After the unveiling of the schedule for the next season in the NFL on Wednesday night, it’s as if fall suddenly seemed upon us. No way to skip summer, but nothing prevents a bit of salivating when imagining a season when sports trips could once again be welcome. Otherwise, it will be necessary to be content with the small screen, but, one thing is certain, several high-caliber duels will come to seduce fans of the oval ball. Here are 10 games that will be exciting to watch, for different reasons.
1. Cowboys vs. Buccaneers – Week 1 – September 9
It’s the traditional opening duel on Thursday night, at the home of the defending champions, in this case, the Buccaneers. At first glance, it’s easy to tell yourself that the Cowboys, with their very ordinary performance in recent years, have no place in such a meeting. It will be the highly anticipated return of quarterback Dak Prescott, however, after his devastating fractured right ankle.
2. Ravens vs. Raiders – Week 1 – September 13
Why target this clash? Because all last season the Raiders were called the Las Vegas Raiders, but they never got to know the supporters of their new kingdom. It’s a safe bet that their new palace will be crowded with enthusiasts. In a way, it’s probably the real year 1 in the city of vice that will take off.
3. Buccaneers vs. Patriots – Week 4 – October 3
Does this duel really require a justification in this list? It will be the great moment when a certain Tom Brady will reconnect with the New England fans, whom he rocked for 19 seasons as a starting quarterback. Bill Belichick certainly won’t wait for him with roses. We will be told all week that it’s a game like any other. Don’t believe it.
4. Bills vs. Chiefs – Week 5 – October 10
Make way for the rematch of the last edition of the American Conference final, last January! An epic duel in perspective, with two teams that will logically be among the big favorites to win it all this year. Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes are two of the most electrifying quarterbacks of the new generation and this rivalry is only just beginning.
5. Chiefs vs. Washington – Week 6 – October 17
Here is a duel that does not seem so inviting at first glance. However, it risks taking on a tasty “local” character in Quebec. Guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif will be back with the Chiefs, while cornerback Benjamin St-Juste will be in his first season in Washington. Games featuring two Quebeckers are a rare commodity in the NFL.
6. Lions vs. Rams – Week 7 – October 24
Normally, nothing to report … except this year! These two teams made one of the most important transactions of the offseason, trading the services of their two quarterbacks. Jared Goff, in charge of the Lions attack, will arrive at his former home, where ex-Lion Matthew Stafford now holds the keys. Two proud athletes who will want to look good.
7. Texans vs. Cardinals – Week 7 – October 24
We are clearly not talking here of a duel that could have a major impact on the portrait of the playoffs, but it will smell of revenge for two former big stars of the Texans who moved to the Cardinals, receiver DeAndre Hopkins and defensive lineman JJ Watt. Two Quebec tight ends, Antony Auclair (Texans) and Bruno Labelle (Cardinals), could also be in the game.
8. Packers vs. Chiefs – Week 9 – November 7
It is in perspective one of the most enticing duels of the season between two big football machines, among the best teams in the league. However, a big cloud hangs over this dream clash. Will star quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ row with the Packers force an acrimonious divorce? Here is a file to follow. If he is in position against the Chiefs of Patrick Mahomes, beware!
9. Browns vs. Packers – Week 16 – December 25
Merry Christmas! No kidding, if the Packers and Browns still live up to expectations this season, it will be hard not to peek at the TV on December 25 for a game of this quality. Not to mention that at this late stage of the season, the impact may be great on these two serious aspirants. The Browns’ defense promises to be transformed this season.
10. Jaguars vs. Jets – Week 16 – December 26
Before violently dishing out your last meal at the sight of these two uninspiring teams, remember one thing. It will be a rare duel between two quarterbacks chosen in the first two rows of the same draft. Trevor Lawrence was the Jaguars ‘first pick, while Zach Wilson was the Jets’ runner-up. Both will be starters barring a disaster.
