-ryans-record-becomes-fastest-quarterback-to-reach-40000-career-passing-yards/|url-status=live}}
  • Aaron Rodgers became the fastest player to throw for 350 touchdowns, doing so in 172 games. The record was previously held by Drew Brees, who reached 350 touchdowns in 180 games.{{cite web|url=https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/20/packers-qb-aaron-rodgers-becomes-fastest-player-to-350-td-passes/|title=Packers QB Aaron Rodgers becomes fastest player to 350 TD passes|date=October 20, 2019|first=Zach|last=Kruse|work=Packers Wire|publisher=USA Today|access-date=October 20, 2019|archive-date=October 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020214822/https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/20/packers-qb-aaron-rodgers-becomes-fastest-player-to-350-td-passes/|url-status=live}}
  • Brett Maher became the first kicker in NFL history to kick three field goals of at least 60 yards in his career.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27891798/cowboys-brett-maher-first-kicker-make-three-60-yard-fgs|title=Cowboys' Brett Maher first kicker to make three 60-yard FGs|last=Archer|first=Todd|work=ESPN|date=October 21, 2019|access-date=October 21, 2019|archive-date=October 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021110659/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27891798/cowboys-brett-maher-first-kicker-make-three-60-yard-fgs|url-status=live}}
  • Marvin Jones became the first player in NFL history to score four receiving touchdowns in a game in which he did not have at least 100 receiving yards; he caught 10 passes for 93 yards and the four touchdowns.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27891507/rodgers-best-game-russ-pick-six-more-barnwell-weird-week-7#jones|title=Rodgers' Best Game Russ Pick Six, Barnwell's Weird Week 7|last=Barnwell|first=Bill|work=ESPN|date=October 21, 2019|access-date=October 21, 2019|archive-date=October 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021144701/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27891507/rodgers-best-game-russ-pick-six-more-barnwell-weird-week-7#jones|url-status=live}}

Week 8

  • Bill Belichick became the third head coach in NFL history to win 300 games (regular season and postseason), joining George Halas and Don Shula.{{cite web |author=Vera, Amir |date=October 27, 2019 |title=New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick wins 300th game, making him only the third head coach to do so |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/27/sport/bill-belichick-300-wins-trnd/index.html |access-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028124715/https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/27/sport/bill-belichick-300-wins-trnd/index.html |url-status=live }}
  • Drew Brees became the first quarterback to pass for 75,000 yards.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/saints-drew-brees-becomes-first-nfl-quarterback-to-eclipse-75000-career-passing-yards/1kh0enykn05i7133ha221m6xoo|title=Saints' Drew Brees becomes 1st NFL quarterback to eclipse 75,000 career passing yards|date=October 28, 2019|last=Tyree|first=Ameer|work=Sporting News|access-date=October 28, 2019|archive-date=October 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028161333/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/saints-drew-brees-becomes-first-nfl-quarterback-to-eclipse-75000-career-passing-yards/1kh0enykn05i7133ha221m6xoo|url-status=live}}
  • Andy Dalton started the season with an 0–8 record. Having previously started the {{nfly|2015}} season 8–0, Dalton became the first quarterback to start seasons 8–0 and 0–8 since the NFL officially kept quarterbacks' win–loss records in {{nfly|1950}}.{{cite web |author=Duncan, Avery |date=October 27, 2019 |title=Bengals' Andy Dalton becomes first QB since 1950 to start a season 8-0 and 0-8 |work=Clutch Points |url=https://clutchpoints.com/bengals-news-andy-dalton-becomes-first-qb-since-1950-to-both-start-a-season-8-0-and-0-8/ |access-date=November 11, 2019 |archive-date=November 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111134410/https://clutchpoints.com/bengals-news-andy-dalton-becomes-first-qb-since-1950-to-both-start-a-season-8-0-and-0-8/ |url-status=live }}

Week 10

  • Kyler Murray set the record for consecutive pass attempts by a rookie without an interception with 211, breaking the previous record of 176 shared by Derek Carr and Dak Prescott.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28050408/cardinals-qb-kyler-murray-rookie-mark-passes-interception-ends-211|title=Cardinals QB Kyler Murray's rookie mark for passes without interception ends at 211|last=Weinfuss|first=Josh|date=November 10, 2019|work=ESPN|access-date=November 11, 2019|archive-date=November 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111045124/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28050408/cardinals-qb-kyler-murray-rookie-mark-passes-interception-ends-211|url-status=live}}
  • Michael Thomas became the fastest player to reach 400 career receptions, doing so in 56 games.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/saints-news-michael-thomas-becomes-fastest-player-to-400-receptions-in-nfl-history/|title=Saints' Michael Thomas becomes fastest player to 400 receptions in NFL history|date=November 10, 2019|last=Borek|first=Jesse|work=Clutch Points|access-date=November 11, 2019|archive-date=November 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113114253/https://clutchpoints.com/saints-news-michael-thomas-becomes-fastest-player-to-400-receptions-in-nfl-history/|url-status=live}}
  • Lamar Jackson became the second player in NFL history to record two games with a perfect passer rating in the same season, joining Ben Roethlisberger who did so in {{nfly|2007}}.{{cite web |title=Lamar Jackson Earns a Perfect Passer Rating for Second Time This Season |work=RavenMaven |publisher=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/ravens/news/lamar-jackson-earns-a-perfect-passer-rating-for-second-time-this-season |last=Karpovich |first=Todd |date=November 10, 2019 |access-date=December 19, 2019 |archive-date=December 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219183704/https://www.si.com/nfl/ravens/news/lamar-jackson-earns-a-perfect-passer-rating-for-second-time-this-season |url-status=live }}

Week 11

  • Adam Vinatieri recorded his 710th career field goal attempt, setting an NFL record. The previous record of 709 attempts was held by Morten Andersen.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128075|title=Colts overpower Jaguars with strong ground game in 33-13 win|access-date=November 27, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119150350/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128075|url-status=live}}

Week 12

  • Frank Gore passed Barry Sanders for third place on the all-time rushing yards list.{{cite web |author=DeArdo, Brian |date=November 24, 2019 |title=Frank Gore passes Barry Sanders for third on career rushing list, and here's how he's stayed productive |work=CBS Sports |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/frank-gore-passes-barry-sanders-for-third-on-career-rushing-list-and-heres-how-hes-stayed-productive/ |access-date=November 24, 2019 |archive-date=November 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127220651/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/frank-gore-passes-barry-sanders-for-third-on-career-rushing-list-and-heres-how-hes-stayed-productive/ |url-status=live }} He also moved to third on the all-time rushing attempts list.

Week 13

  • Drew Brees became the second quarterback to record 10,000 career pass attempts.{{cite news|date=November 28, 2019|title=Saints' Drew Brees hits 10K career pass attempts in Falcons game; just one NFL player has more|last=Just|first=Amie|newspaper=The Times-Picayune|publisher=Georges Media Group|url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_b35b3d74-124b-11ea-9c79-d76d60b737e7.html|access-date=December 12, 2019|archive-date=December 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212200626/https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_b35b3d74-124b-11ea-9c79-d76d60b737e7.html|url-status=live}}
  • Tom Brady passed Brett Favre for second place on the all-time completions list.{{cite web |title=Game Notes: Tom Brady reaches 3,000 passing yards for 17th time |work=Patriots.com |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/game-notes-tom-brady-reaches-3-000-passing-yards-for-17th-time |access-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-date=April 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414192813/https://www.patriots.com/news/game-notes-tom-brady-reaches-3-000-passing-yards-for-17th-time |url-status=live }}

Week 14

  • Matt Ryan became the tenth quarterback to throw for over 50,000 career passing yards.{{Cite web|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/12/09/matt-ryan-tops-50000-passing-yards/|title=Matt Ryan tops 50,000 passing yards|last=Gantt|first=Darin|date=December 9, 2019|website=ProFootballTalk|publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=December 11, 2019|archive-date=December 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210132920/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/12/09/matt-ryan-tops-50000-passing-yards/|url-status=live}}
  • Lamar Jackson became the second quarterback to run for 1,000 yards in a season, joining Michael Vick in {{nfly|2006}}.{{cite web |title=Lamar Jackson now second QB with 1,000 rushing yards |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/lamar-jackson-now-second-qb-with-1-000-rushing-yards-0ap3000001084898 |author=Around the NFL staff writers |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208224000/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001084898/article/lamar-jackson-now-second-qb-with-1000-rushing-yards |url-status=live }}
  • Drew Lock became the first rookie quarterback to achieve at least 300 passing yards and three passing touchdowns in his first road start.{{cite web |last=Legwold |first=Jeff |title=Broncos' offense shows rare life under Drew Lock, aka Buzz Lightyear |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/34572/broncos-offense-shows-rare-life-under-drew-lock |work=ESPN |date=December 8, 2019 |access-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209184640/https://www.espn.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/34572/broncos-offense-shows-rare-life-under-drew-lock |url-status=live }}

Week 15

  • Lamar Jackson passed Michael Vick's single season record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,039.{{cite web |last1=Hensley |first1=Jamison |title=Ravens QB Lamar Jackson breaks Michael Vick's single-season rushing yards record |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28285951/ravens-qb-lamar-jackson-breaks-michael-vick-single-season-rushing-yards-record |date=December 13, 2019 |work=ESPN |access-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213022359/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28285951/ravens-qb-lamar-jackson-breaks-michael-vick-single-season-rushing-yards-record |url-status=live }}
  • Drew Brees recorded his 540th career touchdown pass, setting an NFL record. The previous record of 539 was held by Peyton Manning.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/saints-drew-brees-sets-nfl-record-for-career-td-passes-on-monday-night-football/|title=Saints' Drew Brees sets NFL record for career TD passes on 'Monday Night Football'|author=DeArdo, Bryan|date=December 16, 2019|work=CBS Sports|access-date=December 16, 2019|archive-date=December 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217033227/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/saints-drew-brees-sets-nfl-record-for-career-td-passes-on-monday-night-football/|url-status=live}}
  • Brees also set the record for highest completion percentage in a game (minimum 20 attempts) at 96.7% (29 of 30). The previous record of 96.6% was held by Philip Rivers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28315383/drew-brees-breaks-peyton-manning-career-td-mark|title=Drew Brees sets records for most career TD passes, single-game completion percentage|date=December 16, 2019|last=Triplett|first=Mike|work=ESPN|access-date=December 17, 2019|archive-date=December 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217095316/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28315383/drew-brees-breaks-peyton-manning-career-td-mark|url-status=live}}
  • Julio Jones set the record for most career receiving yards through a players first nine seasons, with 11,881. The previous record of 11,864 was held by Torry Holt.{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/college/alabama/bamacentral/kenyan-drake-julio-jones-named-bamacentral-pro-athlete-of-the-week|title=Kenyan Drake/Julio Jones Named BamaCentral Pro Athlete of the Week|last=Walsh|first=Christopher|work=Bama Central|publisher=Sports Illustrated|date=December 19, 2019|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-date=December 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219050259/https://www.si.com/college/alabama/bamacentral/kenyan-drake-julio-jones-named-bamacentral-pro-athlete-of-the-week|url-status=live}}

Week 16

  • Michael Thomas set the new single-season record for most receptions in a season (ultimately 149), passing Marvin Harrison's previous mark of 143.{{cite web |title=Saints WR Michael Thomas breaks Marvin Harrison's record for catches |work=ESPN |date=December 22, 2019 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28353790/saints-wr-michael-thomas-breaks-marvin-harrison-record-catches |access-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-date=January 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124130336/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28353790/saints-wr-michael-thomas-breaks-marvin-harrison-record-catches |url-status=live }}

Week 17

  • Tom Brady passed Peyton Manning for second place on the all-time passing touchdowns list.{{cite web |title=Tom Brady passes Peyton Manning for No. 2 in TDs |work=NFL.com |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tom-brady-passes-peyton-manning-for-no-2-in-tds-0ap3000001092444 |access-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-date=February 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203145926/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001092444/article/tom-brady-passes-peyton-manning-for-no-2-in-tds |url-status=live }}
  • The Baltimore Ravens set the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season with 3,296. The previous record of 3,165 yards was held by the 1978 New England Patriots.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28391752/ravens-set-record-rushing-yards-season|title=Ravens set record for rushing yards in a season|last=Hensley|first=Jamison|publisher=ESPN|date=December 29, 2019|access-date=December 29, 2019|archive-date=December 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229234051/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28391752/ravens-set-record-rushing-yards-season|url-status=live}}
  • The Ravens became the first team in NFL history to average 200 passing yards and 200 rushing yards per game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-break-single-season-team-rushing-record-0ap3000001092761|title=Ravens break single-season team rushing record|last=Patra|first=Kevin|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|access-date=December 29, 2019|archive-date=December 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230030747/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001092761/article/ravens-break-singleseason-team-rushing-record|url-status=live}}
  • The Atlanta Falcons set the NFL record for shortest overtime game, finishing the game seven seconds into overtime.{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201912290tam.htm|publisher=Pro Football Reference|title=Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - December 29th, 2019|access-date=2024-12-18}} The previous record was 11 seconds in a 2011 playoff game.
  • Christian McCaffrey became the third player with 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season, joining Roger Craig and Marshall Faulk.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28390340/panthers-rb-christian-mccaffrey-becomes-3rd-player-1000-yards-rushing-receiving-season|title=Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey becomes 3rd player with 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in a season|last=Newton|first=David|publisher=ESPN|date=December 29, 2019|access-date=December 29, 2019|archive-date=December 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229234052/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28390340/panthers-rb-christian-mccaffrey-becomes-3rd-player-1000-yards-rushing-receiving-season|url-status=live}}
  • Jameis Winston became the first player to throw for at least 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in the same season.{{cite web |title=Jameis Winston in 30-30 club with game-ending pick-6 |last=Gordon |first=Grant |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jameis-winston-in-30-30-club-with-game-ending-pick-6-0ap3000001092681 |access-date=December 29, 2019 |archive-date=December 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229222111/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001092681/article/jameis-winston-in-3030-club-with-gameending-pick6 |url-status=live }}
  • Carson Wentz became the first player to throw for 4,000 passing yards in a season while having no wide receiver reach 500 receiving yards.{{Cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/eagles-news-carson-wentz-is-first-nfl-player-with-4000-pass-yards-and-no-wrs-with-500-receiving-yards/|title=Carson Wentz Is First NFL Player With 4,000 Pass Yards, No WRs With 500 Receiving Yards|last=Nocco|first=Joseph|date=December 30, 2019|website=ClutchPoints|access-date=December 30, 2019|archive-date=December 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230134757/https://clutchpoints.com/eagles-news-carson-wentz-is-first-nfl-player-with-4000-pass-yards-and-no-wrs-with-500-receiving-yards/|url-status=live}}
  • Adrian Peterson passed Edgerrin James for eighth place on the all-time rushing attempts list.

Wild-card round

  • The New Orleans Saints became the first team in NFL history to win at least 13 games in a 16-game schedule and get eliminated in the wild-card round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-playoffs-how-13-win-teams-like-the-saints-perform-in-rare-appearances-on-wild-card-weekend/|title=NFL playoffs: How 13-win teams like the Saints perform in rare appearances on Wild Card Weekend|last=Kerr|first=Jeff|date=November 17, 2020|website=CBS Sports|access-date=November 17, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/saints-lose-playoff-game-final-play-third-straight-year-this-time-controversial-1480490|title=Saints Lose Playoff Game on Final Play For Third Straight Year, This Time Controversial|last=McDonald|first=Scott|date=November 17, 2020|website=Newsweek|access-date=November 17, 2020}}
  • The Saints became the second team to be eliminated from the postseason on their final play of the game in three straight years, joining the 2013–15 Green Bay Packers.

Divisional round

  • Ryan Tannehill became the second quarterback to win consecutive playoff starts in which he threw for fewer than 100 passing yards and at least one touchdown, joining Terry Bradshaw, who did so in {{nfly|1974}}.{{cite web |title=Ryan Tannehill joins Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw as only NFL quarterback to own unique playoff record |author=Sullivan, Tyler |work=CBS Sports |date=January 12, 2020 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ryan-tannehill-joins-hall-of-famer-terry-bradshaw-as-only-nfl-quarterback-to-own-unique-playoff-record/ |access-date=January 20, 2020 |archive-date=January 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113141343/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ryan-tannehill-joins-hall-of-famer-terry-bradshaw-as-only-nfl-quarterback-to-own-unique-playoff-record/ |url-status=live }}
  • Derrick Henry became the first player in NFL history to have two games of 180 rushing yards in the same postseason.{{cite press release |title=NFL stats and records, Divisional Round: Henry's historic day |author=Possee, Mackenzie |work=NFL Research |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001096103/article/nfl-stats-and-records-divisional-round-henrys-historic-day |access-date=January 20, 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114120828/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001096103/article/nfl-stats-and-records-divisional-round-henrys-historic-day |url-status=dead }}
  • The Tennessee Titans became the second team to win a postseason game, despite being outgained by at least 200 yards, joining the 2009 New Orleans Saints.
  • Lamar Jackson became the first player to have 300 passing yards and 140 rushing yards in any game, regular season or postseason.

Conference championships

  • Raheem Mostert became the first player in NFL history to rush for at least 200 yards and four touchdowns in a playoff game.{{cite web |title=Raheem Mostert sets multiple playoff rushing records |author=Bergman, Jeremy |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/raheem-mostert-sets-multiple-playoff-rushing-records-0ap3000001098015 |access-date=January 20, 2020 |archive-date=January 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121121929/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001098015/article/raheem-mostert-sets-multiple-playoff-rushing-records |url-status=live }}
  • Mostert became the first player to rush for 150 yards and three touchdowns in a single half of a playoff game, doing so in the first half.
  • Mostert's 248 rushing yards set the record for most rushing yards in a conference championship game. The previous record of 206 was held by Keith Lincoln.

Super Bowl

  • Kyle Shanahan joined his father Mike Shanahan as the first father-son duo to lead their teams to a Super Bowl as head coaches. The elder Shanahan previously coached the Denver Broncos in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII.{{cite press release |title=NFL stats and records, Championship Sunday: Shanahan duo reaches Super Bowl |author=Possee, Mackenzie |work=NFL Research |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-stats-and-records-championship-sunday-shanahan-duo-reaches--0ap3000001097873 |access-date=January 20, 2020 |archive-date=January 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200120102923/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001097873/article/nfl-stats-and-records-championship-sunday-shanahan-duo-reaches-super-bowl |url-status=live }}
  • Deebo Samuel rushed for 53 yards, setting the Super Bowl record for most rushing yards by a wide receiver. The previous record of 45 was held by Percy Harvin during Super Bowl XLVIII.{{cite web |title=Deebo Samuel sets a Super Bowl rushing record |work=USA Today |date=February 3, 2020 |url=https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/02/super-bowl-54-deebo-samuel-rushing-record/ |access-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225170225/https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/02/super-bowl-54-deebo-samuel-rushing-record/ |url-status=live }}

Regular-season statistical leaders

class="wikitable"
colspan=2 | Individual{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/stats/player |title=NFL Stats: Player |work=NFL.com |access-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111214603/http://www.nfl.com/stats/player |archive-date=January 11, 2009 |url-status=live }}
Scoring leaderHarrison Butker, Kansas City (147)
Most field goals madeHarrison Butker, Kansas City (34)
TouchdownsAaron Jones, Green Bay and Christian McCaffrey, Carolina (19)
RushingDerrick Henry, Tennessee (1,540)
Passing yardsJameis Winston, Tampa Bay (5,109)
Passing touchdownsLamar Jackson, Baltimore (36)
Passer ratingRyan Tannehill, Tennessee (117.5)
Pass receptionsMichael Thomas, New Orleans (149)
Pass receiving yardsMichael Thomas, New Orleans (1,725)
Combined tacklesBobby Wagner, Seattle (159 tackles)
InterceptionsAnthony Harris, Minnesota, Tre'Davious White, Buffalo and Stephon Gilmore, New England (6)
PuntingLac Edwards, New York Jets (3,991 yards, 45.9 average yards)
Kick & punt return yardsDeonte Harris, New Orleans (982 yards)
SacksShaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay (19.5)

Awards

=Individual season awards=

{{Further|9th NFL Honors}}

The 9th NFL Honors, saluting the best players and plays from 2019 season, was held on February 1, 2020, at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, Florida.

class="wikitable"
AwardWinnerPositionTeam
AP Most Valuable PlayerLamar JacksonQBBaltimore Ravens
AP Offensive Player of the YearMichael ThomasWRNew Orleans Saints
AP Defensive Player of the YearStephon GilmoreCBNew England Patriots
AP Coach of the YearJohn HarbaughHCBaltimore Ravens
AP Assistant Coach of the YearGreg RomanOCBaltimore Ravens
AP Offensive Rookie of the YearKyler MurrayQBArizona Cardinals
AP Defensive Rookie of the YearNick BosaDESan Francisco 49ers
AP Comeback Player of the YearRyan TannehillQBTennessee Titans
Pepsi Rookie of the YearNick BosaDESan Francisco 49ers
Walter Payton NFL Man of the YearCalais CampbellDEJacksonville Jaguars
PFWA NFL Executive of the YearJohn LynchGMSan Francisco 49ers
Super Bowl Most Valuable PlayerPatrick MahomesQBKansas City Chiefs

=All-Pro team=

{{Further|2019 All-Pro Team}}

The following players were named First Team All-Pro by the Associated Press:

border=0
valign="top"

|

{| class="wikitable"

colspan="2"|Offense
QuarterbackLamar Jackson (Baltimore)
Running backChristian McCaffrey (Carolina)
FlexChristian McCaffrey (Carolina)
Wide receiverMichael Thomas (New Orleans)
DeAndre Hopkins (Houston)
Tight endGeorge Kittle (San Francisco)
Left tackleRonnie Stanley (Baltimore)
Left guardQuenton Nelson (Indianapolis)
CenterJason Kelce (Philadelphia)
Right guardZack Martin (Dallas)
Right tackleRyan Ramczyk (New Orleans)

| style="padding-left:40px;" |

class="wikitable"
colspan="2"|Defense
Edge rusherChandler Jones (Arizona)
T. J. Watt (Pittsburgh)
Interior linemanAaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams)
Cam Heyward (Pittsburgh)
LinebackerBobby Wagner (Seattle)
Demario Davis (New Orleans)
Eric Kendricks (Minnesota)
CornerbackStephon Gilmore (New England)
Tre'Davious White (Buffalo)
SafetyJamal Adams (New York Jets)
Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh)

|}

class="wikitable"
colspan="6"|Special teams
PlacekickerJustin Tucker (Baltimore)
PunterBrett Kern (Tennessee)
Kick returnerCordarrelle Patterson (Chicago)
Special teamsMatthew Slater (New England)

=Players of the week/month=

The following were named the top performers during the 2019 season:

class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;"
rowspan=2|Week/
Month

!colspan=2|Offensive
Player of the Week/Month

!colspan=2|Defensive
Player of the Week/Month

!colspan=2|Special Teams
Player of the Week/Month

AFC

!NFC

!AFC

!NFC

!AFC

!NFC

1{{cite web |title=Lamar Jackson, Dak Prescott among Players of the Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001053523/article/lamar-jackson-dak-prescott-among-players-of-the-week |author=Around the NFL staff writers |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=September 11, 2019 |archive-date=September 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916182609/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001053523/article/lamar-jackson-dak-prescott-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=dead }}

| Lamar Jackson QB
(Ravens)

| Dak Prescott QB
(Cowboys)

| Cameron Wake OLB
(Titans)

| Anthony Harris SS
(Vikings)

| Ty Long P
(Chargers)

| Wil Lutz K
(Saints)

2{{cite web |title=Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson among Players of the Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001056247/article/patrick-mahomes-russell-wilson-among-players-of-the-week |author=Around the NFL staff writers |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=September 18, 2019 |archive-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921073533/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001056247/article/patrick-mahomes-russell-wilson-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=dead }}

| Patrick Mahomes QB
(Chiefs)

| Russell Wilson QB
(Seahawks)

| Whitney Mercilus OLB
(Texans)

| Shaquil Barrett OLB
(Buccaneers)

| Jamie Gillan P
(Browns)

| Eddy Piñeiro K
(Bears)

3{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |title=Daniel Jones, Deshaun Watson among Players of the Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001058810/article/daniel-jones-deshaun-watson-among-players-of-the-week |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=September 25, 2019 |archive-date=September 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925132049/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001058810/article/daniel-jones-deshaun-watson-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=dead }}

| Deshaun Watson QB
(Texans)

| Daniel Jones QB
(Giants)

| Calais Campbell DE
(Jaguars)

| Preston Smith OLB
(Packers)

| Jake Bailey P
(Patriots)

| Thomas Morstead P
(Saints)

4{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |title=Nick Chubb, Jameis Winston among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nick-chubb-jameis-winston-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001061241 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=October 2, 2019 |archive-date=October 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002223111/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001061241/article/nick-chubb-jameis-winston-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=live }}

| Nick Chubb RB
(Browns)

| Jameis Winston QB
(Buccaneers)

| Kyle Van Noy LB
(Patriots)

| Janoris Jenkins CB
(Giants)

| Josh Lambo K
(Jaguars)

| Joey Slye K
(Panthers)

style="background:#ffb;"

!Sept.{{cite web |title=Mahomes, McCaffrey among Players of the Month |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mahomes-mccaffrey-among-players-of-the-month-0ap3000001061476 |author=Around the NFL staff writers |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=October 3, 2019 |archive-date=October 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004050914/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001061476/article/mahomes-mccaffrey-among-players-of-the-month |url-status=live }}

| Patrick Mahomes QB
(Chiefs)

| Christian McCaffrey RB
(Panthers)

| Devin McCourty FS
(Patriots)

| Shaquil Barrett OLB
(Buccaneers)

| Jamie Gillan P
(Browns)

| Thomas Morstead P
(Saints)

5{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |title=Deshaun Watson, Aaron Jones among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/deshaun-watson-aaron-jones-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001063805 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=October 9, 2019 |archive-date=October 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009124430/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001063805/article/deshaun-watson-aaron-jones-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=live }}

| Deshaun Watson QB
(Texans)

| Aaron Jones RB
(Packers)

| Justin Houston DE
(Colts)

| Nick Bosa DE
(49ers)

| Justin Tucker K
(Ravens)

| Dan Bailey K
(Vikings)

6{{cite web |last1=Baca |first1=Michael |title=Sam Darnold, Kyler Murray among Players of the Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001066228/article/sam-darnold-kyler-murray-among-players-of-the-week |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=October 23, 2019 |archive-date=October 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019024009/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001066228/article/sam-darnold-kyler-murray-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=dead }}

| Sam Darnold QB
(Jets)

| Kyler Murray QB
(Cardinals)

| Devin Bush Jr. LB
(Steelers)

| Landon Collins SS
(Redskins)

| Justin Tucker K
(Ravens)

| Thomas Morstead P
(Saints)

7{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |title=Aaron Rodgers, Jacoby Brissett among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/aaron-rodgers-jacoby-brissett-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001068643 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=October 23, 2019 |archive-date=October 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023124430/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001068643/article/aaron-rodgers-jacoby-brissett-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=live }}

| Jacoby Brissett QB
(Colts)

| Aaron Rodgers QB
(Packers)

| Tre'Davious White CB
(Bills)

| Chandler Jones OLB
(Cardinals)

| Josh Lambo K
(Jaguars)

| Brett Maher K
(Cowboys)

8{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |title=Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/joey-bosa-nick-bosa-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001071284 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=October 30, 2019 |archive-date=October 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030123631/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001071284/article/joey-bosa-nick-bosa-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=live }}

| James Conner RB
(Steelers)

| Aaron Jones RB
(Packers)

| Joey Bosa DE
(Chargers)

| Nick Bosa DE
(49ers)

| Adam Vinatieri K
(Colts)

| Dan Bailey K
(Vikings)

style="background:#ffb;"

!Oct.{{cite web |last1=Scott |first1=Jelani |title=49ers rookie Nick Bosa among Players of the Month |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001071550/article/49ers-rookie-nick-bosa-among-players-of-the-month |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=October 31, 2019 |archive-date=October 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031123927/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001071550/article/49ers-rookie-nick-bosa-among-players-of-the-month |url-status=dead }}

| Deshaun Watson QB
(Texans)

| Kirk Cousins QB
(Vikings)

| Stephon Gilmore CB
(Patriots)

| Nick Bosa DE
(49ers)

| Justin Tucker K
(Ravens)

| Zane Gonzalez K
(Cardinals)

9{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |title=Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/lamar-jackson-russell-wilson-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001073900 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=November 6, 2019 |archive-date=November 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106200441/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001073900/article/lamar-jackson-russell-wilson-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=live }}

| Lamar Jackson QB
(Ravens)

| Russell Wilson QB
(Seahawks)

| Bud Dupree OLB
(Steelers)

| Xavier Woods FS
(Cowboys)

| Harrison Butker K
(Chiefs)

| Mitch Wishnowsky P
(49ers)

10{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |title=Jamal Adams, Jadeveon Clowney among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jamal-adams-jadeveon-clowney-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001076380 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=November 13, 2019 |archive-date=November 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113134309/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001076380/article/jamal-adams-jadeveon-clowney-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=live }}

| Lamar Jackson QB
(Ravens)

| Dalvin Cook RB
(Vikings)

| Jamal Adams S
(Jets)

| Jadeveon Clowney DE
(Seahawks)

| Jason Sanders K
(Dolphins)

| Younghoe Koo K
(Falcons)

11{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |title=Dak Prescott, Josh Allen among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/dak-prescott-josh-allen-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001078811 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=November 20, 2019 |archive-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122103644/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001078811/article/dak-prescott-josh-allen-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=live }}

| Josh Allen QB
(Bills)

| Dak Prescott QB
(Cowboys)

| Maxx Crosby DE
(Raiders)

| Aaron Donald DT
(Rams)

| Jake Bailey P
(Patriots)

| Kenjon Barner RB
(Falcons)

12{{cite web |last1=Gordon |first1=Grant |title=Lamar Jackson, Chris Godwin among players of the week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001081160/article/lamar-jackson-chris-godwin-among-players-of-the-week |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=November 27, 2019 |archive-date=November 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127214851/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001081160/article/lamar-jackson-chris-godwin-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=dead }}

| Lamar Jackson QB
(Ravens)

| Chris Godwin WR
(Buccaneers)

| Joe Schobert LB
(Browns)

| Fred Warner LB
(49ers)

| Matthew Slater WR
(Patriots)

| Steven Sims WR
(Redskins)

13{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |title=Deshaun Watson, Jared Goff among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/deshaun-watson-jared-goff-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001083809 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=December 4, 2019 |archive-date=December 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204144516/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001083809/article/deshaun-watson-jared-goff-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=live }}

| Deshaun Watson QB
(Texans)

| Jared Goff QB
(Rams)

| Carlos Dunlap DE
(Bengals)

| Cameron Jordan DE
(Saints)

| Jason Sanders K
(Dolphins)

| Tress Way P
(Redskins)

style="background:#ffb;"

!Nov.{{cite web |last1=Gordon |first1=Grant |title=Lamar Jackson among Players of the Month for Nov. |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001084114/article/ravens-lamar-jackson-among-players-of-the-month |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=December 5, 2019 |archive-date=December 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205135333/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001084114/article/ravens-lamar-jackson-among-players-of-the-month |url-status=dead }}

| Lamar Jackson QB
(Ravens)

| Michael Thomas WR
(Saints)

| T. J. Watt OLB
(Steelers)

| Fred Warner LB
(49ers)

| Harrison Butker K
(Chiefs)

| Cordarrelle Patterson WR
(Bears)

14{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |title=Ryan Tannehill, Jimmy Garoppolo among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-tannehill-jimmy-garoppolo-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001086756 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=December 11, 2019 |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211134024/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001086756/article/ryan-tannehill-jimmy-garoppolo-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=live }}

| Ryan Tannehill QB
(Titans)

| Jimmy Garoppolo QB
(49ers)

| Kareem Jackson SS
(Broncos)

| Danielle Hunter DE
(Vikings)

| Diontae Johnson WR
(Steelers)

| Younghoe Koo K
(Falcons)

15{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |title=Lamar Jackson, Drew Brees among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/lamar-jackson-drew-brees-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001089370 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218133852/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001089370/article/lamar-jackson-drew-brees-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=live }}

| Lamar Jackson QB
(Ravens)

| Drew Brees QB
(Saints)

| Tre'Davious White CB
(Bills)

| Patrick Peterson CB
(Cardinals)

| Angelo Blackson DE
(Texans)

| Dan Bailey K
(Vikings)

16{{Cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001091778/article/saquon-barkley-ryan-fitzpatrick-among-players-of-the-week|title=Saquon Barkley, Ryan Fitzpatrick among Players of the Week|last=Gordon|first=Grant|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|access-date=December 30, 2019|archive-date=December 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229103405/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001091778/article/saquon-barkley-ryan-fitzpatrick-among-players-of-the-week|url-status=dead}}

|Ryan Fitzpatrick QB
(Dolphins)

|Saquon Barkley RB
(Giants)

|Dre'Mont Jones DE
(Broncos)

|Chandler Jones OLB
(Cardinals)

|Nyheim Hines RB
(Colts)

|Robbie Gould K
(49ers)

17{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |title=Derrick Henry, Boston Scott among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/derrick-henry-boston-scott-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001093591 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=December 31, 2019 |archive-date=December 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231142825/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001093591/article/derrick-henry-boston-scott-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=live }}

| Derrick Henry RB
(Titans)

| Boston Scott RB
(Eagles)

| Carlos Dunlap DE
(Bengals)

| Deion Jones LB
(Falcons)

| Mecole Hardman WR
(Chiefs)

| Johnny Hekker P
(Rams)

style="background:#ffb;"

!Dec.{{cite web |last1=Gordon |first1=Grant |title=Drew Brees, Ryan Tannehill among Players of the Month |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001093848/article/drew-brees-among-december-players-of-the-month |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102153128/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001093848/article/drew-brees-among-december-players-of-the-month |url-status=dead }}

| Ryan Tannehill QB
(Titans)

| Drew Brees QB
(Saints)

| Tyrann Mathieu SS
(Chiefs)

| Chandler Jones OLB
(Cardinals)

| Jason Sanders K
(Dolphins)

| Robbie Gould K
(49ers)

border=0
valign="top"

|

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;"

Week

! Player of the Week
(Quarterbacks){{cite web |title=FedEx Players Air and Ground |url=http://www.nfl.com/voting/players-air-and-ground/2019 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102020840/http://www.nfl.com/voting/players-air-and-ground/2019 |url-status=live }}

! Player of the Week
(Running backs)

! Rookie of the Week{{cite web |title=Pepsi Rookie of the WEEK |url=http://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/2019 |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |access-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-date=September 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922152936/http://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/2019 |url-status=live }}

1

| Lamar Jackson
(Ravens)

| Marlon Mack
(Colts)

| Gardner Minshew QB
(Jaguars)

2

| Patrick Mahomes
(Chiefs)

| Dalvin Cook
(Vikings)

| Chase Winovich DE
(Patriots)

3

| Patrick Mahomes
(Chiefs)

| Christian McCaffrey
(Panthers)

| Gardner Minshew QB
(Jaguars)

4

| Jameis Winston
(Buccaneers)

| Nick Chubb
(Browns)

| Gardner Minshew QB
(Jaguars)

5

| Deshaun Watson
(Texans)

| Aaron Jones
(Packers)

| Gardner Minshew QB
(Jaguars)

6

| Kirk Cousins
(Vikings)

| Lamar Jackson
(Ravens)

| Kyler Murray QB
(Cardinals)

7

| Aaron Rodgers
(Packers)

| Dalvin Cook
(Vikings)

| Gardner Minshew QB
(Jaguars)

8

| Aaron Rodgers
(Packers)

| Tevin Coleman
(49ers)

| Gardner Minshew QB
(Jaguars)

9

| Russell Wilson
(Seahawks)

| Christian McCaffrey
(Panthers)

| DK Metcalf WR
(Seahawks)

10

| Lamar Jackson
(Ravens)

| Derrick Henry
(Titans)

| Josh Jacobs RB
(Raiders)

11

| Dak Prescott
(Cowboys)

| Marlon Mack
(Colts)

| Maxx Crosby DE
(Raiders)

12

| Lamar Jackson
(Ravens)

| Derrick Henry
(Titans)

| Devin Singletary RB
(Bills)

13

| Mitchell Trubisky
(Bears)

| Derrick Henry
(Titans)

| Ed Oliver DT
(Bills)

14

| Ryan Tannehill
(Titans)

| Derrick Henry
(Titans)

| Drew Lock QB
(Broncos)

15

| Drew Brees
(Saints)

| Kenyan Drake
(Cardinals)

| Dwayne Haskins QB
(Redskins)

16

| Daniel Jones
(Giants)

| Saquon Barkley
(Giants)

| Daniel Jones QB
(Giants)

17

| Ryan Fitzpatrick
(Dolphins)

| Derrick Henry
(Titans)

| Gardner Minshew QB
(Jaguars)

|}

class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;"
rowspan=2|Month

!colspan=2|Rookie of the Month

Offensive

!Defensive

Sept.

| Gardner Minshew QB
(Jaguars)

| Brian Burns OLB
(Panthers)

Oct.

| Josh Jacobs RB
(Raiders)

| Nick Bosa DE
(49ers)

Nov.

| Josh Jacobs RB
(Raiders)

| Devin White LB
(Buccaneers)

Dec.

| A. J. Brown WR
(Titans)

| Devin White LB
(Buccaneers)

Head coaching and front office personnel changes

=Head coaches=

==Off-season==

class="wikitable sortable"
Team

! Departing coach

! Interim coach

! Incoming coach

! class="unsortbale" |Reason for leaving

! Notes

style="text-align:center;" |Arizona Cardinals

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|{{sortname|Steve|Wilks}}

| style="text-align:center;" |{{sortname|Kliff|Kingsbury}}

| style="text-align:center;" |Fired

| Wilks was fired on December 31, 2018, after one season in which he accrued a record of {{winpct|3|13|record=y}}.{{cite press release|title=Steve Wilks Out As Cardinals Coach|url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/steve-wilks-out-as-cardinals-coach|work=Arizona Cardinals|access-date=December 31, 2018|archive-date=December 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231205234/https://www.azcardinals.com/news/steve-wilks-out-as-cardinals-coach|url-status=live}}

Kingsbury, who had spent most of the previous six seasons as head coach of Texas Tech, was hired on January 8, 2019.{{cite press release|title=Kliff Kingsbury named new Cardinals head coach|url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-hire-kliff-kingsbury-as-head-coach|work=Arizona Cardinals|access-date=January 8, 2018|archive-date=January 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109010952/https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-hire-kliff-kingsbury-as-head-coach|url-status=live}}

style="text-align:center;" |Cincinnati Bengals

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|{{sortname|Marvin|Lewis}}

| style="text-align:center;" |{{sortname|Zac|Taylor}}

| style="text-align:center;" |Mutual decision

| Lewis and the Bengals mutually agreed to part ways on December 31 after a {{winpct|6|10|record=y}} season. In 16 years as the Bengals' head coach, Lewis was {{winpct|131|122|3|record=y}}, with 7 playoff appearances. The Bengals never won a playoff game under Lewis and had missed the playoffs in each of his last three seasons.{{cite web|title=Marvin Lewis out as coach of Bengals after long run|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25653722/bengals-fire-coach-marvin-lewis-6-10-season|last=Terrell|first=Katherine|work=ESPN|date=December 31, 2018|access-date=December 31, 2018|archive-date=December 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231160548/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25653722/bengals-fire-coach-marvin-lewis-6-10-season|url-status=live}}

Taylor was named as head coach on February 5, 2019. This is his first experience as head coach after serving as the Los Angeles Rams' quarterbacks coach. At 35 years old, he became the 2nd youngest active coach in the NFL, after Sean McVay, who coaches Taylor's former team, the Rams.{{cite web |title=Zac Taylor Named 10th Bengals Head Coach |url=https://www.bengals.com/news/zac-taylor-named-10th-bengals-head-coach |website=Bengals.com |access-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204214351/https://www.bengals.com/news/zac-taylor-named-10th-bengals-head-coach |url-status=live }}

style="text-align:center;" |Cleveland Browns

| style="text-align:center;" |{{sortname|Hue|Jackson}}

| style="text-align:center;" |{{sortname|Gregg|Williams}}

| style="text-align:center;" |{{sortname|Freddie|Kitchens}}

| rowspan="6" style="text-align:center;" |Fired

| Jackson was fired on October 29, 2018, accumulating a {{winpct|3|36|1|record=y}} record during his {{frac|2|1|2}}-season tenure with the Browns. Jackson failed to win any away games during his tenure and lost every game in 2017.{{cite web|title=Hue Jackson out as coach of the Cleveland Browns|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25118191/browns-fire-coach-hue-jackson-two-plus-seasons|first=Adam|last=Schefter|work=ESPN.com|date=October 29, 2018|access-date=October 29, 2018|archive-date=October 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029200337/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25118191/browns-fire-coach-hue-jackson-two-plus-seasons|url-status=live}} Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who previously served as Buffalo Bills head coach from 2001 to 2003, finished out the 2018 season with a {{winpct|5|3|record=y}} record.

Kitchens was promoted to head coach on January 12, 2019, after serving as the interim offensive coordinator following Jackson's firing. This is his first head coaching position.{{cite web|title=Freddie Kitchens named Browns head coach|url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/freddie-kitchens-named-browns-head-coach|publisher=Cleveland Browns|date=January 12, 2019|access-date=January 12, 2019|archive-date=January 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112214425/https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/freddie-kitchens-named-browns-head-coach|url-status=live}}

style="text-align:center;" |Denver Broncos

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|{{sortname|Vance|Joseph}}

| style="text-align:center;" |{{sortname|Vic|Fangio}}

| Joseph was fired on December 31, 2018, after a {{winpct|6|10|record=y}} season. The Broncos were {{winpct|11|21|record=y}} in Joseph's two losing seasons as head coach, with no playoff appearances.{{cite web|title=Denver Broncos fire head coach Vance Joseph|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/denver-broncos-fire-head-coach-vance-joseph-0ap3000001006462|last=Patra|first=Kevin|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises|access-date=December 31, 2018|archive-date=December 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231194333/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001006462/article/denver-broncos-fire-head-coach-vance-joseph|url-status=live}}

Fangio, a first-time head coach with over 30 years experience as an assistant dating back to the USFL, most recently as defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears, was hired on January 10, 2019.{{cite web|title=Broncos agree to terms with Vic Fangio to become head coach|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-agree-to-terms-with-vic-fangio-to-become-head-coach|work=Denver Broncos|access-date=January 10, 2019|archive-date=January 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111000317/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-agree-to-terms-with-vic-fangio-to-become-head-coach|url-status=live}}

style="text-align:center;" |Green Bay Packers

| style="text-align:center;" |{{sortname|Mike|McCarthy}}

| style="text-align:center;" |{{sortname|Joe|Philbin}}

| style="text-align:center;" |{{sortname|Matt|LaFleur}}

| McCarthy was fired on December 2, 2018. McCarthy left with a record of {{winpct|135|85|2|record=y}} with nine playoff appearances and one Super Bowl championship. Philbin, the team's offensive coordinator, finished the season as interim coach with a record of {{winpct|2|2|record=y}}.{{cite web|title=Packers fire coach Mike McCarthy after 13 seasons|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/packers-fire-coach-mike-mccarthy-after-13-seasons-0ap3000000995203|work=NFL.com|access-date=December 2, 2018|archive-date=December 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203012022/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000995203/article/packers-fire-coach-mike-mccarthy-after-13-seasons|url-status=live}}

LaFleur was hired on January 8, 2019. Previously the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, this is his first head coaching position.{{Cite web|title=Matt LaFleur named Green Bay's 15th head coach|url=https://www.packers.com/news/matt-lafleur-named-green-bay-s-15th-head-coach|publisher=Green Bay Packers|access-date=January 8, 2019|archive-date=January 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109071227/https://www.packers.com/news/matt-lafleur-named-green-bay-s-15th-head-coach|url-status=live}}

style="text-align:center;" |Miami Dolphins

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|{{sortname|Adam|Gase}}

| style="text-align:center;" |{{sortname|Brian|Flores}}

| Gase was fired on December 31, 2018, after a {{winpct|7|9|record=y}} season. The Dolphins were {{winpct|23|25|record=y}} in Gase's three years as head coach, with one playoff appearance in 2016.{{cite web|title=Miami Dolphins fire head coach Adam Gase|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/miami-dolphins-fire-head-coach-adam-gase-0ap3000001006469|last=Patra|first=Kevin|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises|access-date=December 31, 2018|archive-date=December 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231194311/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001006469/article/miami-dolphins-fire-head-coach-adam-gase|url-status=live}}

Flores, formerly the New England Patriots' long time assistant, recently as linebackers coach, was announced as head coach on February 5, 2019. After being with the Patriots organization since 2004, this is his first head coaching position.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25925144/dolphins-make-patriots-assistant-brian-flores-coach|title=Dolphins make Patriots assistant Brian Flores their next head coach|first=Cameron|last=Wolfe|date=February 4, 2019|work=ESPN|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=February 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205123357/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25925144/dolphins-make-patriots-assistant-brian-flores-coach|url-status=live}}

style="text-align:center;" |New York Jets

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|{{sortname|Todd|Bowles}}

| style="text-align:center;" |{{sortname|Adam|Gase}}

| Bowles was fired on December 30, 2018, finishing the season with a record of {{winpct|4|12|record=y}} and a cumulative record of {{winpct|24|40|record=y}} with no playoff appearances in four seasons with Jets.{{cite web|title=Jets Chairman & CEO Christopher Johnson Informs Todd Bowles He Will Not Return in 2019|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-chairman-ceo-christopher-johnson-informs-todd-bowles-he-will-not-return-in-|work=New York Jets|access-date=December 30, 2018|archive-date=December 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231092850/https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-chairman-ceo-christopher-johnson-informs-todd-bowles-he-will-not-return-in-|url-status=live}}

Gase, who was previously the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, posting a {{winpct|23|25|record=y}} record in three seasons, was hired on January 11, 2019.{{Cite web|last1=Allen|first1=Eric|last2=Lange|first2=Randy|title=Adam Gase Is Jets' Choice for Head Coach|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/head-coach-adam-gase-is-jets-choice-for-head-coach|publisher=New York Jets|access-date=January 11, 2019|archive-date=January 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112011821/https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/head-coach-adam-gase-is-jets-choice-for-head-coach|url-status=live}}

style="text-align:center;" |Tampa Bay Buccaneers

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|{{sortname|Dirk|Koetter}}

| style="text-align:center;" |{{sortname|Bruce|Arians}}

| Koetter was fired on December 30, 2018, after a {{winpct|5|11|record=y}} season. The Buccaneers were {{winpct|19|29|record=y}} in Koetter's three years as head coach, with no playoff appearances. Previously, Koetter was Buccaneers' offensive coordinator for one season in 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/buccaneers-head-coach-dirk-koetter-relieved-of-duties-x7479|title=Buccaneers Head Coach Dirk Koetter Relieved of Duties|work=Tampa Bay Buccaneers|access-date=December 30, 2018|archive-date=December 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231060149/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/buccaneers-head-coach-dirk-koetter-relieved-of-duties-x7479|url-status=live}}

Arians was announced as the Buccaneers' new head coach on January 8, 2019. He was previously the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals for five seasons with {{winpct|50|32|1|record=y}} record from 2013 to 2017, leading them to an NFC Championship Game appearance in 2015.{{cite web|title=Bruce Arians Named Buccaneers New Head Coach|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bruce-arians-named-buccaneers-new-head-coach|work=Tampa Bay Buccaneers|access-date=January 8, 2019|archive-date=January 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109072117/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bruce-arians-named-buccaneers-new-head-coach|url-status=live}}

==In-season==

class="wikitable"
Team

! Departing coach

! class="unsortbale" |Reason for leaving

!Interim replacement

! Notes

style="text-align:center;" |Washington Redskins

| style="text-align:center;" |Jay Gruden

| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|Fired

| style="text-align:center;" |Bill Callahan

| After an 0–5 start, Gruden was fired on October 7. He had a {{winpct|35|49|1|record=y}} record for his 5+ season tenure with the Redskins, with one playoff appearance in 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.redskins.com/news/redskins-relieve-head-coach-jay-gruden-of-his-duties|title=Redskins Relieve Head Coach Jay Gruden Of His Duties|work=Redskins.com|date=October 7, 2019|access-date=October 7, 2019|archive-date=October 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007120919/https://www.redskins.com/news/redskins-relieve-head-coach-jay-gruden-of-his-duties|url-status=live}}

Callahan, the team's assistant head coach/offensive line coach, was previously the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2002 and 2003, with a record of {{winpct|15|17|record=y}} and one Super Bowl appearance.{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/redskins-fire-head-coach-jay-gruden-after-0-5-start-0ap3000001063290|title=Redskins fire head coach Jay Gruden after 0-5 starts|first=Grant|last=Gordon|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|date=October 7, 2019|access-date=October 7, 2019|archive-date=October 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014084224/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001063290/article/redskins-fire-head-coach-jay-gruden-after-05-start|url-status=live}}

style="text-align:center;" |Carolina Panthers

| style="text-align:center;" |Ron Rivera

| style="text-align:center;" |Perry Fewell

| Rivera was fired on December 3, after going {{winpct|record=y|5|7|0}} in the first 13 weeks of the season. In 8+ seasons as the Panthers head coach, they were {{winpct|record=y|76|63|1}}, with playoff appearances including 3 NFC South division titles and 1 Super Bowl appearance, going {{winpct|record=y|3|4|0}} in the playoffs.

Fewell, the defensive backs coach, took over on an interim basis until the end of the season. A longtime defensive assistant in the NFL, his only head coaching experience was as the Buffalo Bills interim head coach for the last 7 games of the 2009 season. The Bills went {{winpct|record=y|3|4|0}} in those 7 games.{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Daniel |title=Ron Rivera out as Carolina coach after nine seasons |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28219337/ron-rivera-carolina-coach-nine-seasons |work=ESPN |date=December 3, 2019 |access-date=December 3, 2019 |archive-date=December 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203204118/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28219337/ron-rivera-carolina-coach-nine-seasons |url-status=live }}

=Front office personnel=

==Off-season==

class="wikitable sortable"
Team

! Position

! Departing office holder

! Interim replacement

! Incoming office holder

! class="unsortbale" |Reason for leaving

!Notes

style="text-align:center;" |Baltimore Ravens

| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" | General manager

|colspan=2 style="text-align:center;" |Ozzie Newsome

| style="text-align:center;" |Eric DeCosta

| style="text-align:center;" |Retired

| The Ravens announced on February 2, 2018, that Newsome would retire after 16 years as the team's GM and that Eric DeCosta, most recently the Ravens' assistant GM, would succeed Newsome.{{cite web|last1=Patra|first1=Kevin|title=Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome to step down after 2018|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-gm-ozzie-newsome-to-step-down-after-2018-0ap3000000913592|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|date=February 2, 2018|access-date=December 31, 2018|archive-date=January 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104155330/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000913592/article/ravens-gm-ozzie-newsome-to-step-down-after-2018|url-status=live}} Newsome was the first African American to occupy the GM position in the NFL.{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/history/general/african-americans.aspx|title=History: African-Americans in Pro Football|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|access-date=September 29, 2012|archive-date=September 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926053830/http://www.profootballhof.com/history/general/african-americans.aspx|url-status=live}}

style="text-align:center;" |Oakland Raiders

| style="text-align:center;" |Reggie McKenzie

| style="text-align:center;" |Shaun Herock

| style="text-align:center;" |Mike Mayock

| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" " |Fired

| McKenzie was fired on December 10, 2018, after six-plus seasons as Raiders' GM.{{cite web|last1=Teope|first1=Herbie|title=Raiders fire general manager Reggie McKenzie|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-fire-general-manager-reggie-mckenzie-0ap3000000998498|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|access-date=December 10, 2018|archive-date=December 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212120038/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000998498/article/raiders-fire-general-manager-reggie-mckenzie|url-status=live}} Herock, team's director of college scouting, served as the Raiders' interim GM until the team settled on a full-time replacement.

Mayock had previously been a television commentator for the past 26 seasons and has never held a front office position.{{cite web|last1=Knoblauch|first1=Austin|title=Raiders hire Mike Mayock as general manager|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-hire-mike-mayock-as-general-manager-0ap3000001006476|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|access-date=December 31, 2018|archive-date=December 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231230925/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001006476/article/raiders-hire-mike-mayock-as-general-manager|url-status=live}}

style="text-align:center;" |New York Jets

| style="text-align:center;" |Mike Maccagnan

| style="text-align:center;" |Adam Gase

| style="text-align:center;" |Joe Douglas

| Maccagnan was fired on May 15, 2019, after four seasons; vice president of player personnel Brian Heimerdinger was also dismissed. Head coach Adam Gase was named interim GM.{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2019/05/15/jets-fire-general-manager-mike-maccagnan/|title=Jets fire general manager Mike Maccagnan as Adam Gase grabs power|first=Justin|last=Terranova|newspaper=New York Post|date=May 15, 2019|access-date=May 15, 2019|archive-date=May 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516155235/https://nypost.com/2019/05/15/jets-fire-general-manager-mike-maccagnan/|url-status=live}} Douglas was named the new GM on June 7, 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/joe-douglas-hired-as-jets-next-general-manager-0ap3000001033141|title=Joe Douglas hired as Jets' next general manager|author=Grant, Gordon|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|access-date=June 14, 2019|archive-date=June 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613042912/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001033141/article/joe-douglas-hired-as-jets-next-general-manager|url-status=live}}

style="text-align:center;" |Houston Texans

| style="text-align:center;" |Brian Gaine

| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2 |by committee

| Gaine was unexpectedly fired on June 7, 2019, after only one season and returned to his previous position with the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/06/07/texans-fire-g-m-brian-gaine/|title=Texans fire G.M. Brian Gaine|first=Josh|last=Alper|work=Profootballtalk|publisher=NBC Sports|date=June 7, 2019|access-date=June 7, 2019|archive-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607223418/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/06/07/texans-fire-g-m-brian-gaine/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27244069/bills-hiring-former-texans-gm-gaine-advisor|title=Bills hiring former Texans GM Gaine as advisor|date=July 23, 2019|author=Yates, Field|work=ESPN|access-date=October 21, 2019|archive-date=July 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723151150/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27244069/bills-hiring-former-texans-gm-gaine-advisor|url-status=live}} The Texans have not replaced Gaine; instead, the team has divided the general manager role among several of the team's executives.[http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001081969/article/texans-not-planning-to-hire-a-gm-for-2020 Texans not planning to hire a GM for 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191201214934/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001081969/article/texans-not-planning-to-hire-a-gm-for-2020 |date=December 1, 2019 }}. NFL.com. Retrieved December 1, 2019.

Stadiums

=Rams' and Chargers' new stadium=

This was the third and final season for the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park and the fourth and final season for the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Both teams moved to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, starting in 2020.

=Bills' potential for relocation=

A buyout window in the Buffalo Bills' lease on New Era Field opened after the 2019 season. The window allowed the team to cancel its lease on the stadium for a $28 million fee and relocate. If the Bills chose not to exercise the buyout window, they will not be allowed to relocate until after the 2022 season, when the current lease expires.{{cite news|last=Precious|first=Tom|title=Bills agree to lease deal with $130 million in stadium upgrades|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121221/CITYANDREGION/121229867/1109|access-date=January 2, 2013|newspaper=The Buffalo News|date=December 21, 2012|archive-date=December 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224103944/http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20121221%2FCITYANDREGION%2F121229867%2F1109|url-status=live}} The Bills chose not to exercise the buyout.

=Broncos' naming rights=

On September 4, the Denver Broncos' home field was rebranded as Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos had been seeking a long-term naming rights partner for their home field since sporting goods retailer Sports Authority went bankrupt in {{nfly|2016}}. Empower Retirement, a retirement plan provider that is based in Denver, had served as a team sponsor since {{nfly|2015}}, with the Broncos agreeing to terms on a 21-year deal that will run through 2039, though financial terms were not disclosed. This marks the third naming rights change for the Broncos' home field, following "Invesco Field at Mile High" (2001–2010), "Sports Authority Field at Mile High" (2011–2017) and "Broncos Stadium at Mile High" – the latter of which was used on a temporary basis for {{nfly|2018}}.{{cite press release |title=Broncos agree to terms with Empower Retirement on 21-year deal to name stadium 'Empower Field at Mile High' |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-agree-to-terms-with-empower-retirement-on-21-year-deal-to-name-stadium-e |work=Denver Broncos |date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904220405/https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-agree-to-terms-with-empower-retirement-on-21-year-deal-to-name-stadium-e |url-status=live }}

=Raiders' relocation=

{{main|Oakland Raiders relocation to Las Vegas}}

This was the final season for the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum (renamed from the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum in May 2019{{cite news |last1=Matier |first1=Phil |title=Still value in Oakland Coliseum – Ring Central buys naming rights for $1 million a year. |url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/philmatier/article/Still-value-in-Oakland-Coliseum-Ring-Cental-13842087.php?t=9d141218d8 |access-date=June 4, 2019 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=May 13, 2019 |archive-date=May 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515224102/https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/philmatier/article/Still-value-in-Oakland-Coliseum-Ring-Cental-13842087.php?t=9d141218d8 |url-status=live }}) before moving to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders' lease on the Coliseum expired after the 2018 season. The Coliseum management expressed a reluctance to allow the Raiders to continue using the Coliseum after the lease expired unless the team paid more to cover the losses the Coliseum incurred by hosting Raiders games. In December 2018, the city of Oakland filed a lawsuit against the Raiders and the NFL seeking financial damages and unpaid debt, claiming the relocation was illegal but not asking for an injunction forcing the team to stay. The Raiders stated that if any legal action was filed against them, that they would not renew with the Coliseum and find another, undetermined, temporary home for 2019 until Allegiant Stadium was finished.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/oakland-files-lawsuit-against-raiders-nfl-11544566856|title=Oakland Files Lawsuit Against Raiders, NFL|first=Andrew|last=Beaton|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=December 11, 2018|access-date=December 11, 2018|archive-date=December 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212031034/https://www.wsj.com/articles/oakland-files-lawsuit-against-raiders-nfl-11544566856|url-status=live}} The Raiders then attempted to negotiate a lease with Oracle Park in San Francisco before the San Francisco 49ers vetoed the plan as an infringement on their territorial rights.{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-not-expected-to-play-in-san-francisco-in-2019-0ap3000001017121 |title=Raiders not expected to play in San Francisco in 2019 |author=Shook, Nick |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |date=February 5, 2019 |access-date=February 12, 2019 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209203520/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001017121/article/raiders-not-expected-to-play-in-san-francisco-in-2019 |url-status=live }} With the 49ers refusing to waive territorial rights, the Raiders were forced to either renegotiate with the Coliseum{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/02/09/raiders-negotiating-play-oakland-coliseum-2019-season |title=Report: Raiders Negotiating to Play at Oakland Coliseum in 2019 |author=Jones, Kaelen |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=February 9, 2019 |access-date=February 12, 2019 |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212070505/https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/02/09/raiders-negotiating-play-oakland-coliseum-2019-season |url-status=live }} or find a temporary stadium outside the San Francisco Bay Area (something that the Raiders management was reluctant to do, though the team acknowledged and considered bids from San Antonio, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona). The Raiders, despite reservations about providing funds to the lawsuit being filed against them, negotiated a return to the Coliseum for 2019; a tentative agreement, pending Coliseum and league approval, was announced February 25.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-coliseum-authority-reach-agreement-for-2019-0ap3000001018885|title=Raiders, Coliseum Authority reach agreement for 2019|author=Teope, Herbie|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|access-date=February 28, 2019|archive-date=February 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228103541/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001018885/article/raiders-coliseum-authority-reach-agreement-for-2019|url-status=live}} The lease agreement was approved by the Oakland Coliseum Authority, the Oakland city council, and Alameda County supervisors by March 21.{{cite web |title=Raiders' Coliseum lease receives final approval from city |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001023856/article/raiders-coliseum-lease-receives-final-approval-from-city |publisher=NFL |access-date=March 24, 2019 |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323125046/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001023856/article/raiders-coliseum-lease-receives-final-approval-from-city |url-status=dead }} The Coliseum was the last multi-purpose stadium to be the home of both an NFL and Major League Baseball team (the Oakland Athletics). Barring any future relocations, the Raiders' September 15 game against the Kansas City Chiefs stands as the last NFL game played on a dirt infield.{{cite web |title=Chiefs-Raiders on Sunday will be last NFL game on a baseball infield |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/10/chiefs-raiders-on-sunday-will-be-last-nfl-game-on-a-baseball-infield/ |author=Smith, Michael David |work=ProFootballTalk |date=September 10, 2019 |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=September 13, 2019 |archive-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921114148/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/10/chiefs-raiders-on-sunday-will-be-last-nfl-game-on-a-baseball-infield/ |url-status=live }}

Uniforms

=Uniform changes=

  • Carolina Panthers: The Panthers switched to Nike's newest uniform template and updated their pants, removing the team logo from it and streamlining the piping stripe.
  • Cleveland Browns: On September 4, the Browns announced that they would switch to their former Color Rush uniforms as their primary home set this season, and wore these uniforms for six home games.
  • Houston Texans: On April 22, the Texans announced that they would add their primary logo on the back of their jerseys, their first uniform update in franchise history.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1120403995565133825|title=The logo represents our team. The logo represents our spirit. It's on our helmet. Now it's on our back. #WeAreTexans|publisher=@HoustonTexans|website=Twitter|date=April 22, 2019|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=May 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509110007/https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1120403995565133825|url-status=live}} The addition of the logo on the jersey's back makes them the third team in the NFL to do so, after the Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills.
  • Los Angeles Chargers: On April 16, the Chargers announced that they made their powder blue alternate jerseys the new primary uniforms.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Chargers/status/1118271738410704896|title=you're welcome|publisher=@Chargers|website=Twitter|date=April 16, 2019|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507105001/https://twitter.com/Chargers/status/1118271738410704896|url-status=live}} In addition to this announcement, they also swapped out their navy blue facemask for gold.
  • Minnesota Vikings: On August 8, the Vikings announced an adjustment of the shade of purple on their helmets to better match the shade on the team's uniforms.{{Cite web |title=Vikings Tweak Helmet Color |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-change-helmet-color-2019 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=www.vikings.com |language=en-US}}
  • New York Jets: On April 4, the Jets unveiled new uniforms,{{cite web|url=https://expo.nj.com/sports/g66l-2019/03/bf1a1880709318/jets-announce-release-date-for-new-uniforms-and-fans-are-already-nervous-theyll-screw-them-up.html|title=Jets announce release date for new uniforms – and fans are already nervous they'll screw them up|first=Matt|last=Stypulkoski|work=nj.com|publisher=Advance Publications|date=March 4, 2019|access-date=March 5, 2019|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306112647/https://expo.nj.com/sports/g66l-2019/03/bf1a1880709318/jets-announce-release-date-for-new-uniforms-and-fans-are-already-nervous-theyll-screw-them-up.html|url-status=live}} which introduced black as an accent color and resembled a modernized version of the uniform layout the Jets used from 1978 to 1997, including a return to green helmets and "TV numbers" on the shoulders.{{cite news|last=Bergman|first=Jeremy|title=New York Jets unveil new uniforms, green helmets|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/new-york-jets-unveil-new-uniforms-green-helmets-0ap3000001025415|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=April 4, 2019|access-date=April 5, 2019|quote=For the first time in over 20 years, the New York Jets will take the field with a new look, to go with their new head coach and high-priced free agents. The Jets unveiled on Thursday evening their new uniforms, helmets and branding for the 2019 season and beyond. Their team colors are "Gotham Green, Spotlight White and Stealth Black."|archive-date=April 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406020114/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001025415/article/new-york-jets-unveil-new-uniforms-green-helmets|url-status=live}}

=Throwback uniforms=

  • Chicago Bears: To celebrate their 100th season, the Bears wore throwback jerseys based on their 1936 uniforms for two home games.{{cite news | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bears-unveil-new-classic-jersey-for-100th-season-0ap3000001033145 | title=Bears unveil new classic jersey for 100th season | work=NFL.com | publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. | first=Grant | last=Gordon | date=June 7, 2019 | access-date=August 10, 2019 | archive-date=August 8, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808151907/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001033145/article/bears-unveil-new-classic-jersey-for-100th-season | url-status=live }}

=Patches=

  • 31 teams wore a version of the NFL centennial emblem, with the NFL shield beneath the "100," on the yoke of their jerseys in place of the regular NFL shield. The Chicago Bears instead wore their own centennial team patch, a customized version of the league-wide centennial emblem with the Bears' colors and logo, on the left side of the jersey.{{cite news | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/bears-announce-plans-centennial-season-celebrations | title=Bears announce plans for centennial season celebrations | work=NBC Sports Chicago | publisher=NBC Sports | first=JJ | last=Stankevitz | date=November 15, 2018 | access-date=August 10, 2019 | archive-date=August 10, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810052806/https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/bears-announce-plans-centennial-season-celebrations | url-status=live }}
  • The Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars wore patches to commemorate the 25th season for each franchise.{{cite news | url=https://www.actionnewsjax.com/sports/jacksonville-jaguars-unveil-new-logo-to-celebrate-25th-season/941334852 | title=Jacksonville Jaguars unveil new logo to celebrate 25th season | publisher=WJAX-TV | date=April 18, 2019 | access-date=August 10, 2019 | archive-date=July 8, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708161853/https://www.actionnewsjax.com/sports/jacksonville-jaguars-unveil-new-logo-to-celebrate-25th-season/941334852 | url-status=live }}
  • The Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers wore patches to commemorate the 60th season for each franchise.{{cite news |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-unveil-new-logo-to-commemorate-60th-season-0ap3000001034924 |title=Raiders unveil new logo to commemorate 60th season |author=Patra, Kevin |work=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC. |date=July 1, 2019 |access-date=September 8, 2019 |archive-date=September 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906161041/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001034924/article/raiders-unveil-new-logo-to-commemorate-60th-season |url-status=live }}
  • On October 10, the Arizona Cardinals unveiled a patch to commemorate the death of team owner Bill Bidwill. It featured his initials, "WVB."{{cite news | url=https://www.12news.com/article/sports/nfl/cardinals/arizona-cardinals-fans-bow-ties-to-sundays-game-in-memory-mr-b-bill-bidwil/75-52215685-8b9d-4d55-856e-9e0b7109e5fe | title=Arizona Cardinals fans are wearing bow ties to Sunday's game in memory of 'Mr. B' Bill Bidwill | publisher=KPNX | date=October 10, 2019 | access-date=October 16, 2019 | archive-date=July 24, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724181723/https://www.12news.com/article/sports/nfl/cardinals/arizona-cardinals-fans-bow-ties-to-sundays-game-in-memory-mr-b-bill-bidwil/75-52215685-8b9d-4d55-856e-9e0b7109e5fe | url-status=live }}

Media

This was the sixth year under the current broadcast contracts with ESPN/ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. This includes "cross-flexing" (switching) Sunday afternoon games between CBS and Fox before or during the season (regardless of the conference of the visiting team). NBC airs Sunday Night Football, the annual Kickoff Game, and the primetime Thanksgiving game. ESPN airs Monday Night Football and the Pro Bowl with the latter being simulcast on ABC. Fox airs Thursday Night Football along with NFL Network, with Amazon Video and Twitch continuing to simulcast those games online in the second and final year of the two sites' current contract. Fox will also broadcast Super Bowl LIV in English, with Fox Deportes aired the game in Spanish . ESPN aired coverage for all three days of the 2019 NFL draft on ABC, replacing Fox's broadcast television simulcast of NFL Network in 2018. ABC's coverage catered towards a mainstream audience and was hosted by the panel of ESPN's College GameDay, while ESPN and NFL Network continued to carry more conventional coverage of the draft.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Closing-Bell/2018/11/26/ABC.aspx|title=ABC To Broadcast All Three Days Of NFL Draft In '19|author=Ourand, John|work=Sports Business Daily|date=November 26, 2018 |access-date=November 27, 2018|archive-date=November 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127234423/https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Closing-Bell/2018/11/26/ABC.aspx|url-status=live}}

Under a one-year test, local stations in markets with NFL teams are allowed on a limited basis to air another NFL game opposite the game involving that city's home team, something that had previously been forbidden (this rule had already been waived for the Washington, D.C. market when the Baltimore Ravens are playing at the same time as the Washington Redskins on the opposite network—Washington, D.C., is a secondary market for the Ravens, for the Los Angeles market after the Rams' and Chargers' moves to LA and league-wide for Week 17 since 2014). It was originally reported that all media markets in the U.S. who have CBS and Fox affiliates will have access to three Sunday afternoon games every week regardless of whether the local team is playing at home.{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/divisional-playoff-games-get-later-sunday-starts-0ap3000001031575|title=Divisional playoff games get later Sunday starts|author=Grant, Gordon|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC.|date=May 22, 2019|access-date=September 15, 2019|archive-date=September 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902225635/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001031575/article/divisional-playoff-games-get-later-sunday-starts|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2019/05/nfl-announces-several-changes-for-how-you-watch-games-2019-what-you-need-to-know-broadcast-rules-updates.html|title=NFL's TV changes will benefit Giants and Jets fans|author=Rosenstein, Mike|work=NJ.com|publisher=Advance Local|date=May 22, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421160811/https://www.nj.com/sports/2019/05/nfl-announces-several-changes-for-how-you-watch-games-2019-what-you-need-to-know-broadcast-rules-updates.html|url-status=live}} The league later clarified that teams will still be able to impose the home exclusivity blackout on a limited basis, so long as they lift the exclusivity at least twice.{{cite web|url=https://awfulannouncing.com/nfl/nfl-eliminates-singleheaders-moves-back-divisional-game-times.html|title=NFL reduces single-headers, moves back Sunday divisional playoff game times, cuts number of Super Bowl ad breaks|author=Bucholtz, Michael|work=Awful Announcing|date=May 22, 2019|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523235011/https://awfulannouncing.com/nfl/nfl-eliminates-singleheaders-moves-back-divisional-game-times.html|url-status=live}}

The league has an option to cancel its contract with DirecTV after the 2019 season. DirecTV has had exclusive rights to the league's out-of-market sports package, NFL Sunday Ticket, since the package was introduced in 1994.{{cite web|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/09/30/nfl-could-soon-pull-plug-on-directv-deal/|title=NFL could soon pull plug on DirecTV deal|first=Mike|last=Florio|work=Profootballtalk.com|publisher=NBC Sports|date=March 6, 2019|access-date=March 6, 2019|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306235008/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/09/30/nfl-could-soon-pull-plug-on-directv-deal/|url-status=live}}

=Personnel changes=

On February 28, 2019, Jason Witten announced he would be leaving his color commentator position on Monday Night Football after one season; he returned to the Dallas Cowboys, where he had played tight end for fifteen seasons before joining ESPN in 2018.{{cite web |last1=Archer |first1=Todd |title=Witten to return to Cowboys, leaving MNF booth |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26104542/witten-return-cowboys-leaving-mnf-booth |work=ESPN |date=February 28, 2019 |access-date=February 28, 2019 |archive-date=February 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228190946/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26104542/witten-return-cowboys-leaving-mnf-booth |url-status=live }} Witten was not replaced; Booger McFarland, who spent the previous season commentating from atop a crane-like contraption on the sideline, was moved into the booth.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/f83d0e511e364ddba0271c46cb82f219|title=Tessitore, McFarland return to ESPN 'Monday Night' booth|work=Associated Press|date=May 1, 2019|first=Joe|last=Reedy|access-date=May 1, 2019|archive-date=May 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501143055/https://apnews.com/f83d0e511e364ddba0271c46cb82f219|url-status=live}} Former referee Jeff Triplette also left Monday Night Football as rules analyst. He was replaced with John Parry, who retired the same day his ESPN position was announced; Parry is the third rules analyst ESPN has hired in two years, following Triplette and Gerald Austin. Steve Tasker departed CBS after 21 seasons with the network, all but one as a color commentator, after CBS declined to renew Tasker's contract. Tasker anticipates moving to radio and calling games for Westwood One for the 2019 season.{{cite web|url=https://buffalonews.com/2019/05/21/steve-taskers-days-at-cbs-sports-are-over/|title=Steve Tasker's days at CBS Sports are over|first=Alan|last=Pergament|work=The Buffalo News|date=May 21, 2019|access-date=May 21, 2019|archive-date=May 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521150538/https://buffalonews.com/2019/05/21/steve-taskers-days-at-cbs-sports-are-over/|url-status=live}} Twitch added "co-streaming" with live commentary from specially chosen users of the service for its 2019 Thursday night games.{{Cite web|url=https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2019/09/06/are-you-ready-for-some-thursday-night-football-55c850b197da/|title=Are you ready for some Thursday Night Football?|website=Twitch Blog|access-date=October 4, 2019|archive-date=September 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926190951/https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2019/09/06/are-you-ready-for-some-thursday-night-football-55c850b197da/|url-status=live}}

=Most watched regular season games=

class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
Rank || Datecolspan=4 class="unsortable" |MatchupNetwork || Viewers (millions) || TV rating{{cite web |title=NFL TV ratings page, 2019 edition |url=https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/nfl-tv-ratings-viewership-nbc-cbs-fox-espn-nfln-regular-season-playoffs/ |website=SportsMediaWatch.com |date=September 27, 2014 |access-date=September 5, 2019 |archive-date=September 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903140008/https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/nfl-tv-ratings-viewership-nbc-cbs-fox-espn-nfln-regular-season-playoffs/ |url-status=live }} || Window || Significance
1

| {{dts|November 28}}, 4:30 ET

| Buffalo Bills

| 26

| Dallas Cowboys

| 15

| CBS

| 32.6

| 13.5

| Thanksgiving

| Super Bowl XXVII and XXVIII rematch

2

| {{dts|November 24}}, 4:25 ET

| Dallas Cowboys

| 9

| New England Patriots

| 13

| Fox

| 29.5

| 16.5

| Late DH{{Ref label|a|a|none}}

|

3

| {{dts|December 8}}, 4:25 ET

| Kansas City Chiefs

| 23

| New England Patriots

| 16

| CBS

| 28.1

| 16.1

| Late DH{{Ref label|b|b|none}}

| 2018 AFC Championship and Week 6 rematch

4

| {{dts|November 28}}, 12:30 ET

| Chicago Bears

| 24

| Detroit Lions

| 20

| Fox

| 27.1

| 12.3

| Thanksgiving

| Bears–Lions Rivalry

5

| {{dts|December 22}}, 4:25 ET

| Dallas Cowboys

| 9

| Philadelphia Eagles

| 17

|Fox

| 25.3

| 14.2

| Late DH{{Ref label|d|d|none}}

| Cowboys–Eagles Rivalry

6

| {{dts|November 17}}, 4:25 ET

| New England Patriots

| 17

| Philadelphia Eagles

| 10

|CBS

| 24.9

| 14.0

| Late DH{{Ref label|c|c|none}}

|Super Bowl LII rematch

7

| {{dts|October 6}}, 4:25 ET

|Green Bay Packers

| 34

|Dallas Cowboys

| 24

|Fox

| 24.6

| 13.8

| Late DH{{Ref label|e|e|none}}

|Cowboys–Packers Rivalry

8

| {{dts|September 29}}, 8:20 ET

| Dallas Cowboys

| 10

| New Orleans Saints

|12

|NBC

| 24.1

| 13.7

|SNF

| 2018 Week 13 rematch

9

| {{dts|September 8}}, 4:25 ET

| New York Giants

| 17

| Dallas Cowboys

| 35

| Fox

| 23.9

| 13.5

| Late DH{{Ref label|f|f|none}}

| Cowboys–Giants Rivalry

10

| {{dts|September 15}}, 4:25 ET

| New Orleans Saints

| 9

| Los Angeles Rams

| 27

| Fox

| 23.3

| 13.2

| Late DH{{Ref label|g|g|none}}

|2018 NFC Championship and Week 9 rematch

*Note – Late DH matchups listed in table are the matchups that were shown to the largest percentage of the market.

{{smalldiv|1={{ordered list|list_style_type=lower-alpha|{{Note label|a|a|none}}DAL/NE was shown in 100% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage.|{{Note label|b|b|none}}KC/NE was shown in 83% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of CBS coverage.|{{Note label|c|c|none}}NE/PHI was shown in 93% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of CBS coverage.|{{Note label|d|d|none}}DAL/PHI was shown in 88% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage.|{{Note label|e|e|none}}GB/DAL was shown in 100% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage.|{{Note label|f|f|none}}NYG/DAL was shown in 85% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage.|{{Note label|g|g|none}}NO/LAR was shown in 81% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage.|}}}}

References

{{reflist}}

{{2019 NFL season by team}}

{{NFL seasons}}

2019 National Football League season

Category:NFL seasons

NFL