The 2021 NFL schedule will be released on Wednesday May 12th, and the anticipation is through the roof.
The matchups are already known, but the order will soon be revealed. Here are the top-10 most anticipated games:
10. Detroit Lions @ Los Angels Rams
After 12 seasons in Detroit, Matthew Stafford was dealt to the Rams this offseason. Stafford is the all-time passing leader for the Lions, and really made an impact on that franchise in a positive manner. He wasn’t able to deliver the Lions a deep playoff-run, but it’s obvious that the Lions never properly surrounded Stafford in his tenure in Detroit. But, with the Lions undergoing another reboot, Stafford’s time was done there.
On the flip side, in the Stafford trade, the Lions acquired Jared Goff. The Rams selected Goff with the first-overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. Goff concluded his tenure with a 42-27 record, and helped the Rams reach Super Bowl LIII.
I’m really intrigued to see how L.A. welcomes Goff back, and I’m excited to get to see Stafford against his former team. The game itself likely won’t be anything special, but the storylines here are too good to pass-up on.
9. The Home Opener for the Las Vegas Raiders
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Raiders were unable to allow fans into their new $1.9 billion Las Vegas home, Allegiant Stadium.
But, as long as things progress the way they currently have been, Allegiant Stadium will likely be packed with fans in 2021. The Raiders playing a home game in Las Vegas is must see television. Regardless of the opponent, I can’t wait to see that environment in Vegas.
8. Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers
The Seahawks and Packers have proved to be must-see when they square off. From the “Fail Mary” in 2012, to the NFC Championship game in 2014, to the Divisional Round in the 2019 playoffs, all have proven to be classics.
Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers are both top-5 quarterbacks in the game, and both will likely be jockeying for playoff seeding down the stretch.
As long as Aaron Rodgers remains in Green Bay, circle this matchup on your calendar when the schedule is released.
7. Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers
Coming into their final matchup in 2020, the Chiefs had beaten the Chargers in 12 of their last 13 matchups. But, the Chargers pulled off the upset this time-around. However, it’s tough to give the Chargers any credit with Chad Henne under center for the Chiefs.
Despite the Chargers lack of success, I believe this matchup could result in one of the best rivalries in the NFL. In 2020, Justin Herbert proved to be one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in football, and I expect an even better version of him in 2021.
Mahomes vs. Herbert could really be something to watch over the next decade, and I think it all starts this coming season.
6. Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are the clear-cut favorite to win the AFC in 2021, but who could stand in their way?
One logical guess could be the Browns, who are coming off their best season since 1994. They almost snuck by the Chiefs in the Divisional Round, and seem poised for success in 2021.
The Browns got better defensively this offseason, and will likely get Odell Beckham Jr. back in the fold (at some point).
I think the Browns are legitimate challengers in the AFC, and we’ll get to see them matchup with the Chiefs, yet again.
5. Green Bay Packers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Many believed that this could have been a Super Bowl matchup the past two seasons. But, the Packers have stumbled in the NFC Championship game in each of the last two years. Maybe this year it finally happens.
At the very least, we’ll finally get to see Mahomes and Rodgers square off for the first time. As long as Aaron Rodgers remains in Green Bay, this game is can’t miss.
This game would certainly be higher on my list, but with the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers, I’ll slot this game at #5.
4. Buffalo Bills @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady has owned the Bills throughout his career, going 32-3 in his 35 career matchups.
32-3, is just an absurd record to have over a two-decade long span.
But, Josh Allen has taken a multitude of steps in the right direction, and was a candidate to win the MVP award in 2020.
Could this finally be the chance for the Bills to knock off Brady? Or, will Brady get one more opportunity to beat down Buffalo?
3. Kansas City Chiefs @ Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson has a 30-7 career record in the regular season, and three of those losses have been from the Chiefs. Jackson is 0-3 in his career against Kansas City, with a completion percentage of 52.3%.
But, all three games have been compelling, and two of the three were decided by five points or fewer.
The Ravens and the Chiefs high-pace offenses are a sure-bet to on display in this matchup. Could this be the year that Lamar Jackson finally breaks through against the Chiefs?
The Ravens are another team that could emerge as true contenders for the Chiefs in the AFC.
2. Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs
The Bills and Chiefs are set for a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship game.
It’s still crazy to fathom that the Bills had a real chance at a Super Bowl appearance last season. Josh Allen had them in position, before a lack-luster second half performance.
The Browns and Ravens could pose as a threat to the Chiefs, but I believe that the Bills are best equipped to take them out.
They have the defense to help limit Mahomes, and if Allen plays like he did in 2020, Buffalo will have a real opportunity.
This game has fireworks written all over it.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New England Patriots
This game has to be #1 on the list, it has to be.
Tom Brady returning to Gillette Stadium will have EVERYONE’S eyes.
The Patriots spent over $200 million this offseason, and Brady is coming off of his seventh Super Bowl title.
This game will break all sorts of viewing records, it’s not even up for debate.
Tom Brady vs. Bill Belichick, it doesn’t get better than that.