2011 NFL Schedule: The 10 Best Games to Look Forward to in 2011

The 2011 National Football League schedule is loaded with great matchups from top to bottom. There are 10 games that particularly stand out in my mind, but picking just 10 was difficult. Every week features two or three top-notch games, making this list even more difficult to limit to just 10.

Here are the 10 most anticipated games in 2011.

No. 10: New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens in Week 4

Rex Ryan will get to travel to his former stomping grounds in Week 4 of the 2011 NFL season.

Last year, the Ravens went to New York and defeated the Jets 10-9 in Week 1. The Jets will seek revenge and Ryan would love to get it in his old haunts.

Expect another low scoring affair.

No. 9: Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints in Week 7

This game will be a rematch of Superbowl XLIV where the New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-17.

Anytime two opponents meet after they have played a Super Bowl against one another, it means a whole lot to both teams, but especially the losing side.

The Colts will be looking for some type of revenge, even if that revenge doesn't compare to losing a Super Bowl.

No. 8: New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8

New England put it to Pittsburgh at Heinz Field last season, 39-26.

Other than the Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers and Patriots are the two most consistent teams in the AFC.

Anytime Tom Brady matches up against the Pittsburgh secondary, it is a major concern from a Steelers fan's perspective.

No. 7: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys in Week 16

Philadelphia and Dallas have one of the best rivalries in all of football. With the Eagles loading up and the Cowboys continuing to fail under lofty expectations, this game should be a great watch from a fan's standpoint.

With Tony Romo being back at 100 percent, the Cowboys may have a chance in the NFC East this year. Although we say that every season, maybe this year will be different.

This game is later in the season, therefore maybe it will be for the NFC East crown.

No. 6: New England Patriots at New York Jets in Week 10

New York shocked the world when they went into New England in the divisional round of the 2010 NFL Playoffs and took it to the Patriots.

The Patriots and Jets play in Week 5 and Week 10.

Rex Ryan will pull out all the stops in order to beat Bill Belichick, especially in prime time.

No. 5: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers in Week 16

This will be a rematch of the 2010 NFC Championship game when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears for the right to play in the Super Bowl.

It will be on Christmas Day—the only game of the day—and it could determine the NFC North Division champion.

Hopefully, it will be of the highest importance. Then again, this a rivalry that will always mean something to someone.

No. 4: New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12

The Philadelphia-New England game deserved a circle on the calender before free agency, but now that the Eagles have signed Nnamdi Asomugha, you better believe it is a much anticipated game.

Tom Brady vs. Michael Vick, Chad Ochocinco vs. Nnamdi Asomugha and Andy Reid vs. Bill Belichick, there really isn't much more to say about this game.

Philadelphia is being considered a favorite in the NFC and, of course, New England (coming off a 14-2 season) is considered a favorite in the AFC.

This could be a potential Super Bowl matchup.

No. 3: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9

The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers have the most physical rivalry in all of football, and they will meet in Week 9 of the 2011 NFL Season in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers defeated the Ravens in the divisional round of the 2010 postseason, 31-24.

Pittsburgh may be looking to get revenge because the Steelers will travel to Baltimore Week 1.

If you like a 6-3 football game, you will love this battle of warriors.

No. 2: Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots in Week 13

New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts have been the marquee matchup every year. They carry the biggest rivalry from a non-divisional standpoint.

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are two of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, and we get to watch them play one another year in and year out.

The games are usually exciting between these two teams and this one should be no different.

No. 1: New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers in Week 1

When the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers meet up on Opening Night, it won't just celebrate the Packers championship. It will also celebrate the fact that we have NFL football in 2011.

That alone will make this one of the most anticipated games of the season.

Mix that with it being the past two Superbowl Champions, and you have a great night of NFL football.