2012 NFL Schedule: Most Anticipated Matchup Dates in Schedule Release

The NFL is set to release the 2012 schedule tonight live at 7 p.m. ET with wall-to-wall coverage on both NFL Network and NFL.com.

It might seem like overkill for matchups we already know of, but when they'll be played could make all the difference. Like everything in the NFL, fans are eagerly awaiting tonight's unveiling.

Not every game on the 17-week schedule is sure to thrill, but how many times will we see the defending Super Bowl champion Giants or their NFC rivals Green Bay, San Francisco and New Orleans on prime time?

Will TebowMania play a role in the upcoming Jets schedule?

And what can we expect with Peyton Manning in Denver—when will he visit his old friend Tom Brady in Foxborough?

Tonight we find out, but here's a quick look at some of the most heavily-anticipated matchups on the 2012 schedule.

Giants at 49ers

Could we truly be seeing the rebirth of one of the league's most storied rivalries? 

Big Blue and the Niners treated us to two of the most hard-fought games of the season last year, and we can only hope for more of the same in 2012.

To make things even more exciting, San Fran signed two ex-Giants, Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham and running back Brandon Jacobs, so this matchup is sure to be fraught with even more intensity.

This could very well be the NFC Championship Game for the second season in a row.

Broncos at Patriots

Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady needs no justification. Every chance we get to see two of the best quarterbacks ever on the same field, there is absolutely no reason to complain.

Throw in Peyton's new team and what it would mean for them to win in Foxborough, and this is a can't-miss game on the schedule.

Patriots at Ravens

It is hard to avoid playoff rematches, but these two teams are regulars in the postseason and it wouldn't be shocking if they were battling for the top seed when they meet (barring a pre-Week 8 matchup).

The two teams are about as opposite as it gets, and they always bring it to the field.

Cowboys at Giants—Opening Night

This is actually a huge game to start the season with. The Giants and Cowboys played until the final week of the season, and it could have easily been Big D in the playoffs over Big Blue.

This game could be forgotten down the stretch, but the NFC East's top three teams were separated by only one game a year ago, and they typically play that tight on an annual basis.

Not only are the Giants kicking off their title defense, but a win here will give them an immediate edge in the division.

Oh, and it's opening night, meaning football is officially back.

For a look at all the matchups scheduled this season (without dates and times, obviously) click here.