With the release of the 2012 NFL schedule, the excitement over this year’s slate of games is at an all-time high.

With that said, it’s time to analyze the schedule and power rank which of the regular season matchups are a prelude to what’s should expect from the postseason.

All of the following games will be great during the regular season, but they will be even better when you get them a second, or even third, time in the playoffs.

1. Week 17, Dec. 30: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants 1 p.m. ET, FOX

With the New York Giants looking to defend their Super Bowl Championship, the biggest factor standing in their way is the division rival Philadelphia Eagles. With improvements across the board, the war for NFC East supremacy will be intense. The last game of the season could decide which of these teams goes on and which goes home.

2. Week 5, Oct. 7: Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots, 4:15 p.m. ET, CBS

While a few fans will be watching to see if the Patriots made improvements with their pass rush, this game will be all about the battle of the quarterbacks. As much as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have faced each other, Manning’s position under center for the Broncos is something very odd. This early-season game will set the tone for Manning’s stay in Denver.

3. Week 1, Sept. 9: Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers 4:15 p.m. ET, FOX

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers will be a top contender from the NFC, but they won’t have to wait long to have their first major test in the San Francisco 49ers. With a great defense and another year of offensive rebuilding under their belt, the 49ers will try to set the pace for the season by beating Green Bay. The Packers will try and do the same.

4. Week 11, Nov. 18: Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

There is no better feud in all of professional sports right now than the rift between AFC North foes the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. With plenty of mutual admiration and enough animosity to make any game a war, there is a chance these teams could duel three times this season. Who said too much of a good thing was bad?

5. Week 7, Oct. 22: Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The NFC North has turned into one of the toughest divisions in football, and one of the most undervalued rivalries is between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. With both teams taking huge steps forward over the last two seasons, it’s time to see which of these division foes will reign supreme.

Check back for more on the National Football League as it comes and check out Bleacher Report’s NFL Page to get your fill of all things football.

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