2011 NFL Schedule: 20 Key Games To Get Excited About

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Now that the NFL lockout is finally over, it is 100 percent guaranteed that we're going to have a full season—yeah, that's right! Get excited! 

As we're all gearing up for kickoff in just over a month, here are 20 games to get excited about. 

 

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Week 5: New York Jets vs. New England Patriots

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When the New York Jets pay a visit to Gillette Stadium during Week 5, do you think that Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are going to let the Jets embarrass them for the second straight game?

I don't think so.

Expect this game to be a tough, physical battle—this is what football is all about: Pats vs. Jets. 

Week 1: New Orleans Saints vs. Green Bay Packers

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Is there any better way to kick off the 2011 NFL season than with the two recent Super Bowl champions facing off against each other? 

The Green Bay Packers will set foot on their course of defending their Super Bowl title as they host the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football to start off the 2011 season. 

Week 7: Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints

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A rematch of XLIV: Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints.

Do I need to say much more?

Both teams rank among the elites in the NFL, and this should be a high-scoring battle. 

Week 16: New York Giants vs. New York Jets

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Jets vs. Giants—the battle of New York. 

The Giants and Jets should be gearing up for the playoffs in their Week 16 bout, and there is a good chance that one of these teams will be fighting for a playoff spot.

Week 2: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons

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I want everyone to mark this down on their calenders—it's going to be Michael Vick's second trip back to Atlanta and his first trip back as a starter in Week 2 of this upcoming season. 

Do you think the stadium will be filled with more boos or more cheers?

I'm hoping more boos. 

Week 9: Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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What could be better than the 2010 AFC Championship rematch?

Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens will look to get some revenge as they make their annual trip to Pittsburgh in Week 9. 

This is going to be a critical game that will be a key determining factor in the results of the AFC North division. 

Week 9: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots

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The record 18-1 will be scarred into New England Patriots' fans forever and count on every single Patriots' player and fan to get ready to welcome the New York Giants into Foxborough during Week 9. 

A rematch of Super Bowl XLII—do you think that Tom Brady is going to have revenge of his mind?

You bet. 

Week 3: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts

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Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts should rank atop the league as two of the most dominant teams, even at Week 3 of the NFL season.

The Steelers will have their hands full as they'll try to contain Peyton Manning in his house. 

Week 13: Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots

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Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning—do I really need to say more? 

The clash of the league's top two players. 

Week 4: New York Jets vs. Baltimore Ravens

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The New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens will face off yet again, but this time, Rex Ryan and his Jets will be paying a visit to Baltimore. 

Keep in mind that this is Ryan's first trip back to Baltimore after becoming New York's head coach. 

Week 16: Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

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The Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers were in a tight race for the NFC North crown in 2010 and should be in yet another race this season.

Both teams will conclude their season with a heavyweight battle in Green Bay. 

This game could make or break their playoff hopes. 

Week 8: New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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The New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers have been two of the most dominating teams in the most recent decade and will square off yet again in Pittsburgh during Week 8.

This should be an amazing game, as both teams are close to the top, if not at the top, in nearly every single power ranking entering this season. 

Week 2: Chicago Bears vs. New Orleans Saints

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After the New Orleans Saints pay a visit to the Packers in Green Bay, a week later they'll be host to the Chicago Bears. 

Both teams are set up to win in 2011 and will likely be two of the better teams in the NFC. 

Week 5: Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons

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Packers vs. Falcons, this is going to be a good one.

Week 5 will feature a rematch of a 2010 NFC Divisional battle between the reigning Super Bowl champions Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Falcons. 

Week 15: New York Jets vs. Philadelphia Eagles

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Michael Vick and his high-flying offense will have a huge challenge facing them in Week 15 as they take on Rex Ryan and the New York Jets. 

Who will prevail? Vick and the Eagles or Ryan and the Jets' overpowering defense?

Week 16: New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons

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Usually Week 16 is just a meaningless week for potential playoff teams, but this game could be a deciding factor in who gets a playoff bye. 

Who do you think will come out on top in the NFC South? 

Week 6: Dallas Cowboys vs. New England Patriots

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Week 6 will feature a matchup between two of the league's biggest markets: Dallas and Boston. 

This should be a media frenzy as America's team will pay a visit to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Patriots. 

This is going to be a battle of the two most recent dynasties in the NFL. 

Week 12: San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens

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Week 12 will feature the first addition of the Harbaugh Bowl.

Brothers, Jim and John, will be squaring off against each other as head coaches for the first time in their young NFL careers. 

Who will gain the bragging rights after this one?  

Week 11: Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots

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Two familar faces will be returning stomping grounds in Week 11 as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will try to take out Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.

This is a classic battle of student vs. teacher. 

Week 14: Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos

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Jay Cutler is going to be making his first regular season trip back to Denver after being traded to the Chicago Bears. 

I am thinking that the Broncos fanbase isn't going to be too friendly with Cutler...