Ten NFL match-ups to watch during the 2020-21 season

Are you ready for some NFL football? That’s a rhetorical question. We all know we’re begging for some football!

We still don’t know if the season will kick off as scheduled. Ultimately, football will be back and it can’t come soon enough. Below are our top 10 matchups of the season and must-see TV for NFL fans around the world.

10. Packers at Bears (January 3, Fox)

Sure, this Week 17 tilt would be far more entertaining if the Packers were battling the Vikings. Consider that a win here for Green Bay could clinch a division title. We predict a season-long dogfight for NFC North supremacy between the Packers and Vikings.

However, a loss at Soldier Field for Aaron Rodgers, in the twilight of his career, with the heir to the throne, Jordan Love, looking over his shoulder could close the curtain on his illustrious career.

9. Eagles at Steelers (October 11, Fox)

The Keystone State Battle is happening this season after a four-year sabbatical. The Eagles have won seven of the last ten meetings between these clubs. However, the Steelers have won the last two games played in Pittsburgh.

Big Ben vs. Carson Wentz, a test of defenses, and an intrastate rivalry: what more do you want?

Which game are you looking forward to most? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/6gRKnLWrOK

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 9, 2020

8. Bengals at Dolphins (December 6, CBS)

This certainly isn’t about the teams. It’s more about rookie quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Joe Burrow. We know Burrow will be starting from jump-street for the Bengals but the verdict is out on Tua.

Debate rages on as to whether Fins fans will have another year of Ryan Fitzpatrick or if Tua will take over by early December? Consider this another LSU vs. Bama showdown!

7. Texans at Chiefs (September 10, NBC)

The Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs is an intriguing matchup. It’s the first NFL game of the 2020-21 season. Fans will be salivating at the prospect of watching the best athletes in the world collide.

Who wins, who loses, who cares?! It’s defending Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes against Deshaun Watson. It’s football and it’s here!

6. Seahawks at 49ers (November 1, Fox)

Here, we have two NFC powerhouses. They both reside in the same division, which cranks up the heat even more. These clubs split last season, and this could be a playoff preview.

Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Russell Wilson is always a treat. Moreover, the teams will meet again in Santa Clara on January 3. However, we have to give this first meeting the edge because there are few stadiums as raucous as the Link in Seattle.

5. 49ers at Patriots (October 25, CBS)

Jimmy Garoppolo is returning to Foxborough after a Super Bowl appearance last season. Patriots fans are wondering, “Why can’t we get guys like this?” Jimmy G was the backup quarterback to Tom Brady before shipping off to the Bay Area.

The comparisons between what New England has (Jarrett Stidham) and what they did have will be inevitable. This game will be the litmus test for the Patriots as to whether the dynasty will continue without Tom Terrific or if the end is indeed nigh in New England.

4. Chiefs at Saints (December 20, CBS)

Whenever the Super Bowl champs come to town, it’s a big deal. However, when they come to the Big Easy, it’s a downright spectacle. Drew Brees and the Saints have unfinished business after getting bounced by the Vikings from the 2019-20 NFL postseason.

What better way to prove their Super Bowl mettle by knocking off the champions? Moreover, this could be a possible preview of Super Bowl LV in Tampa.

3. Patriots at Bills (November 1, CBS)

The Patriots have been crowned AFC East champions for 11 years running. However, that reign of supremacy could come to an end this season after watching their legendary quarterback, Tom Brady, pack up and leave for the Sunshine State. Buffalo is their chief divisional threat.

Additionally, the oddsmakers are making the Bills the favorites to win the AFC East at +125. The Patriots aren’t too far behind at +130. The Bills Mafia will be in a frenzy and ready to dance on the corpse of the long-reigning kings.

Will the Pats have something to say about that? Stay tuned for this November 1 throwdown.

2. Buccaneers at Saints (September 13, Fox)

A case could be made for the Bucs to occupy all ten spots on this list with the arrival of Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Don’t forget the arrival of the greatest tight end to ever lace up the cleats, Rob Gronkowski. “Gronk” came out of retirement in hopes to play one more season with the presumed GOAT Brady.

This is the first of two games between these divisional rivals. This one makes our list because it is the opening week of the season. Additionally, the venue gets no better than New Orleans.

Let’s also consider that we are virtually guaranteed both future Hall-of-Fame QB’s will be suited up for this one. Additionally, they will face off again on November 8, with no certainty if either or both could end up on the injury report.

.@AdamSchein’s 9 Best Primetime Games of 2020:

1. @Chiefs at @Ravens
2. @Saints at @Buccaneers
3-9. https://t.co/mgcYSK0PMA pic.twitter.com/vWcnH7qntQ

— NFL (@NFL) May 8, 2020

1. Chiefs at Ravens (September 28th, ESPN)

Arguably the two best teams in the league will collide in Baltimore. It’s potentially the AFC Championship matchup that never materialized last season. The Ravens were stunned by the 2019 Tennessee Titans.

Additionally, the Chiefs were ecstatic that their most dangerous rival would not be playing for the conference championship. Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, the two most exciting and talented gunslingers in the NFL, will go head-to-head. The odds that this is a preview of the AFC title tilt in January are very good.