### 2024 NFL Season Recap: Key Highlights and Developments

The 2024 NFL season, the league's 105th, kicked off on September 5, 2024, with the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Kickoff Game.

#### Season Start and Notable Games
- The season began with several high-profile matchups, including the Green Bay Packers facing the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 6, marking the first NFL regular season game in South America. Philadelphia won this game.
- Other notable international games include the New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, all held in London, and the New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers scheduled for Munich, Germany on November 10.

#### Current Standings and Performances
- As of Week 8, the Kansas City Chiefs lead the AFC West with a perfect 6-0 record. The Houston Texans top the AFC South with a 5-2 record, while the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills are tied at 5-2 in the AFC North and East respectively.
- In the NFC, several teams are vying for division leads, with the season still in its early stages.

#### Player and Team News
- **Injuries and Roster Moves**:
- The San Francisco 49ers have been hit hard with injuries, including WR Brandon Aiyuk suffering a season-ending ACL and MCL tear, and WR Deebo Samuel hospitalized due to pneumonia.
- The Minnesota Vikings lost left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a season-ending knee injury.
- The Dallas Cowboys activated RB Dalvin Cook from their practice squad to boost their struggling running game.
- **Notable Performances**:
- Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens has been impressive, leading his team to several victories and currently tied as a favorite for the NFL MVP.
- The Buffalo Bills are considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders after strong performances, particularly from QB Josh Allen.

#### Rule Changes and Schedule Adjustments
- **Rule Changes**:
- The NFL introduced several rule changes, including making rulings of passer down by contact or out of bounds before throwing a pass reviewable. Additionally, replay reviews for "clear and obvious visual evidence" that the game clock expired before the snap are now authorized.
- The trade deadline has been moved from the Tuesday following Week 8 to the Tuesday following Week 9.
- **Schedule Highlights**:
- The traditional Thanksgiving Day games will feature Chicago at Detroit, New York Giants at Dallas, and a primetime game between Miami and Green Bay. An additional game is scheduled for the Friday after Thanksgiving, with Las Vegas facing Kansas City.

#### Upcoming Events
- The regular season is set to end on January 5, 2025, with the playoffs starting on January 11. Super Bowl LIX will be held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 9, 2025.

This season has already seen its share of exciting matchups, significant injuries, and notable performances, setting the stage for an intense and competitive remainder of the year.