2012 NFL Schedule: Marquee Matchups That Will Be Massive Letdowns

Every offseason in the NFL brings with it the weight of expectations from fans because it is a sport that we love so much. We go over the schedule ad nauseum to determine what the best games will be, never once expecting the ones we pick will be disappointments. 

Why would we do that? There are only so many marquee matchups in the NFL each week, so when we see one, we want it to be the best game possible. Unfortunately, though, the teams don't always cooperate with our plans, or they just happen to have a bad week at the wrong time.

Here are the marquee matchups that you have circled on the NFL schedule that will end up disappointing you. 

Carolina at Washington

Admittedly, this one will only be built around the quarterbacks, as the Redskins aren't ready to contend yet. But when you have Cam Newton going up against (presumably) Robert Griffin III, everyone is going to be focused on this game. 

The problem is, the Panthers are a dynamic offensive team with an improving defense that should add a premier playmaker with the No. 9 pick in the draft. The Redskins, on the other hand, are entering a rebuilding phase with (presumably) a rookie quarterback and a poor front seven. 

Newton versus (presumably) RG3 will be great for the marquee, but it won't do much to save the game from being a one-sided affair. 

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots

Speaking of marquee quarterback matchups, how about Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady?

On the surface, this should be one of the best games of the year. Manning and Brady are the two best quarterbacks of this generation, and they have had classic duels in the past, so what's to stop them from doing it again?

Manning's health and rust, for one thing. Also, the Broncos defense is a little overrated. They have two great pass-rushers in Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, but they can't stop the run and their secondary has some age that will eventually catch up to it. 

Brady and Belichick know how to exploit a team's weakness as anyone in the NFL. Given the weapons they have on offense, this game will be a blowout before halftime. 

New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers

These two teams played one of the best games of the year in 2011 on the Thursday night opener. Expectations will be just as high this year, especially with Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees coming off of historic seasons. 

But the Saints are going to take a significant step back this year. Their head coaching situation will be in a state of flux all the way up to the start of the regular season, with Joe Vitt being installed as head coach now that Sean Payton's suspension has started. 

Vitt will then give way to Aaron Kromer for six weeks as he serves his NFL-mandated suspension. 

The Packers won't be as good as their 15-1 record said they were last year, but they are still the best team top to bottom in the NFC. 

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