NFL 2013 Schedule: Hot Interconference Matchups You Don't Want to Miss

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers will travel to face Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens at some point on the 2013 NFL schedule—one of the hottest interconference battles on the slate this upcoming season. 

This isn't the only compelling AFC vs. NFC matchup on the schedule, either. 

While divisional matchups are more important for teams to win than interconference battles in the grand scheme of things, it's fun for fans to watch the best teams from each conference battle it out from time to time. 

We don't yet know when teams will face each other, as the NFL has yet to announce the schedule, despite a report from John Ourand of Sports Business Journal that indicated the schedule would be released on April 16.

Greg Aiello recently sent out a message on Twitter, saying it would be released when they have it, but they don't have it yet:

Thankfully, we know which teams will face off in 2013, which allows us to dream about the glorious 2013 NFL season, which is only a few months away.

With that in mind, these are the top interconference games you won't want to miss next season.

Green Bay Packers at Baltimore Ravens

Aaron Rodgers vs. Joe Flacco. 

Despite the fact that both teams feature dynamic pass-rushers and ball-hawking secondaries, this contest will likely end up being a shootout between these two top quarterbacks. 

Both teams feature an elite corps of receiving options, and both quarterbacks are adept at making big throws downfield. Big plays will be the order of the day.

Just as compelling a storyline is that by the time this game is played, the two starting quarterbacks will likely be the highest-paid players in NFL history. Flacco already signed the richest deal in history, and Rodgers and the Packers are reportedly working on a deal to trump it. 

Throw in the fact that these two teams have won two of the last three Super Bowls, and you have a recipe for greatness. 

Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts

This will be one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the year, as second-year quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson will go head to head for the first time in their careers.

Amazingly, both of them led their respective team to the playoffs as rookies in 2012. Given the way they performed in the latter stages of last season, they'll only get better in 2013. 

On paper, the Seahawks should run away with this game, given the defensive firepower that team features. That said, Luck showed an amazing capacity to overcome impossible odds against top teams last year.

More than likely, this contest will go down to the wire, with one of the young gunslingers coming through with a game-winning touchdown drive near the final whistle. 

You won't want to miss it. 

Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers

For those of you who appreciate a good, old-fashioned defensive battle, this is the game for you.

Though both teams feature offenses capable of putting up big numbers on the scoreboard, it's hard to imagine a lot of scoring going on when the 49ers host the Texans sometime next season. 

The 49ers feature arguably the best defense in the NFL. With Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman roaming the middle and Justin Smith and Aldon Smith wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks, it's hard for teams to find consistent success on offense.

J.J. Watt is the most dominant defender at any position in the NFL. Amazingly, he played all of last season with torn ligaments in his elbow—a frightening thought for opposing offensive linemen. 

Colin Kaepernick, Frank Gore, Andre Johnson and Arian Foster will likely make some impact plays, but don't be surprised if this game is won by means of a defensive touchdown. 

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