2012 NFL Schedule: Previewing the Most Epic Games in Primetime

Night games during the season are the most appealing as pivotal postseason implications are at stake every week. When it comes to the prime-time games, it's the featured matchup of that day and/or week.

Here, we take a preview at some of the most epic night games for the 2012 NFL season.

Full view of the 2012 NFL Schedule.

Week 1: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens

It may be a Week 1 matchup, but the Bengals and Ravens are going to be fighting for the AFC North division title all season. Cincinnati fielded a top-10 defense in 2011 and the Ravens were in the top five, but the real story lies in the offense.

Baltimore had trouble with pass protection in the postseason and Cincinnati, although balanced, wasn't explosive. As for this game, expect the Bengals to come out blazing by taking shots downfield early.

Receiver A.J. Green is one of the most exciting players to watch and the Ravens must double-team him for 60 minutes. Cincinnati needs this dimension to set up the running game later on, because Baltimore's strength is controlling the trenches.

When Baltimore has the rock, expect the Bengals to double-team Torrey Smith and play man coverage elsewhere. Doing so allows them to stack the box and have a linebacker spy on Ray Rice. The Ravens must get early production from tight end Ed Dickson, as the Bengals were vulnerable against the intermediate passing game.

Provided that each offense manages to stretch the defense, the winner will possess the more effective ground game.

Prediction: Ravens 26, Bengals 20

Week 13: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

Last season the Eagles were inconsistent until the final month and Philadelphia closed on a four-game win streak. Dallas, however, got swept by the Eagles, lost the division title to the Giants and went just 2-4 in the division.

2012 brings increased expectations for each franchise because the Cowboys upgraded via free agency and the Eagles are working on momentum. The key here for each defense will be to get a constant pass rush as both offenses can be extremely high-powered.

Both teams present a balanced attack; therefore it's up to the front seven all game long. The Eagles have a dual-threat back in LeSean McCoy and the mobile Michael Vick to make plays out of the pocket. DeMarcus Ware will need a big game at causing fumbles, as pressure alone won't be enough.

The Cowboys' improved pass defense can shutdown the Eagles' receivers, so McCoy's production on the ground will be crucial. When Tony Romo is under center, anticipate the Eagles blitzing up the middle.

Dallas will need to run the ball between the tackles as Trent Cole and Jason Babin remain on the outside. DeMarco Murray will need to be effective enough for play-action, because Philly's secondary has the capability to blanket Big D's receivers.

The winner will field the better rush offense, because setting up play-action will limit the aggressive pass rush.

Prediction: Eagles 24, Cowboys 21

Week 14: Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers

Another division matchup, the Packers and Lions are expected to battle once again for the NFC North title. The difference with 2012 however, is that both will present improved defenses to slow the passing game.

In the draft we have to expect both franchises will address the vulnerable dark sides, because each allowed a boatload of passing and rushing yards in 2011.

As for this game, the Lions will need to utilize the running game more than the Packers, because Calvin Johnson can make a play at any given time. So, Detroit must slow the game down and control the tempo between the tackles and the intermediate passing game.

Green Bay on the other hand, needs to keep a double-team on Johnson and use a spy linebacker to cover the middle. Offensively, the cheese must stick to its guns and dice up the Lions pass defense.

The Packers have the better at-will running game and it will come in handy on draws and quick tosses. Therefore, expect the Lions to play a lot of man coverage behind an overload of blitzes, because pressure from all over is how you stop Aaron Rodgers.

Whichever team fields the better pass defense will obviously win, as the offenses still remain a few steps ahead.

Prediction: Packers 30, Lions 27

Week 14: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots

The Monday Night game of Week 14 pits two top AFC title contenders in Houston and New England against one another.

Until Tom Brady is no longer under center, we can never count out the Patriots, and the Texans are a franchise on the rise. What we get here is a colossal matchup between the Houston defense and New England offense.

The Texans can get pressure from any front seven defender from anywhere and the secondary plays impressive man coverage with some zone mixed in. Brady will have to simply spread the field and use every target available, because Houston is bringing pressure and Wade Phillips' crew will get to him.

So, the real matchup to watch for resides between Houston's offense and the Pats' defense. Provided that the Texans add a receiver early in the draft and Bill Belichick spruces up his defense, this will potentially be an AFC title preview.

Expect the Texans to remain balanced as Arian Foster will get the rock on tosses, traps, counters, screens and check downs. New England will load the box but not blitz, because tight end Owen Daniels is a threat over the middle.

If the Houston passing game is improved, the Pats will have trouble defending both phases. The victor will be the team that gets quarterback pressure and manages to play solid coverage behind it.

Prediction: Texans 27, Patriots 23

John Rozum on Twitter.