2014 NFL Football- Top 10 Games to Look Forward To

With NASCAR & IndyCar racing resuming action this weekend, I figure to shift gears a little after the NFL announced the 2014 schedule for this fall's upcoming season.  Here's my 10 games to look forward to this season...

1) Seattle vs. San Francisco- Both of these NFC West rivals play each other twice each year and both of these teams hate each other.  The Seahawks have Russell Wilson while the Niners have Colin Kaepernick, 2 young QBs, except the first is a Super Bowl winner.  The 49ers had a chance to advance, but losing to Seattle in the NFC Championship Game should tell you this is a RIVALRY.  They play on Thanksgiving (Nov 27) in Santa Clara, CA and the rematch is 2 weeks later in Seattle.  They could even play a 3rd time again come in January.

2) New England vs. Denver- The Brady-Manning bowl will take place for the 16th time come November 2nd in Foxboro.  Peyton won the last meeting, which was the AFC Championship game in January in Denver.  Brady and company want revenge, and we all know the story, it will be a great, offensive game.

3) Green Bay vs. Seattle- These two teams have a little history in recent years, especially when the last time the Packers traveled to Seattle, there was the replacement refs fiasco that happened 2 years ago.  Now the Packers go back to Washington State to officially open up the 2014 season on Thursday, September 4th.  Note to the Packers: work on pass protection. 

4) Washington vs. Philadelphia- These 2 NFC East teams have an ongoing rivalry for years and now DeSean Jackson is a Redskin, going back to South Philly for Week 3 will provide a homecoming for the former wide-receiver.  Definitely will be an interesting game to watch all-around.

5) Denver vs. NFC West- I'm putting 2 games into 1 for this one.  Denver goes to Seattle for Week 3, a rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII in New York.  Seahawks dominated the last meeting but Peyton and the Broncos look for revenge.  Meanwhile, in Week 7, the Broncos host San Francisco, a team many felt could have made the Super Bowl more exciting.  This 49ers-Broncos game will be a big test for both teams, but also a chance to watch what could be a Super Bowl matchup come next February.

6) Green Bay vs. New Orleans- Story behind this Week 8 game is the Quarterbacks.  Aaron Rodgers vs. Drew Brees.  Over/under 1000 passing yards combined?

7) Philadelphia vs. Dallas- Last time these NFC East rivals met was Week 17 last year in Dallas.  Cowboys backup QB Kyle Orton throws an INT late, gives the Eagles a trip to postseason.  Now these two teams meet on Thanksgiving (FOX game) in Dallas, then plays again 2 weeks later at the Linc.

8) Indianapolis vs. Denver- Again, another reunion game for a 2nd year in the row.  Peyton Manning's current team (Broncos) against former team (Colts).  Andrew Luck is getting better and the first test for Indy is at Sports Authority Field in Denver come on a Sunday night during week 1.

9) NY Jets vs. New England- These 2 AFC East teams don't like each other for various reasons including coaching.  The Jets & Patriots split the meetings last year and the first matchup on October 16th could really solidify who will win the division this season.

10) Carolina vs. Baltimore- The Panthers are a sleeper team to continue to look out for.  They impressed in 2013 and I think are really gonna step up in 2014, however without the arms of Steve Smith.  Smith went to Baltimore and faces his old team Week 4. 


OTHER NOTES
Now that the schedule is out, we have about 4 and a half months to digest and preview every matchup of the season, and don't forget the NFL Draft is in 2 weeks.  Couple things of note though as Dallas, Oakland, Seattle and NY Giants all have very tough schedules this year.  NFC East faces AFC West so that will be very intriguing matchups.  Also this season, there are 3 games being played in London, including a 9:30am ET game between Atlanta and Detroit.  The NFL this year is doing TV agreements differently with CBS & NFL Network broadcasting Thursday night games as well as "cross-flexing" games between FOX and CBS during the year.  Also games may be flexed Week 5 to the end of the season, making viewership more enjoyable come September. 

Until then, lets resume Auto Racing and baseball please!