2012 NFL Schedule: Matchups That Deserve Prime-Time Spotlight

The anticipation for the release of the NFL schedule has reached a fever pitch, and all the game dates, times and television networks are expected to be announced at some point today. With so many games to choose from, how can we possibly pick just a few worth circling for prime time?

After all, being put under the bright lights of Thursday, Sunday or Monday Night Football is an honor, one that not every team gets the opportunity to do because they haven't performed well enough to earn the right. 

With that said, here are the games we have circled on our calendar—hypothetical, of course, since the schedule has yet to be released—that deserve to be put under the bright lights on NBC or ESPN. 

San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots

This is one of those classic matchups with two teams built on entirely different foundation that could be one of the best games of the year. 

The 49ers are led by the upbeat, energetic Jim Harbaugh. He brought a swagger back to the once-proud franchise that it hasn't had since the days of Steve Young, Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. The only difference is, this team is built on a strong, hard-hitting defense and an improving offense, led by Alex Smith. 

On the other side of the field, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are the preeminent coach-quarterback duo of this generation. Their offensive firepower would make a great contrast to the physical defense the 49ers play. 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos

There are very few teams in the NFL that you can say Peyton Manning has struggled against. The Patriots had a lot of success against him in the early-2000s before shifting to a more offensive style of play. 

The Steelers have always had a dominant defense that Manning has had problems overcoming. He has had his share of success against them because he is that good, but as a whole, the black and yellow have been his kryptonite. 

All eyes are going to be focused on Manning and the Broncos early in the season. No matter when the NFL decides to put these teams on the field, it is going to be must-see TV. 

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

Sure, these two teams play twice every year, but when you can put the talents of Cam Newton and Drew Brees on the fast surface at the Superdome, imagine the offensive fireworks that will be on display. 

The Panthers have a great chance to at least compete for a wild-card spot in the NFC if they can get someone to stop the run on defense, but the offense is ready to do great things already. Newton could emerge as a serious MVP candidate after arguably the greatest rookie season in NFL history by a quarterback. 

The Saints are going to be the source of a lot of attention because of what has happened to them this offseason, but they still have Brees, Marques Colston and Jimmy Graham. That's not a bad foundation to build around. 

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