2012 NFL Matchups That Must Be Played in Prime Time

While the 2012 NFL schedule has yet to be released, we do know how each team will play next season. Given that knowledge, we can pick out which games should be played in prime time in 2012. 

Here's the long list of games that are worthy for a Monday, Sunday or Thursday night, plus holidays:

Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: Could wind up being a preview of the AFC's title game.  

Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens: A rematch of the AFC Championship game between two teams who will be title contenders again in 2012.

Patriots vs. New York Jets: Could throwing Tim Tebow in the mix get the Jets back on the Patriots' level? 

Patriots vs. San Francisco 49ers: A potential Super Bowl XLVII matchup.

Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh will get their first crack at revenge for what Tebow pulled off in the playoffs.

Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans: Mario Williams returns home, and on a possible contender no less.

Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Could there be a changing of the guard in the AFC North next season?

Texans vs. Green Bay Packers: Another potential Super Bowl preview game between two stacked rosters. 

Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning gets his first taste of the Broncos-Raiders rivalry.

Broncos vs. Steelers: This matchup is looking more and more likely to be a Week 1 prime-time game.

Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints: What more can you ask for than Manning vs. Drew Brees?

Giants vs. 49ers: An intriguing NFC title game rematch. 

Giants vs. Packers: The last two Super Bowl champions. It has a little revenge feel to it too. 

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Steelers: You can split Pennsylvania down the middle for this intra-state matchup. 

Packers vs. Detroit Lions: The Packers are still the lead dogs in the division, but the Lions are closing in fast.