NFL Schedule: Five Games to Circle on Your Calendar

The NFL, as ever, is making a big dog and pony show out of our finally finding out when the teams we already knew were playing each other are facing off. We might as well aid and abet this lunacy. We’re powerless to stop it.

STEELERS @ PATRIOTS (9/10)

This game might not make this list were it not the season opener, but by that time we are all going to be so desperate for football we’d gladly tune into a rematch of that horrific Cardinals-Panthers playoff game. As much as the NFL can be an onerous burden, it sure is a nice feeling when the games are finally in session again, especially when summer features no World Cup or Olympics to help tide us over.

SEAHAWKS @ PACKERS (9/20)

This is a rematch of both the Fail Mary, and the NFC Championship Game, which was a disastrous collapse for the Packers. You might hear a thing or two about whether these two teams like each other. Spoiler: They don’t. It’s a Week 2 game on Sunday night. Whatever the outcome, irrational conclusions will surely be drawn. It’s not a good game to look bad in, and vice versa.

EAGLES @ COWBOYS (11/8)

This Week 9 matchup is the final time the presumed top two NFC East teams play each other. Whether the Eagles are good or bad, they are going to be compelling on a week-in, week-out basis. The same, though slightly less so, can be said for Cowboys. By then we should have some idea whether or not these teams any good.

BEARS @ PACKERS (11/26)

As the night cap to Thanksgiving, the NFL is making sure everybody will be tuned in through their turkey comas by reportedly pairing the game with Brett Favre’s jersey retirement. No matter how the two teams are faring records wise at that point, the rivalry and ceremony will make it a compelling event.

It should be noted that this won’t be Favre’s first return to Lambeau — he’ll be back there this summer when he’s inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame. Nevertheless, the atmosphere should be electric, and I’ll try my damndest to orchestrate my family logistics in to enable me to be in the building.

PATRIOTS @ BRONCOS (11/29)

Peyton Manning and Tom Brady (and their teams!) meet for the 17th time. LEGACIES WILL BE AT STAKE. Kind of. This is also interesting because it’s around the time of year where Manning’s arm strength dropped off a cliff last season. If that happens again this year — which seems relatively likely — this’d be about the last we see of him.