The NFL schedule was released a day ago, and we’ve had time to look it over and compile a list of the juiciest games of 2012. You may not agree with all of the games on this list, but we assure you that most of these games will be absolutely amazing contests.
10. New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars, week 14
Some may say that this game won’t gave any postseason relevance, and even more will say this is likely to just be a crappy game. Well I say to that, who cares? Tebowmania will be in full swing in Jacksonville late in the season, and dare we ask what if this is to determine a potential wildcard tiebreaker?
9. Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions, week 11 and Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers, week 14
The Lions are back, and they’ll be shooting for more than just a postseason appearance. They want the divisional title, but they’ll have to go through the Green Bay Packers to get it. This game isn’t for defense loving junkies like me, but I still see entertainment value in a high octane affair that could see both teams scoring 40+ points.
8. Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers, week 2
Do you remember the shove? Do you remember the look of disgust on Jim Schwartz’s face after being pushed? Yeah, there will be some bitter feelings on the Lions’ sideline whether they admit it or not. These two rising teams are polar opposites, and the added story lines make for some great TV.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos, week 1
Peyton Manning’s regular season debut comes against the team that Tim Tebow bounced from the playoffs early in 2012. The Steelers will be a formidable team for Manning to play, but the Broncos look to have one of the best all around teams in the league. This is my pick for the best season opener in recent memory.
6. Denver Broncos at New England Patriots, week 5
The Patriots are the AFC favorite year in and year out. Peyton Manning’s Colts were always the counterbalance to the New England Patriots, and now the Broncos look to take up that position. The Manning vs. Brady rivalry is renewed, and we can’t wait.
5. San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers, week 1
Two NFC favorites square off in the opening week of the season for what could become a tie breaker for the top seed in the NFC playoffs. There’s nothing quite like making the first game of the year a high stakes affair, and the NFL did a great job giving us some early season thrillers for 2012.
4. New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers, week 6
I love conference title game rematches. They’re just a little bit more personal than Super Bowl rematches, and there’s the added flair of one team being so close and seeing the team that took away their title dreams. I love it, and I love watching these teams. This is one game that should be circled on everyone’s calendars.
3. New York Giants at Baltimore Ravens, week 16
This was a Lee Evans’ drop away from being a Super Bowl rematch. After I just said how much I love watching conference title game rematches, you may be wondering why this game is ahead of the Giants, 49ers game. Well, I just like watching the Baltimore Ravens too much, and this game should be one of the best inter-conference games we’ve seen in a long time.
2. New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens, week 3
Speaking of conference title games, here’s the AFC’s 2012 rematch. The Ravens were so close last year they could practically hear the crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium, but it wasn’t meant to be. The Ravens are just hoping this gem of a game doesn’t come down to a wide open receiver — or a field goal. You know what? The Ravens just may want to stick to the ground game late in this one.
1. Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers, week 11 and Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens week 13
If you thought I forgot the greatest current rivalry in the NFL, think again. The Ravens, Steelers annual games are number one on my list because these are two teams that always play each other close in the most physical games possible under current NFL rules. Actually, these teams often go out of their ways to make an extra hit, and that’s fine by me.
