2012 NFL Schedule: Games That Should Be Featured in Prime Time

The first thing most fans probably looked at when the NFL schedule was released yesterday was how many prime-time games their favorite team had. Based on the new format, every team will be featured at least once under the lights.

Let's take a look at three games that didn't get the prime-time nod despite deserving it. Each of them could very well end up being some of the year's best clashes.

San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers (Week 1)

The 49ers were last season's biggest surprise. They posted a 13-3 regular season record and came within one win of the Super Bowl. Instead of feeling content with the improvement, the front office upgraded the receiving corps with Mario Manningham and Randy Moss to strengthen the team's roster.

It's been a quiet offseason for the Packers after an early playoff exit. That type of disappointment can often cause teams to overreact, but Green Bay kept most of the team together to make another run. It's a decision that should put the Packers right back in the mix.

Since both teams fall firmly into the NFC contenders category, this game should have been one of the four opening-week prime-time games. It could be an NFC title game preview.

Philadelphia Eagles at Pittsburgh Steelers (Week 5)

Even though the Eagles didn't live up to the sky-high expectations last season, they did make a late charge and should be a much bigger threat this season. Chemistry takes time to develop, so it wouldn't be a shock to see them finally gel together and take off, as long as Michael Vick stays healthy.

The Steelers defense has started to show some signs of aging, but it's still one of the league's elite units. Along with several dynamic weapons on offense, Pittsburgh should be an AFC force once again next season. The Steelers are truly a model franchise.

This game has everything TV executives could seemingly want for prime time. An in-state rivalry between two contending teams from sports-crazed cities.

New York Giants at Baltimore Ravens (Week 16)

The defending champions have several tough games on their schedule, especially down the stretch, but none might be more challenging than going on the road to face the Ravens. And in the ultra-competitive NFC East, it's likely going to turn into an important game.

Joe Flacco will be the most compelling story surrounding the Ravens. It's really a make-or-break season for the young quarterback, who took a big step in the wrong direction in 2011 after slowly progressing during the first few years of his career. The Giants defense is a great late test.

Since it's late in the season, there's still a chance the game will get flexed into the Sunday Night Football spot. It really deserves the spotlight, especially if the game means something to both teams.