2011 NFL Season: 16 Weeks Of the Best Upcoming Games This Season

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As we close in on the NFL Season, no football fan can wait to finally see their teams out on the field again in regular season action.

I'm no different, but let's just say I'm not itching to see the Bills face off against the Redskins or the Raiders renew their division 'rivalry' against the Chargers.

No, it's those games between two teams that are vying for playoff position, two teams that you wouldn't be surprised to see playing each-other in the last game before the off-season, two teams that are so equally great that you find yourself changing your pick every half an hour.

It's those games that fans are so riled up to watch, and it's those games that I will now identify. Here are the best games from each week of the upcoming NFL Season. 

Week 1: Saints @ Packers, NBC 8:30 ET Thursday

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What a way to start off the season. Nothing says a great game like the last two Super Bowl Champs duking it out. 

There's a great match-up at nearly every position: Brees vs. Rodgers, Colston vs. Jennings, Thomas vs. Grant. This is gonna be a good one. 

Who's got the edge:

Packers. Both these teams have high-powered offenses, but the Packers have a significant advantage on defense, with Woodson, Mathews, Hawk, and much more. It should be a very close game, but expect the defending Champs to get off to a good start. 

Other Games To Watch:

Steelers @ Ravens, CBS 1:00 ET Sunday - A heated rivalry could be a decider as to who has the edge in the AFC North.

Cowboys @ Jets, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday - The Cowboys try to bounce back from a bad year while Rex Ryan and the Jets try to get off to a good start as they chase that elusive Super Bowl.

Week 2: Eagles @ Falcons, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday

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This game is more than just Vick returning to Atlanta, this game is a battle between two of the better teams in the league.

Vick leads the "dream team" into the ATL, where Matty Ice and the Falcons are waiting for them. 

This battle of the birds will be an early test for both teams as they try to put their name among the NFL's elite. 

Who's got the edge:

Eagles. With Asomugha, Rodgers-Cromartie, and Samuels as their DBs, Philly will be able to effectively shut down White, Jones, and Gonzalez. Michael Turner, Jason Snelling, and Jacquizz Rodgers will be able to keep it close for the Falcons, but eventually they won't be able to match the Eagle's explosive offense. 

Other games to watch:

Chargers @ Patriots, CBS 4:15 ET Sunday - San Diego has a tough early test against Ochocinco and the Pats as they try to prove they're still a playoff team. 

Bears @ Saints, FOX 1:00 ET Sunday - Jay Cutler tries to rebuild his image by leading Chicago to a victory over Brees and the Saints. 

Week 3: Packers @ Bears, FOX 4:15 ET Sunday

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As if this bitter NFC North rivalry wasn't enough, another layer is added to this grudge match with the controversial Cutler injury in last year's NFC Championship game between the two teams.

The Bears are out to prove that they can take Green Bay with Cutler under center the entire game. 

Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley, both coming off injury from last season, will change it up a little from last year's match-up, as will Chicago's free agent signings Marion Barber and Roy Williams, teammates in Dallas last year.

No matter what, this game will not disappoint. 

Who's got the edge:

Packers. Grant and Finley will have trouble against Chicago's great linebackers, but Rodgers will air it out to Jennings and Driver and eventually come out victorious. 

Other games to watch: 

Steelers @ Colts, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday - This match-up between two AFC powerhouses would have easily been the best of the week had Peyton Manning's status not been in question. 

Chiefs @ Chargers, CBS 4:05 ET Sunday - Philip Rivers and the Chargers try to take the first step towards re-taking the division crown against last year's champs, Jamaal Charles and the Chiefs. 

Week 4: Jets @ Ravens, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday

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Two AFC teams on the rise face off trying to legitimize their super bowl aspirations.

Both of these squads need the wins to keep up with their in-division big brothers, New England for the Jets and Pittsburgh for the Ravens. 

These teams both have a lot of experience, but are led by young quarterbacks in Sanchez and Flacco.

These two players may hold the key to their respective teams' futures. Sanchez has a couple of new targets in Plaxico and Derrick Mason, along with Santonio Holmes.

Flacco lost go-to TE Todd Heap and WRs Houshmandzadeh and Stallworth, but gained Lee Evans and rookie Torrey Smith. This one is definitely an important statement game for both teams. 

Who's got the edge:

Jets. Revis should shut down Boldin while Cromartie shuts down Evans while Bart Scott and Calvin Pace pressure Flacco hard. Overall, the Jets defense is the difference as they prove themselves against another AFC heavy-weight. 

Other games to watch:

Steelers @ Texans, CBS 1:00 ET Sunday - Playoff hopeful Houston tries to prove themselves against playoff regular Pittsburgh.

Giants @ Cardinals, FOX 4:05 ET Sunday - New York and Arizona, both trying to get back to the playoffs after falling off last year, face off in the desert. 

Week 5: Jets @ Patriots, CBS 4:15 ET Sunday

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This long-awaited rivalry could just challenge Red Sox-Yankees as the best Boston-New York rivalry.

There's even an added layer of drama with Shaun Ellis going over to the Pats from the Jets this off-season. 

Both teams have new star receivers in Plaxico and Ochocinco, and both have high hopes going into the year.

The winner of this game along with the other game in the Meadowlands could decide which of these teams have to play in wild card weekend. 

Who's got the edge:

Jets. I expect both passing games to be severely hindered in this game. Revis and Cromartie will control Welker and Ochocinco while Haynesworth, Ellis, and Wilfork will be hurrying Sanchez every down like clockwork.

Overall the running backs will decide this game, and the Jets definitely have the edge with Tomlinson and Greene in the backfield compared to New England's Green-Ellis and Woodhead. 

Other games to watch: 

Packers @ Falcons, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday - A rematch of Green Bay's upset over Atlanta in the second round of the playoffs last year should be just as entertaining. 

Chiefs @ Colts, CBS 1:00 ET Sunday - Matt Cassel and the Chiefs try to take advantage of a recovering Manning and keep up with the Chargers in the AFC West. 

Week 6: Cowboys @ Patriots, FOX 4:15 ET Sunday

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One of the best match-ups of the year from 2007 has changed quite a bit since then, with Randy Moss replaced by Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens replaced by Dez Bryant.

Dallas has to prove itself once again against another AFC East powerhouse. 

The Cowboys' secondary will try to contain the group of talented receivers while the Pats will try to slow down Dallas' tandem of running backs in Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. This should be a very good battle. 

Who's got the edge:

Patriots. Despite a weak secondary, New England will be able to hurry Romo and contain Jones in the running game. The Cowboys still have some work to do before they get to the Pats' level. 

Other games to watch: 

Saints @ Buccaneers, FOX 4:15 ET Sunday - Josh Freeman and the young Bucs try to stand up to their division foe New Orleans.

Vikings @ Bears, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday - McNabb gets an in-division test vs. Urlacher and the tough Bears defense. 

Week 7: Colts @ Saints, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday

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As I'm sure the picture makes clear, this game is a rematch of Super Bowl XLIV, when Brees led the Saints past the Colts to hoist the Lombardi trophy. 

By this time, Manning will surely be back and in full swing, so this will be a full-fledged rematch as long as everyone else is healthy.

It should be a darn good one, too, as the Colts make up ground on the rest of the AFC and the Saints try to keep pace with the Falcons. 

Who's go the edge:

Colts. Peyton will be on a mission and not even Drew Brees and the Saint's explosive offense will be enough to match his production. This rematch will have a different outcome. 

Other games to watch:

Steelers @ Cardinals, CBS 4:05 ET Sunday - Another recent Super Bowl rematch will decide whether Kolb really replaced Warner. 

Broncos @ Dolphins, CBS 1:00 ET Sunday - Brandon Marshall facing his old team will be great alone, but add that to Chad Henne vs. Kyle Orton (who the Dolphins were reportedly trying to trade for) and you've got an entertaining game. 

Week 8: Patriots @ Steelers, CBS 4:15 ET Sunday

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Two of the most successful franchises in recent memory face off in what could very well preview this years AFC Championship game. 

Defending League MVP Tom Brady leads the Pats offense against the 'Steel Curtain' defense while Big Ben will try to conquer New England's relentless pass rush.

Both teams need a win as the Jets and Ravens are closing in on them respectively. This game has all the makings of an instant classic. 

Who's got the edge:

Steelers. It's hard enough to beat a team as good as the Steelers, but when you add in the noise of Heinz Field it's downright unheard of. Polamalu will take care of the pass while Harrison contains Green-Ellis. Big Ben will use his quick wide-outs well and exploit New England's weak secondary. 

Other games to watch: 

Cowboys @ Eagles, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday - The 'Dream Team' gets its first taste of the bitter rivalry between Dallas and Philly. 

Chargers @ Chiefs, ESPN 8:30 ET Monday - San Diego and Kansas City check in with each other once more before entering the home stretch for the division crown. 

Week 9: Ravens @ Steelers, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday

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The Steelers are tested at home for the second week in a row, this time against division foe Baltimore.

With Cincinnati plummeting to the bottom of the NFL, these teams are without question tops in the AFC North, but which is better? This game could decide as the season kicks into high gear. 

Flacco will try to match Big Ben's production over the air while Ray Rice and Ricky Williams will try to penetrate the first line of Pittsburgh defense on the ground.

This will be another great installment of the Ravens-Steelers rivalry. 

Who's got the edge:

Ravens. The game will be close throughout, but after a meeting with the Patriots a week ago the Steelers will falter near the end. Ray Rice and Ricky Williams will come at the 'Steel Curtain' relentlessly until it gives, and take full advantage. The Ravens will take this one by a field goal or so. 

Other games to watch: 

Falcons @ Colts, FOX 1:00 ET Sunday - This fantastic match-up will feature two high-powered offenses with very little defensive resistance. 

Giants @ Patriots, FOX 4:15 ET Sunday - A rematch of the 'Head Catch' Super Bowl will decide whether NY is ready to return to the post-season. 

Week 10: Saints @ Falcons, FOX 1:00 ET Sunday

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In an NFC South packed with talent, these two teams stand at the top. This game will help greatly to decide which stands above the other. 

Drew Brees will try to show a young Matt Ryan how it's done at the quarterback position, utilizing his weapons in Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Marques Colston, and the newly acquired Darren Sproles.

Ryan will try to beat Brees at his own game as he airs it out to Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, and rookie Julio Jones. If you like scoring, this division rivalry is the game for you. 

Who's got the edge:

Falcons. While Darren Sharper is busy defending White, Ryan will use Jones and Gonzalez trough air to get the points they need. Michael Turner will do some damage too against New Orleans' weak D line. Add home field advantage to that and you've got yourself a win. 

Other games to watch: 

Patriots @ Jets, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday - The second installment of this great rivalry will be just as important, not to mention just as entertaining. 

Vikings @ Packers, ESPN 8:30 ET Monday - McNabb and Jenkins shake up this classic rivalry as Minnesota attempts to upset the defending champs. 

Week 11: Eagles @ Giants, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday

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The rematch everyone is waiting for. Last season, the explosive DeSean Jackson capped off the Eagles' incredible comeback with a punt return for a touchdown as time expired.

This was heartbreaking in itself for the Giants, and it didn't help that they ended up coming one game short of the playoffs. 

Jackson leads the Eagles back to the Meadowlands for a division rivalry with an added level of hatred. Not to mention, Steve Smith left the Giants for the Eagles this off-season.

Can the younger Manning help the Giants get revenge, or will Vick lead Philadelphia to another victory over their bitter rivals?

Who's got the edge:

Giants. Though the Eagles are without doubt the better team, the hostile environment in that stadium will be too much. The Giants will go 110% to avenge that all-important loss last season, and ultimately they will. 

Other games to watch: 

Chargers @ Bears, CBS 4:15 ET Sunday - Rivers leads the Chargers into Chicago when both teams will be in the heat of a division race. 

Chiefs @ Patriots, ESPN 8:30 ET Monday - Cassel returns to New England in a game that will be all-important in Kansas City's run to repeat in the AFC West. 

Week 12: Patriots @ Eagles, CBS 4:15 ET Sunday

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Asante Samuels returns to New England, where he got his start, in a game that could be a Super Bowl preview. 

Tom Brady tries to prove head-to-head that he did deserve the MVP award last year over Vick. This battle of heavy-weights is going to be a great one. Don't blink while you watch it, or you might miss something. 

Who's got the edge:

Eagles. Philadelphia's group of elite DBs will once again prove useful against a receiving core that includes Ochocinco, Wes Welker, and Deion Branch.

Vick will use his legs to get away from New England's elite pass rush that has caused problems for other teams, and air it out to Jackson and Maclin deep. Expect Philly to make a statement here. 

Other games to watch: 

Giants @ Saints, ESPN 8:30 ET Monday - New York comes off a huge game with the Eagles trying to get a big win over New Orleans coming off a bye-week. 

Steelers @ Chiefs, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday - Kansas City has yet another test against a long-time powerhouse in the AFC. 

Week 13: Colts @ Patriots, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday

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This match-up that has been filled with hatred for so long saw a little love as the lockout ended between Colts center Jeff Saturday and Patriots owner Robert Craft.

But expect the hate to be back as the two face off in what has become an annual game. 

Arguably the two best quarterbacks in the league go head-to-head once again, which always proves to be incredibly entertaining.

Not only is this game one of the biggest non-divisional rivalries in sports, it also has huge seeding implications in the playoffs. 

Who's got the edge:

Colts. As we get into the dog days of the season, Peyton Manning will be a little fresher than Brady after missing training camp, the preseason, and most likely a couple regular season games.

He will be able to air it out better than Brady in a match-up that features two questionable secondaries. Expect a lot of scoring in this yearly clash of the titans. 

Other games to watch: 

Packers @ Giants, FOX 4:15 ET Sunday - This face-off between two elite teams could have huge playoff implications, just like last year's week 17 game between the two that put Green Bay in the post-season rather than New York. 

Eagles @ Seahawks, NFL 8:20 Thursday - As the NFL Season kicks into high gear both these teams will be gunning to defend their thrones in their respective divisions. 

Week 14: Giants @ Cowboys, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday

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This bitter division rivalry may not decide who wins the division, but it could decide which team gets a wild card spot. 

Both teams are trying to get back to the post-season and rebuild their image as one of the nation's elite.

A win here will be critical for both teams as two wild card spots will most likely not come from this division, or any division for that matter.

If one or both of these teams are in position to catch Philadelphia at this point in the season, this game will be even more important.

Who's got the edge:

Giants. Both these teams have young, inexperienced receiving cores, so don't expect much production through the air. The decisive plays in this game will most likely come from the running backs, and I'll take Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw over Felix Jones and Tashard Choice any day. 

Other games to watch: 

Rams @ Seahawks, ESPN 8:30 ET Monday - This match-up in week 17 last season decided the fate of the NFC West and put Seattle in the playoffs where they would go on to upset the Saints. 

Chiefs @ Jets, CBS 1:00 ET Sunday - Both of these teams will need a win to stay in the hunt for the division crown and a wild card spot. 

Week 15: Jets @ Eagles, CBS 4:15 ET Sunday

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Either of these two on-the-rise teams could be in Indianapolis for the big game this season. 

Plaxico Burress leads the Jets into Philadelphia where he used to play every year with the Giants. Both teams will be in the middle of division races and will need a win to solidify their bid for the division crown.

Will Sancez be able to penetrate Philly's Secondary, or will Asomugha, Rodgers-Cromartie, and Samuels get the better of him like they will so many times this year?

Who's got the edge:

Jets. Unlike most teams, New York will be able to conquer the Eagles trio of DB's by using Plaxico's pure height and Holmes' quickness. Both these receivers caught game-winning passes in super bowls, so they're ready for anything. 

Other games to watch:

Ravens @ Chargers, NBC 8:20 ET Sunday -  Both teams will be in the hunt for their division and wild card, so this is not a game you want to miss. 

Packers @ Chiefs, FOX 1:00 ET Sunday - Green Bay will likely be vying for a bye-week in the playoffs while Kansas City will be attempting to make it back to the post-season any way they can.

Week 16: Texans @ Colts, NFL 8:20 ET Thursday

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If the Texans can finally live up to their expectations, this could be one of the most important games in the season.

It could decide which of these teams make the playoffs, as the wild card spots will most likely come from different divisions. 

These teams also play in Week 1, but that week both Peyton Manning's and Arian Foster's statuses are in doubt. With neither of those players in the game, neither offense can function as well as it has the potential to.

In Week 16, though, both players will no doubt be back in action and integrated into the offense well. That means we'll see both offenses at their full ability gunning it out for the AFC South crown. 

Who's got the edge:

Colts. It seems every year we say the Texans are finally going to make it past 16 games, and every year it doesn't happen. I expect the same thing to happen this year. They may threaten for a wild card spot, but i don't see them getting it with the AFC North and AFC East having two fantastic teams each. Better luck next year, Houston (again). 

Other games to watch: 

Giants @ Jets, FOX 1:00 ET Saturday - This Christmas eve duel for football supremacy in the New York area could also decide whether the Giants get back to the playoffs. 

Falcons @ Saints, ESPN 8:30 ET Monday - The second meeting between these two could be even more important in the NFC South race as the season closes out. 

Week 16: Seahawks @ Cardinals, FOX 1:00 ET and 49ers @ Rams, FOX 4:15 ET Sunday

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The NFC West is just too close to call, so I couldn't pick between these two games. I can, however, say that it will be decided in Week 17, just like last year. 

I can't guarantee that the team that wins the west will be great; I can't even guarantee that they'll have a winning record.

What I can guarantee is that they will host a playoff game, and for those of you that think it won't matter who comes out of the West, just remember last year when Seattle took down the defending champ Saints in Wild Card Weekend. 

Who will come out of the NFC West:

Seahawks. A lot of people are down on Tarvaris Jackson, but he has chemistry with Sidney Rice from their time together in Minnesota, and he'll turn it on as the season rolls on. Arizona has Kolb to throw to Fitzgerald now, but no other receivers to take the defense's attention off of Fitzgerald.

St. Louis is rapidly improving, but they're too young and will fall apart towards the end of the season. San Francisco has a great receiving core with Edwards, Crabtree, and Morgan, but no one to throw it to them.

Expect Seattle to repeat as NFC West Champions, and possibly make a splash in the playoffs again. 

Other games to watch: 

Cowboys @ Giants, FOX 1:00 ET - This meeting could decide if either of these teams will get back to the playoffs, and which it will be. 

Bears @ Vikings, FOX 1:00 ET - Adrian Peterson and the Vikings could have the chance to make it back to the playoffs if they can get past Cutler and the Bears. 

Statistics

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Here are the Number of Best Games and Runner up Games that each network has:

NBC (Sunday Night Football) - 8 Best Games, 8 Runner ups

ESPN (Monday Night Football) - 0 Best Games, 6 Runner ups

NFL (Thursday and Saturday Night Football) - 1 Best Game, 1 Runner up

FOX - 4 Best Games, 10 Runner ups

CBS - 4 Best Games, 9 Runner ups

Here are the Number of Best Games and Runner up Games that each team has:

Packers - 1 Best Game, 4 Runner ups

Saints - 3 Best Games, 4 Runner ups

Steelers - 2 Best Games, 5 Runner ups

Ravens - 2 Best Games, 2 Runner ups

Jets - 3 Best Games, 4 Runner ups

Cowboys - 2 Best Games, 3 Runner ups

Eagles - 4 Best Games, 2 Runner ups

Falcons - 2 Best Games, 3 Runner ups

Chargers - 0 Best Games, 5 Runner ups

Patriots - 5 Best Games, 4 Runner ups

Bears - 1 Best Game, 4 Runner ups

Colts - 3 Best Games, 3 Runner ups

Chiefs - 0 Best Games, 7 Runner ups

Texans - 1 Best Game, 1 Runner up

Giants - 2 Best Games, 6 Runner ups

Cardinals - 1 Best Game, 2 Runner ups

Buccaneers - 0 Best Game, 1 Runner up

Vikings - 0 Best Game, 3 Runner ups

Broncos - 0 Best Game, 1 Runner up

Dolphins - 0 Best Game, 1 Runner up

Seahawks - 1 Best Game, 2 Runner up

Rams - 1 Best Game, 1 Runner up

49ers - 1 Best Game, 0 Runner ups

Every other team - 0 Best Games, 0 Runner ups