The long-awaited day is finally here: NFL Kickoff.
The first game of the National Football League season features the Super Bowl champs in Part II of the outstanding AFC Divisional playoff game at Mile High last January and is bound to be a great one.
But let’s look at the bigger picture here.
The 2013 NFL season is loaded full of remarkable rematches and riveting rivalries that will make any football fan salivate on Sunday.
Sure, there are going to be outstanding games that none of us saw coming, but one look at this season’s schedule and any gridiron junkie could pick out the best games in seconds.
Here are our top 10 (in chronological order):
Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos
When: Sept. 5, Week 1
Why: Rematch of AFC Divisional game/2013 Kickoff
As if the start of the 2013 NFL season wasn’t enough, the first game of the year pits the defending Super Bowl champions against Peyton Manning and the Broncos. These two teams last played in an epic divisional round matchup in last season’s playoffs. In case you don’t remember, a spectacular last-minute touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to Jacoby Jones forced the game into overtime and the Ravens went on to win 38-35. What a way to kick off the year.
Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles
When: Sept. 19, Week 3
Why: Andy Reid returns to Philadelphia
In just his third game as the bench boss of the Chiefs, Andy Reid, the winningest coach in Eagles’ history, returns to the City of Brotherly Love to face off against the team with which he spent the last 14 years. Reid has put together a solid squad in Kansas City since taking over the team that went 2-14 last season, and he will look to make a statement in his old stomping grounds. It’s too early to tell if these two clubs will be good this season, but you can bet we’ll see some interesting offensive schemes with new Eagles coach Chip Kelly’s hurry-up attack pitted against the always unpredictable Reid, who has never been shy to pull out some trick plays.
New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons
When: Sept. 29, Week 4
Why: Matt Ryan vs. Tom Brady
In a year with the highest expectations for the Falcons, Matt Ryan faces his first real test of the season in Week 4 when Tom Brady and the Patriots make their way to the Georgia Dome. Not only is this a matchup of two Super Bowl contenders in the first quarter of the season, it’s Ryan’s first opportunity of 2013 to prove that he can win the big game.
Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts
When: Oct. 20, Week 7
Why: Peyton’s return to Indianapolis
For the first time since he joined John Elway’s Broncos in Denver, Peyton Manning returns to Indianapolis to take on his replacement, Andrew Luck. Despite a magnificent run with the Colts, Manning will no doubt be looking to exact vengeance on the team that released him a year and a half ago. Football fans everywhere should be looking forward to what should be an emotional contest at Lucas Oil Stadium from these gunslingers.
Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons
When: Nov. 10, Week 10
Why: Rematch of NFC Divisional game
How different would last year’s playoffs have looked if Russell Wilson and the Seahawks had been able to capitalize on their big comeback and hold on to bounce the Falcons from the post-season? In what could be a pivotal game in the NFC, Wilson gets the chance to redeem himself, but it won’t come easy against Ryan and the Falcons. It’s also going to be fun to watch Roddy White and Richard Sherman square off; they don’t like each other.
Denver Broncos at New England Patriots
When: Nov. 24, Week 12
Why: Welker returns to Foxborough/Manning vs. Brady Part XIV
Christmas is coming early for football fans. Not only does this Sunday night game feature the 14th standoff between future Hall of Fame quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning (Brady leads the series 9-4), but it also marks the return of Wes Welker to New England. After a less-than-affable exit, Welker isn’t likely to get a hero’s welcome at Gillette Stadium. This has no choice but to be a great game.
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
When: Nov. 24, Week 12
Why: Greg Jennings’ return to Lambeau
Since leaving Green Bay for their division rivals in Minnesota, Greg Jennings has been critical of his former team, specifically calling out 2011 MVP Aaron Rodgers. All of that will come to a head when the Vikings make their first trip to Lambeau since acquiring the 29-year-old receiver, who’s not likely to get a warm welcome, from the fans or the weather. If Jennings scores a touchdown, do you think he’ll do a Lambeau Leap? I sure hope so.
San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins
When: Nov. 25, Week 12
Why: RG3 vs. Kaepernick
The two quarterbacks that changed the game in 2012 will finally face off in the U.S. capital on Thanksgiving weekend. The read option will be on full display in this Monday night matchup, and the final result will likely be determined by which defence can do the most damage control. Who knows if these teams are at the top of their respective divisions come Week 12, but this game could have major implications in the NFC playoff picture.
New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens
When: Dec. 22, Week 16
Why: A repeat of AFC title game
Week 16 is the week of conference title rematches. Tom Brady and the Patriots were stifled by the Ravens defence in the AFC championship game last year, as Baltimore’s defence forced three turnovers and held New England’s offence to just 13 points. While they might not admit it, we all know Belichick and Brady will want their revenge. Both teams will likely be fighting for post-season positioning in Week 16, so expect a hard-fought contest at M&T Bank Stadium.
Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers
When: Dec. 23, Week 16
Why: A repeat of NFC title game
Atlanta came within 13 yards of advancing to the Super Bowl last season and will get their shot at redemption against the 49ers late in the year when they travel to San Francisco for the final Monday night matchup of the season. This game could have larger implications than that, however, as both of these teams should be vying for the top spot in the conference or at least a first-round bye in the playoffs.
