Tennessee at Tampa Bay, September 13th
This matchup becomes much less enticing if one or both of these teams do not draft a QB with the first two picks in the draft. If, however, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are the first two players selected in this year's draft by these two teams, then this game could be the highlight of opening weekend. Obviously they would need to win the starting QB job, but both are certainly capable of doing that. The build up of having a Mariota vs Winston showdown would be off the charts for Week 1.
Seattle at Green Bay, September 20th (Sunday Night Football)
If you saw the NFC Championship game last year, then you know why this is a must see game. The Packers were heading towards a Super Bowl berth, before imploding in the fourth quarter and allowing the Seahawks to comeback and beat the Pack in overtime. In Lambeau, the Pack will be looking for revenge, though this game won't guarantee anyone anything. Even without that backdrop, you still have Aaron Rodgers going against the Legion of Boom (sans Byron Maxwell) in an awesome Week 2 matchup.
New York Jets at Indianapolis, September 21st (Monday Night Football)
This is your classic unstoppable force versus the immovable object. Andrew Luck has helped turn the Colts into one of the most feared offenses in the league. They will welcome the new look New York Jets, who have another defensive minded coach, and a much improved secondary. The Jets reunited Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, who wreaked havoc under Rex Ryan. New head coach Todd Bowles will bring the same kind of defensive toughness to this team that Ryan did. With run stuffers Muhammed Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson already on the roster, this has the making of being one of the best defenses in the league. Luck and the Colts will be their first true test.
Indianapolis at Houston, October 8th (Thursday Night Football)
Houston has long been trying to fight for respect and the title in the AFC South. Unfortunately for them, the Colts have transitioned from Peyton Manning to Andrew Luck quite nicely. Last year, however, the Texans gave them two great games, losing by seven points or less in each of them. If Jadeveon Clowney is healthy for this game, he and JJ Watt will be a force to be reckoned with. NRG Stadium will be a sea of red for this prime time matchup against a division rival.
New England at Dallas, October 11th
Arguably the two most hated (and loved) teams in the NFL get to go at it in Jerry World. The hype for this game will be off the charts, regardless of the two teams' records at this point. There are Dallas fans out there (myself included) that believe that had Dez Bryant's catch been called a catch, that Dallas and New England would have been the Super Bowl matchup. I guess the Cowboy fan base will have to settle for an early season game at home to see how well they stack up against the defending Super Bowl Champs.
Green Bay at Denver, November 1st (Sunday Night Football)
As long as Peyton Manning's health holds up, this should be a great battle of two of the best QBs in the business. Aaron Rodgers does what he does, and if Manning can play like he did at the beginning of last year instead of at the end, then this should be a great game. Both teams also possess extremely productive running backs (Eddie Lacy and CJ Anderson) so the defenses will be put to the test here. Both teams also should be carrying the "Team of Destiny" banner into 2015 as this may be Peyton's final year and Green Bay will be looking to avenge that debacle in Seattle.
Denver at Indianapolis, November 8th
This might be the last time Peyton ever plays at Lucas Oil Stadium. Similar to when he first came back, I'm sure it will be an emotionally charged game, particularly if he has indicated in some way that he will definitely retire after this season. The Denver/Indy games have been great since Luck took over in Indy and Peyton went to Denver, and I expect more of the same.
Philadelphia at Dallas, November 8th (Sunday Night Football)
As a Cowboy fan, I'm looking forward to this game more than any other this season. Even if you're not a Cowboy fan, you should not miss this one. The two division rivals hate each other to begin with, but now with DeMarco Murray signing with the enemy, it will only add to the fervor of this game. I expect the atmosphere to be electric and the game to have a bit of nasty to it. I also expect Murray to be booed unmercifully. The Eagles blasted the Cowboys on Thanksgiving last year, only to lose to the Cowboys, and give away the division, two weeks later in Philly. Unless the Giants find some kind of defense, the Eagles and Cowboys will once again be battling for NFC East supremacy. Buckle up for this one!
Buffalo at New York Jets, November 12th (Thursday Night Football)
It will be interesting to see how Rex Ryan will be welcomed back by Jet fans. Were his late failures enough to wipe out his early successes? This will be a brutal offensive game, but a joy for people who love great defense. It is very possible that these two defenses could be ranked first and second in the NFL by the time this game is played. We'll also get to see the matchup of newly acquired LeSean McCoy against one of the best run defenses in the NFL.
Buffalo at New England, November 23rd (Monday Night Football)
So, we meet again, but in a different uniform. Rex Ryan seemed to always know how to play Bill Belichick and the Pats tough while he was in New York, and I think he'll have even more success with the Bills. Ryan will take a great defense, star rookie WR, and one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL into Foxborough to try and knock off the Pats. The Bills haven't won an AFC East title since 1995, and they'll need to vanquish the Patriots if they are to end that drought.
Chicago at Green Bay, November 26th (Thanksgiving)
This game always has enough intrigue to tune in, but it was recently announced that Brett Favre's jersey will finally be retired at this game as well. After years of coldness shown from the Packer organization towards Favre, I think he will get a warm reception on what will be a cold night at Lambeau. Depending on how well Chicago adjusts to the new coaching staff, this could also be a pivotal game in deciding who wins the NFC North. This will be a great game and spectacle to watch as you digest all the turkey you ate during the day.
New England at Denver, November 29th (Sunday Night Football)
This might be the last Brady vs Manning, although it might be Brady vs Osweiler if Manning's health doesn't hold up. Whenever these two QBs meet, you know there is going to be great football played. If Manning's health holds up, these two teams could be fighting not only for a playoff spot, but for the #1 seed and home field advantage.
Buffalo at Philadelphia, December 13th
LeSean McCoy's return to Philly should produce plenty of fireworks. Chip Kelly's offense has been able to do well against not-so-great NFC East defenses, but let's see what happens against Rex and the Bills. I think it might slow down more than Chip would like. McCoy felt like the Eagles did him wrong by trading him away, so the motivation for him should be at the max. Given the Eagles' so-so performance against the run last year, I wouldn't be surprised if McCoy gets unleashed in Philly for this game.
Dallas at Green Bay, December 13th
Returning to the scene of the crime. I think both teams will be highly motivated as Dallas wants to prove that they should have beat the Pack, while the Packers will want to prove that they can beat Dallas even if there is no controversial catch involved. I expect Dallas to go to Dez Bryant early and often to send a message to the Packers. The Dallas defense, however, is still far from elite, so I expect Rodgers to once again move the Packer offense with relative ease. Expect another high scoring, close game.
All of Week 17
Fantasy football season might be over at this point, but the regular season in the NFL won't be. Every single game is a divisional game with likely playoff implications. You'll also probably have teams that are trying to play spoiler, just to save their season and say that they knocked out their rival.
Matty O
