2011 NFL Schedule Released: 5 Games That Might Be Super Bowl Previews

Now that the 2011 NFL regular season schedule has been released, the football season seems closer than ever.  Every team wants to be the last one standing.  Every team wants to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

Before teams can even think about the Super Bowl, they need to make it through the regular season.  Here is a look at five games that could possibly be a preview of Super Bowl XLVI.

5. New York Giants at New York Jets (Week 16)

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets looks on during their 19 to 24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

This game would tear New York City apart.  It would be reminiscent of the Yankees and Mets World Series of 2000.  Families would be ruined.  Children would be disowned.  It would be bad news for New York City.

The actual game itself would probably be ugly.  The Jets will almost certainly boast one of the best defenses in the NFL all season long.  Mark Sanchez and Eli Manning would play the worst games by quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era.  Neither team would be able to run the ball effectively.  It would just be hard to watch.

One good storyline would be LaDainian Tomlinson playing in the Super Bowl.  Tomlinson has had a fantastic career, and just the opportunity to be able to play in the Super Bowl would mean so much.  He would be like an eight-year-old kid on Christmas morning.

4. Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints (Week 7)

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17

A rematch of Super Bowl XLIV would be exciting.  Indianapolis would be playing at home, which would give the Colts a huge advantage.

This game would feature two of the best quarterbacks in the game, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.  Both quarterbacks get the most out of their receivers.  Both quarterbacks have won one Super Bowl.  Both quarterbacks would have huge games.  It would be a high-scoring affair.  I wouldn't be surprised if a late-game interception was what won either team the game.

If Peyton Manning wins a second Super Bowl, I think he needs to be considered the greatest quarterback to ever play the game.

3. Green Bay Packers at San Diego Chargers (Week 9)

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks on while the Packers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The defending Super Bowl champions needed to make this list.  Unfortunately, they get stuck with the crappy AFC West on their schedule.  The Chargers look to be the best team in their division this year, so I went with them.

This game would feature two of the best young quarterbacks in the game, Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers, who are two of the best five NFL QBs overall.  The Packers should have another dominant defense to go with their high-powered offense.  The Chargers would throw the ball often.  Rivers would attempt 60 passes.

The Packers could very well return to the Super Bowl and start a dynasty.  With a win, Aaron Rodgers would need to be considered the top quarterback in the league.

2. Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts (Week 9)

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The Falcons were the best team in the NFC last year before the playoffs.  Matt Ryan took a step forward and became one of the better quarterbacks in the final moments of games.  His nickname, Matty Ice, was fitting all season long.

This game would feature two great quarterbacks, but the bigger storyline might be Dwight Freeney and John Abraham, two of the best defensive lineman in the game.  They would both be relentless in their pursuit of the quarterback.

The key to this game would be which team could establish the run first.  Michael Turner is a beast and would probably have his way with the Colts' questionable run defense.  Matt Ryan would come away with his first Super Bowl ring.

1. New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles (Week 12)

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stands on the field during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa

How could a Brady-Vick matchup not be first?  As long as Brady is in the NFL, the Patriots will always be talked about as a potential Super Bowl team.  Michael Vick was the best story all of last year and will only be better this year.  He adds a dimension to the quarterback position that has never been seen before.

This Super Bowl would have it all.  Great quarterbacks.  Great coaches.  Great defenses.  There would be a bevy of highlight plays made by both teams.  It would be a high-scoring affair, with the total score probably adding up to over 60 points.  It would be one of the most exciting Super Bowl games ever.

Michael Vick winning the Super Bowl would be the ultimate redemption story, but Tom Brady is just too good.  Brady gets his fourth ring with a last-minute touchdown pass to Deion Branch.