Sunday Night Football 2012 Schedule: Breaking Down Must-See Matchups

The NFL giveth. For the moment, that is relegated to the official release of the 2012 season schedule, and some of the best will again feature on Sunday night. 

The schedule has finally been released, and the millions that have been waiting with bated breath can now subsequently freak out. 

The 2012 season starts now. 

At least, the real debate on where teams will feature and how they will fare in this gauntlet of a schedule. We can finally discuss to our hearts content the marquee matchups that guarantee to keep us riveted for four quarters. 

Here are the best of the bunch that will fall on Sunday night. All times are ET. 

For the entire schedule, visit the official page of the NFL. 

You can also take a look at every last Sunday night game in 2012 here. 

1. Week 1: Steelers vs. Broncos - Sunday, Sept. 9th - 8:20 p.m. - NBC

It's the first Sunday night game, and arguably the most engaging potential watch. We will finally get to see Peyton Manning back on the field after a season lost to injury. 

The fact that he is back with a team other than the Colts heightens the expectations. The Broncos may be downplaying expectations, but we know better. 

You don't sign a legend like Manning and not expect immediate and positive returns. He gets a true test right away against the Steelers, a team that will be gunning to take down the Manning hype. 

2. Week 12: Packers vs. NY Giants - Sunday, Nov. 25th - 8:20 p.m. - NBC

The schedule is packed with intriguing possibilities, but I am hopeful for this grudge match between top-tier teams. 

The Giants stifled the Packers offense that seemed unstoppable, and Green Bay couldn't keep a red-hot Giants offense at bay. 

I have a feeling the Packers will have this marked on their calendars. I could go for a shootout at this time of year anyway. 

3.  Week 15: 49ers @ Patriots - Sunday, Dec. 16th - 8:20 p.m. - NBC

A ton could happen between now and the start of the season, so I enter this assumption carefully. This game will feature two top-five teams in the league. 

The 49ers will have a good portion of their cast back, and the defense will be just as dangerous. This very well could be a precursor to the Super Bowl. 

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