The NFL released the schedule for the 2014 season Wednesday night, and it starts with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks hosting the Green Bay Packers (a reprise of the Fail Mary, anyone?) in the Thursday night opener.
There were some weeks where as many as three games could have been labelled as must-watch, but we decided to limit ourselves to the one game in each week that should have—as of right now—the top spot on your viewing list.
And in case you were wondering, the teams who show up more than once on this highly scientific list: the Broncos and 49ers each have five games of the week (including a Week 7 clash), the Patriots have three and the Colts, Seahawks, Saints and Redskins have two each.
Note: Times are Eastern Standard and are subject to change.
Week 1—Colts vs. Broncos (Sunday 8:30, NBC) – It was tempting to go with Green Bay vs. Seattle in the season opener, but Andrew Luck vs. Peyton Manning for the second in a year was a row was the obvious pick. Luck will be the first QB to see a new-look Broncos defence that features the likes of DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, and T.J. Ward.
Week 2 – Bears vs. 49ers (Sunday 8:30, NBC) — San Francisco debuts their fancy new home stadium in prime time against Marc Trestman’s squad that made splashy free agent additions on the defensive side of the ball – most notably Jared Allen.
Week 3 – Broncos vs. Seahawks (Sunday 4:25, CBS) – Denver will get its chance to avenge an ugly Super Bowl loss in front of a raucous Seattle crowd. How will Manning adjust this time around, and will he able to handle the crowd noise? Blocking the Seahawks’ defensive line would be a good start.
Week 4 – Panthers vs. Ravens (Sunday 1:00, CBS) – Steve Smith has always played with a chip on his shoulder and you can be sure he’ll be jacked up to play against his longtime team after he was inexplicably released in the off-season. According to his teammates, Smith has already circled this matchup on his calendar.
Week 5 – Chiefs vs. 49ers (Sunday 4:25, CBS) — For the first time since Alex Smith was shipped out of town, the former 49ers No. 1 pick will face off against his old backup Colin Kaepernick. In case you forgot, Smith was was replaced by Kaepernick (for good) after suffering a concussion in Week 10 of the 2012 season.
Week 6 – Patriots vs. Bills (Sunday 1:00, CBS) — In recent seasons, the Bills and Patriots have had some epic battles at Ralph Wilson Stadium. If Buffalo wants to be taken seriously and finally end the league’s longest playoff drought, this is a game they absolutely need to win.
Week 7 – 49ers vs. Broncos (Sunday 8:30, NBC) — Jim Harbaugh came close to signing Manning a few years ago when he was a free agent. Now, Harbaugh gets the chance to show him what he missed out on. It’ll be fun to see Ware and Von Miller going after Kaepernick.
Week 8 – Packers vs. Saints (Sunday 8:30, NBC) — If you love high-powered offensive attacks, this is the game for you. Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers run two of the most explosive passing games in the league and it’s always a must-watch when these two elite quarterbacks go head-to-head.
Week 9 – Broncos vs. Patriots (Sunday 4:25, CBS) — Tom Brady and Peyton Manning face off again in what should be another classic tilt. After Denver eliminated New England in the playoffs last year, Brady and Bill Belichick will certainly be seeking revenge — especially after they stole Aqib Talib in free agency.
Week 10 – 49ers vs. Saints (Sunday 1:00, FOX) — The New Orleans-San Francisco game from last season was one of the best matchups of the year. Now San Francisco will get another chance after a phantom penalty on Ahmad Brooks cost them the game and arguably home field advantage in the playoffs.
Week 11 – Patriots vs. Colts (Sunday 8:30, NBC) — Andrew Luck has accomplished a lot in his brief NFL career but he’s yet to beat Tom Brady and the Patriots. In fact, New England has blown out the Colts the last two times they’ve faced off, including last year’s playoff dismantling.
Week 12 – Dolphins vs. Broncos (Sunday 4:25, CBS) — Obviously, it’s not the most attractive week if this is the game to watch. Alas, watching to see if Knowshown Moreno cries during the national anthem in his return to Denver is certainly worth monitoring. Ryan Tannehill is no slouch, either.
Week 13 – Seahawks vs. 49ers (Thursday 8:30, NBC) — What a treat by the NFL schedule makers to put the most anticipated matchup of the season in the final game of the American Thanksgiving slate. It’ll be the first time since last year’s epic NFC Championship Game that Richard Sherman and Michael Crabtree face off. Get out the body bags for this contest.
Week 14 – Steelers vs. Bengals (Sunday 1:00, CBS) — The AFC North isn’t quite what it used to be, especially with the majority of the Steelers core in decline, but this division matchup could have major playoff implications in the final stretch of the season. Unfortunately, James Harrison won’t be suiting up in this game.
Week 15 –Jets vs. Titans (Sunday 4:05, CBS) — Chris Johnson returns to Tennessee to take on his former team for the first time after he was let go in the off-season. Johnson’s play has dropped off in recent seasons but he’ll be fired up to show the Titans what they gave up on.
Week 16 – Eagles vs. Redskins (Saturday 4:30, CBS) — DeSean Jackson will be taking on his old teammates for the second time (the first being in week three) in a critical division matchup late in the season. Jackson has already said there’ll be something ‘special’ about facing off against the Eagles. What that is remains to be seen.
Week 17 – Cowboys vs. Redskins (Sunday 1:00, FOX) — Will Tony Romo be in a win-and-in game against a divisional rival for the fourth year in a row? Can Robert Griffin III respond after a disastrous sophomore year? It’s fair to assume Dallas is set up for another 8-8 season.