10 Games to Watch for in the 2011 NFL Season

Even though it's been a week since the NFL released the 2011 Schedule, pending if the lockout ends in time before September, it gave me time to think of my top 10 games to watch during the upcoming season.

10) Miami vs. Dallas (Week 12)- Remember the last time these two teams played on Thanksgiving Day? It was in 1993 when Texas Stadium was covered in snow and Leon Lett costed Dallas a victory, but that was the last loss that season in which they went on to win Super Bowl XXVIII. These teams meet in a rematch on this holiday in Dallas, but as a Cowboys fan, I'd like to see a different result.

9) Green Bay vs. Chicago (Week 3)- The Packers return to Chicago for the first time since they won last year's NFC Championship Game. Bears QB Jay Cutler gave up the game and Caleb Hanie almost took the team to the Super Bowl. These two teams will fight all season and are the favorites to win the NFC North division, so this game is crucial.

8) Chicago vs. Denver (Week 14)- Speaking of the Bears, Jay Cutler gets to return to his former team in Denver. Like I said in #9, if the Bears are a contender or fighting for a playoff spot, it could be interesting. Another thing to watch out for is if Cutler will be cheered or booed. Another side note, Josh McDaniels (who chased Cutler out of Denver) is also no longer w/ the Broncos.

7) New England vs. Pittsburgh (Week 8)- Pats QB Tom Brady loves playing in Pittsburgh, winning 6 out of 7 in the Steel City. This feels like a playoff game b/c of the talent and performances both of these teams provide each and every week. Last year, the Patriots won by 13 and were on a 8-game winning streak at that point. The Steelers went on to win 6 out of 7 before losing to GB in the Super Bowl.

6) Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh (Week 9)- If the Steelers win against the Patriots in week 8, they get to face division-rival Baltimore the next week in Heinz Field. This game is crucial because both of these teams can win the division, but if they have the same record at the end of the season, the winner is determined by head-to-head meetings. Week 9 is the last meeting between these 2 teams in the regular season so it can feel like a playoff game.

5) Indianapolis vs. New Orleans (Week 7)- A rematch of Super Bowl XLII features QB Peyton Manning returning to his hometown of New Orleans. When these last 2 teams met, the Saints shocked the Colts by winning the Super Bowl. Both Manning and Drew Brees are considered the best in the league and the offense in this game could lead to high-scoring results in this matchup.

4) Indianapolis vs. New England (Week 13)- What better way is it to play football in New England cold weather in December...Colts vs. Patriots. The rivalry between these 2 teams in recent years make these games one of the most watched games each season. Last year, the Colts returned to Foxboro after 4 years and lost by a field goal. Also Manning threw an interception which also cost the team a win. This season, the games in Foxboro again and playoff spots are on the line if both of these teams are battling for playoff seeding or wild-card spots. Always a fun and great game to watch.

3) Philadelphia vs. Atlanta (Week 2)- Nobody figured Michael Vick would have an outstanding season like he had in 2010. With all the troubles Vick faced which got him in prison and was relegated to 3rd-string QB in Philly, he came on fire all season and got the team into the playoffs and almost had to face the Falcons if they didn't lose to the Packers the week before. However, in mid-September, Vick will lead the Eagles to where he got his career started and that was in Atlanta. Should be fun hearing how the crowds will react during the whole game.

2) Giants vs. Jets (Week 16)- Both these teams play at the New Meadowlands Stadium each year, but on Christmas Eve, the Jets will be the home team. The battle of New York will take place between these two distinguished franchises. The question is, who will win the game in the end. Personally, I believe this game should have been played Week 1 (9/11) in honor of September 11th, but it was moved. Instead Week 1, Giants play in Washington, Jets host Dallas. Gonna be a good show for the most part.

1) Any NFC East matchup: Any matchup between NFC East teams are always important and exciting to watch: the hated rivalries between NY and Philly, Dallas & Washington, Philly & Washington (McNabb's current and old teams). Basically, all of these teams are strong and favored to win the Super Bowl. Dallas vs. NY is big because it ended the Cowboys season when Romo got injured by Michael Boley, now the Cowboys are looking for revenge. Giants and Eagles have the I-95 battle and always played a role in deciding division winners. Washington and Dallas have had rivalries for years. Overall, always a fun division to watch.


As you know, the NFL draft will take place less than 48 hours from now. Really gonna be interesting to see how many players will show up at Radio City Music Hall to be recognized during the draft. On the plus side, it's just getting closer to football season.