2010 NFL Schedule: Predicting Key Regular Season Games
With the 2010 NFL season set to kick off in just under a month, it's time for predictions!
As always, there will be a select few games that are simply more important than others. Whether they are critical divisional matchups, heated rivalries, or better yet two potential Super Bowl contenders battling it out, there will certainly be a couple games that headline each week and will have all of tuned in for.
Therefore, here are my early predictions for the biggest game of each week.
Be prepared for some very controversial selections!
Note: The criteria I used to determine which the 'biggest game of each week' was either its playoff implications, or the pure hype around it.
Week 1: Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints
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What better way to kick off the new season than having a rematch of last year's NFC Championship overtime thrill?
Both teams will have most of their starters returning and have a great shot at playing deep in the playoffs, and possibly taking home the Lombardi Trophy.
In order for a team to have any chance to stop the defending champion New Orleans Saints, they will need to be able to run the score with them and generate an effective pass rush in order to attempt to stop Drew Brees
The Minnesota Vikings can do exactly that, and more.
However, I think the Saints are simply too talented, and will win a very close game.
Moreover, the odds are with them as defending Super Bowl champions have won their first game the following season for nine years running.
This game is scheduled to broadcast on Thursday, September 9th at 8:30 ET on NBC.
Other notable games: Baltimore Ravens @ New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans
Week 2: New England Patriots @ New York Jets
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The AFC East is sue to be one of the more competitive divisions in football, and this game is one of many critical ones.
The New England Patriots have subtly been undergoing a rebuilding process, especially on defense. Meanwhile, the Jets have invested. Nonethless, both teams are more than capable of not only getting into the playoffs but doing some damage.
I see this game coming down to one thing. Who will suit up? CB Darrelle Revis or WR Wes Welker?
Whichever respective team has their star player at their disposal should win this ball game.
Assuming both are there, though, I'll give the slight edge to the Jets.
This will be their first true test as to whether or not they were simply a one-year wonder.
This game is scheduled to broadcast on Sunday, September 19th at 4:15 PM ET on CBS.
Other notable games: New York Giants @ Indianapolis Colts
Week 3: Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
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The Packers and Bears have one of the most storied rivalries in football, so every game is always a must-watch.
While the Bears have made some significant improvements this off-season, the Packers are simply too good.
They have a premier quarterback, one of the league's best set of weapons, a solid rushing attack, and a dominant defense. They are a Super Bowl-caliber squad, and the Bears could be just a minor speed bump in their journey.
It'll be interesting to see how the Packers offensive line handles Julius Peppers rushing off the edge.
This game is scheduled to broadcast on Monday, September 27th at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN.
Other Notable Games: Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints
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Week 4: Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
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This game will display two teams who carry on the glory of physical, old-fashioned football.
The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are both division rivals, and this could be one of the most important games of the season for them.
The Steelers will need to win this game if they want any chance of staying in the divisional race.
Moreover, since this will most likely be their final game without Roethlisberger, it will be critical for the franchise as a whole.
If the Steelers get beat down on, it may mess with their psyche and will only make Roethlisberger's return that much more difficult.
This game is scheduled to broadcast on Sunday, October 3rd at 1:00 PM ET on CBS
Other Notable Games: Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles
Week 5: Minnesota Vikings @ New York Jets
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Could this be a sneak preview of Super Bowl XLV?
The Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets are two star-studded clubs that will be making serious bids for the Lombardi Trophy.
Plus, if Brett Favre indeed does play next year, it'll make this matchup even better as it will be his first return to the Big Apple since he played for the Jets in 2008.
I expect the Jets to win this one, because they have the ability to negate everything the Vikings do well.
Adrian Peterson may have a tough time getting things started against a feared pass rush and excellent cover corners will limit Brett Favre and their receivers from making those big-time plays down the field.
On the other side of the ball, they will control the clock by running the ball and Mark Sanchez should be able to manage the game. Plus, they have a very underrated receiving core that could pose issues for the Vikings' questionable secondary.
This game is scheduled to broadcast on Monday, October 11th at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN.
Other notable games: San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions,
Week 6: Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
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It's only Week Six and the Vikings are playing their third Super Bowl contender (other two being the Saints and Jets)?
It just goes to show how tough their schedule is and why they may not repeat as division champs this year.
The last time these two faced off is when the Minnesota Vikings stomped on the Cowboys 34-3 in the Divisional playoff game.
While I don't expect the outcome to be as bad again, I think the Vikings will prevail.
Why?
Because the primary reason they lost was because they couldn't handle the Vikings pass rush as they piled on a whopping six sacks. The Cowboys did little to fix that issue (the inconsistent Alex Barron doesn't count), and I could see it being an issue.
Of course, against a weak secondary Tony Romo and his plethora of weapons could overcome.
Whatever happens, its sure to be an exciting contest.
This game is scheduled to broadcast on Sunday, October 17th at 4:15 PM ET on FOX.
Other Notable Games: Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers
Week 7: Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers
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Trust me, I'm trying my best not to have the Vikings in each slide. However, that's the way the season is playing itself out.
This game could be the most critical divisional game of the season, as it will be the first true telling sign as to who's the front runner.
Moreover, to spice things up some more this will be Brett Favre's second return to Lambeau Field.
Unlike last season, I expect his former team to win a close one.
As I referenced to earlier, the Packers are one of the most talented teams in the league, and are even better at home.
This game is scheduled to broadcast on Sunday, October 24th at 8:20 PM ET on NBC.
Other Notable Games: New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers, New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
Week 8: Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
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The Indianapolis Colts have been the champions of the AFC South for six of the past seven seasons, and the Houston Texans have been desperately trying
This year, they may finally have a chance, as many are projecting them to finally get over the hump and into the playoffs.
That said, this will be a very critical game for them to win in order to prove to the football world that they are the real deal and can go on the road play alongside the best of the best.
However, even though it should be close, I don't see them winning this game.
This game is scheduled to broadcast on Monday, November 1st at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN
Other Notable Games: Green Bay Packers @ New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings @ New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers @ New Orleans Saints
Week 9: Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers
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These are two of the most talented teams in the league, and many are predicting them to win their respective divisions.
Therefore, these two teams will be fighting each other for a first-round bye, and possibly home field advantage.
If any, the Green Bay Packers have two voids; their offensive line and secondary.
Unfortunately, for them, the Cowboys have the ability to exploit both.
They possess one of the most effective pass rushes in the sport and they have arguably the best set of receivers in the game.
While I could see this one going either way, I will give the edge to the 'Boys.
This game will be broadcasted on Sunday, November 7th at 8:20 PM ET on NBC.
Other Notable Games: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cinccinati Bengals,
Week 10: Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins
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Over the offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles traded long-time QB Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins in exchange for a second round draft pick.
While, this will be their second meeting and not as highly anticipated as their Week Four matchup when McNabb returns to Philadelphia, it's still sure to be an interesting one.
Even though many may criticize me for this pick, I'm going to say that the Redskins win a tight one.
I think McNabb will have a huge night, and will be out for revenge (I predict the Eagles to win the Week Four game).
This game will be broadcasted on Monday, November 15th at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN.
Other Notable Games: Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants, New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers,
Week 11: Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots
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Manning vs. Brady
This game should all help us reminisce on the great rivalry that lasted throughout the majority of the past decade.
While the Patriots no longer have the veteran defensive leaders to help contain Manning, the Colts no longer have a great head coach to try and outsmart Bill Bellicheck.
Honestly, too many people are counting out the Patriots.They realize the pressure is on and I expect them to make a bold statement with a win against the defending AFC Champions here.
While they may no longer be the dominant team they once were, they are still capable of beating virtually every team in the league.
This game is scheduled to be broadcasted on Sunday, November 18th at 4:15 PM ET on CBS.
Other notable games: Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings
Week 12: New Orleans Saints @ Dallas Cowboys
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Finally, there is going to be a game worth watching on Thanksgiving Day.
This is going to be a great way spending time with friends and family, eating great food, and watching two of the league's top teams enter in combat in the spectacular Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
Even though the Cowboys have fun four of the past Thansgiving games, none of those were against a team of the Saints caliber.
I see them going out and getting revenge for the Cowboys ending their perfect season last year.
This game will be broadcasted on Thursday, November 25 at 4:15 PM ET on FOX.
Other Notable Games: San Diego Chargers @ Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Jets, San Franicsco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals
Week 13: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
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There are several important games this week, it was tough to pick one.
While I realize I discussed the significance of their Week Four matchup as well, this one is important for an entirely different reason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, at this point, will be nearly two years removed from their Super Bowl XLIII victory.
After missing the playoffs last year, and an expected struggle this season, fans around the league may be questioning if this team has fallen into the mediocrity of the league.
This game is a chance for the organization to prove that's not the case.
For the Steelers, this is a nationally televised game on the road against, not only a division rival, but one of the elite teams in the league.
This will be the ultimate indicator as to their abilities.
For that reason, along with many more, I'm going to make a surprising pick and say that the Steelers beat out the Ravens in a nail-biter.
Even though the Ravens will probably be fighting for rankings atop the AFC, the Steelers are simply too tough of a franchise to not capitalize on this opportunity.
This game is scheduled to be broadcasted on Sunday, December 6th at 8:20 PM ET on NBC.
Other Notable Games: Dallas Cowboys @ Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers, New York Jets @ New England Patriots
Week 14 Cinccinati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers
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Unlike the previous two weeks, this one isn't highlighted by a bold game.
However, the Bengals and Steelers will most likely be fighting for that No. 2 spot in the AFC North, and possibly a Wild Card spot in the playoffs.
It will be interesting to see how the Steelers finish the season after such a rocky start. Will they go on a massive rampage as some are predicting them to, or will the Roethlisberger issue affect them throughout the entire year?
Moreover, anytime the Bengals big-name offense takes the field, it will turn heads.
I expect this one to go down to the wire, with the Steelers taking the victory.
They still have a dominant defense, especially with Polamalu in the lineup, and they should limit the Bengals' offense. Moreover, Roethlisberger is still one of the league's best quarterbacks and I am projecting Rashard Mendenhall to have a breakout season.
This game is scheduled to broadcast on Sunday, December 12th at 1:00 PM ET on CBS.
Other Notable Games: Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans
Week 15: New Orleans Saints @ Baltimore Ravens
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With the additions they've made over the offseason, the Ravens are one of the early favorites to win the Super Bowl.
This will be great preparation for the daunting road that lies ahead for them in the playoffs (assuming they clinch a berth).
The defending champs, New Orleans Saints, should put up a good fight.
However, I expect the Ravens to outlast them. Not only can they stop them with a stifling defense, but they can put up some points on the board as well.
This game is scheduled to broadcast on Sunday, December 19th at 1:00 PM ET on FOX.
Other Notable Games: Green Bay Packers @ New England Patriots
Week 16: New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers
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Honestly, now that I closely analyze the schedule, I'm pretty dissapointed with how it's ending. There are no truly exciting games down the stretch. While I understand they're trying to include more divisional matchups in order to create more playoff hype, most of these games won't have any true implications.
That said, though, this could be a fun game to watch.
Note, this is a rematch of the 2007-2008 NFC Championship Game, which as we all should fondly remember the Giants won due to a last-second interception by Brett Favre.
Even though I do expect them to bounce back, the Giants did take a step backwards last season.
That will equate into a golden opportunity for the Packers to get some revenge.
That, along with several other reasons, is why I predict the Packers to win this game.
Depending on the Giants' health on defense and the effectiveness of their rushing attack, don't be surprised if this is a blowout.
This game is scheduled to broadcast on Sunday, December 16th at 4:15 PM ET on FOX.
Other Notable Games: New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
Week 17: Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots
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Apart from mere playoff rankings, this is one of the few games that I expect to potentially be a in-or-out game.
While the New York Jets are and should be the front-runners, the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots are both playoff contenders.
If these two teams are indeed playing for the final Wild Card spot, per say, I think there's no way the Patriots let it slip out of their hands, particularly not at home.
Plus, this offense is simply too prolific for the Dolphins defense to handle, especially with a depleted pass rush.
This game is scheduled to broadcast on Sunday, January 2nd at 1:00 PM ET on CBS.
Other Notable Games: Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens
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