The NFL Schedule has been released and we can finally start planning how we’re going to spend our Sundays this fall. Well, we’re going to be watching football but you know what I mean.
After going through every primetime game with a fine-tooth comb I’ve power ranked the top ten. Let’s get started.
Games that barely missed the cut: Texans v. Patriots (9/22), Bengals v. Giants (11/14) Steelers v. Colts (11/24), Washington v. Cowboys (11/24), Raiders v. Chiefs (12/8), Rams at Seahawks (12/15), and Giants v. Eagles (12/22)
10: Broncos v. Raiders (11/6)
I’m really excited about this Raiders team and you should be too. It seems like after a decade of despair the Raiders have figured out that speed isn’t the only qualifier for drafting a player. I don’t think the Broncos are going to be as bad as some people forecast. They still have a great defense and the last time I checked Von Miller is still unstoppable. Who knows, maybe at this game will decide the division champion.
9: Giants v. Packers 10/9
The Giants get to see if throwing all that money into their defense pays off. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will hopefully be at full strength and that offense should be clicking on all cylinders. Eli Manning and OBJ will have their hands full trying to keep up.
8: Seahawks v. Cardinals (10/23)
Not too long ago the NFC West was the laughing stock of the NFL. It was the worst division in football and a team with a losing record made the playoffs. Boy, how times have changed. Now it’s one of the best divisions in football and these two teams are the reason. Whenever they play something special happens and I think this occasion won’t be any different.
7: Eagles v. Cowboys (10/30)
Not too long ago the NFC East was the best division in the NFL. Now it’s one of the worst. Boy, how times have changed. No matter how bad the overall division is one can’t ignore that NFC East games are still some of the best to watch. The Eagles have a habit of beating Dallas at home while Dallas returns the favor in Philadelphia. The matchup to watch is Dallas’ superior offense line battle with one of the best defensive lines the NFL has to offer in Philadelphia. The Eagles revamped secondary will get a true test with 88 on the field.
6: Ravens v. Patriots (12/12)
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It doesn’t matter what the Ravens are going through, how bad they might be, who might be injured, or anything life throws at them. If they’re going to Foxborough then you can bet your life savings that it’s going to be a great game. There’s something about Tom Brady that makes Flacco elevate his game and play out of his mind. The cherry on top is that it’s a December game and both teams love the elements.
5: Steelers v. Bengals (12/18)
AFC North battles are historic and that’s why the NFL puts them on primetime so much. I was tempted to put the Ravens v. Steelers on Christmas Day here but this game will have more on the line. Whoever comes out victorious will probably clinch the division and potentially earn a first round bye in the playoffs. The bad blood from last year’s playoff game is still fresh for these teams. The amount of star power in this game only elevates the anticipation.
4: Patriots v. Cardinals (9/11)
We get a potential Super Bowl preview Week 1. The Cardinals defense and its new toy, former Patriot, Chandler Jones gets their chance to stop Brady. Carson Palmer tries to regain his play from last season and start the Cardinals’ season off with a bang. I’m excited to see if Arizona will stick Deone Bucannon on Gronk or if Rob will get a healthy dose of Tyrann Mathieu.
3: Panthers v. Broncos (9/8)
The Super Bowl 50 rematch. Cam Newton has a lot to prove on opening night. Luckily for him Kelvin Benjamin should be back from a torn ACL he suffered last offseason. The Panthers have to come out and show that last year wasn’t a fluke and nothing would say that like beating the team that humiliated them in February. Von Miller and company will have a prime opportunity to show their dominance.
2: Seahawks v. Patriots (11/13)
We get another Super Bowl rematch. Russell Wilson takes his team across the country to make a late season statement. The Legion of Boom will have their chance to stop Gronk. No Beast Mode will take some star power out of this game but won’t take too much away from this potential classic.
1: Panthers v. Seahawks (12/4)
The NFL clearly thinks this is the next great quarterback rivalry and they’re right. No matter what happens these games are always suspenseful. We get to sit back and watch two great quarterbacks battle two great defenses. It very well could be a NFC Championship preview, just like last year.
*****I know, the Patriots are getting a lot of love. No, I’m not a Patriots fan. The fact is that the NFL gave New England a lot of interesting primetime games. They’re one of, if not, the most popular team in the league and the NFL is a business. Love them or hate them they know you’re going to watch the Patriots if they’re on.
As always, thanks for reading.
What games are you looking forward to? Let me know @mattgarrett41
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