The 10 key matchups in the 2010 NFL Schedule

As mentioned before, the 2010 NFL schedule have been released and here are what I think are the 10 key matchups of this upcoming season.

1) Vikings at Saints (September 9) -- The official kickoff game on Thursday night is the rematch of last years NFC Championship Game. The difference is that Brett and the Vikings want revenge after Garrett Hardley's field-goal winning kick to put the Saints in their first Super Bowl appearance. With most of the key returners back, it will definitely be a great game to watch.

2) Giants at Colts (September 19) -- Eli vs. Peyton, both brothers going against each other in only the second time. Four years ago, the Colts beat the G-Men 26-21. The difference between now and then is that both Manning brothers are Super Bowl and SB MVP winners.

3) Redskins at Eagles (October 3) -- Definitely a big NFC East matchup in which Donovan McNabb returns to the City of Brotherly Love for the first time since he got traded to the division rival Redskins. Yes the fans will applaud him in the beginning for all he did to the city, but then as always the boos will follow.

4) Ravens at Patriots (October 17) -- A rematch of an AFC Wild-Card matchup features these two clubs. When these last two met, Baltimore pulled away for a 33-14 win over the Pats, who struggled during the entire game and were down by 24 after the first. Also Joe Flacco went 4/10 for 34 yards in a total-ground game for the win. They also met last year and the Pats won in the regular season matchup.

5) Cowboys at Vikings (October 17) -- Another playoff matchup from last year features Big D vs. Brett. The Cowboys struggle when they travel to face Favre, even when he was with the Packers. After losing 34-3 in the divisional matchup, the Cowboys with their defense look to avoid another catastrophe in this key matchup once again taking place in the Metrodome.

6) Vikings at Packers (October 24) -- After Favre deals with the Cowboys, they then have to travel to Lambeau. Like last year, if Brett decides not to retire, the cheeseheads will be cheering in boos for the legendary QB. It will be the same atmosphere as last year and I don't see any difference.

7) Colts at Patriots (November 21) -- Always one of the best AFC matchups of the year's tradition continues. After a back-and-forth game last season in which the Colts eventually took the lead and win the close battle at Lucas Oil Stadium. This year the Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning matchup takes place at 4:15 in Foxboro.

8) Saints at Cowboys (November 25) -- For once, the Cowboys get an exciting Thanksgiving Day game. After facing the Raiders, Jets and Seahawks in the last few years, the Cowboys host the defending Super Bowl champs at 4:15 on Turkey Day. Last year's matchup in the Superdome proved to be good as Big D gave the Saints their first loss of the season during week 15. This year, with both these teams good, it can be a classic game.

9) Bengals at Jets (November 25) -- After gobbling down on the turkey during the Cowboys game, we have a rematch of the other game of last year's AFC Wild-Card matchup. The Jets defeated Cincy two straight weeks in a row and looking to extend their streak. Also with Chad Ochocinco vs. Darrelle Revis, the matchup will be exciting. Also caution if Mark Sanchez will do well in his sophomore year.

10) Cowboys at Eagles (January 2) -- After looking at the schedule, this matchup has and will always continue to haunt me. Two years ago, Dallas looking to get in the playoffs choke and lose to the birds 44-6, in Philly (I almost went to that game, glad I didn't). Last year, these two teams met in Dallas for the division title Week 17 and the Cowboys get the edge 34-14. This year, these clubs meet in Philly, possibly for playoff contention.


Definitely going to be a fun season to watch.