50 Reasons This Will Be the Most Exciting NFL Season in a Decade

Football fans can feel the excitement in the air. The 2011 NFL season is coming.

What better way to get pumped for the regular season kick-off than looking at 50 reasons why the 2011 season will be better than any we've seen in quite some time.

Electric players like Michael Vick, Clay Matthews and Chris Johnson are prepared to dazzle us with highlights and unbelievable plays. The reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers look stocked for a repeat run, but can they overcome the so-called "Dream Team" in Philadelphia?

The 2011 season will prove to be the most exciting in recent memory, and here is why.

The End of the Lockout

The NFL lockout may have sucked the fun out of our summer, but it sure made July interesting as free agents were signed at record pace.

One good thing about the NFL lockout is that so many new faces are quickly learning systems in new cities. We can also thank the lockout for the many re-signings by guys like Tamba Hali and LaMarr Woodley.

And finally, the nervous summer months wondering if there would even be a 2011 season definitely makes watching football all the more sweeter now.

Fast and Furious Free Agency

No offseason in NFL history has been as hectic, crazy or exciting as the 2011 offseason.

In a matter of days, 300 free agents had signed with new teams. As the lockout ended it was tough to even keep up with which players had signed where, and if the contracts had actually been signed and cleared by the league office.

The sheer craziness that was free agency this year, and with free agency being so close to the regular season kickoff, has left an excitement hanging in the air surrounding the season.

It doesn't hurt, that many teams, like the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots, are now completely loaded thanks in large part to free agency.

The Year of the Quarterback

Tom Brady. Aaron Rodgers. Peyton Manning. Drew Brees. Michael Vick. Philip Rivers. Ben Roethlisberger.

When was the last time the NFL had a group of quarterbacks as great as this?

Even during the 1980s when Joe Montana, Dan Marino and John Elway were setting records and burning up NFL defenses, the number of elite quarterbacks never reached seven or eight, which you could easily argue for in today's game.

We tend to romanticize the history of the NFL a bit. Take a look around the league right now and you'll see a class of quarterbacks unlike any other.

September 11

The NFL will bring tears to most eyes when the regular season kicks off in full force with a slate of Sunday games on the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The Washington Redskins will host the New York Giants in a game that features not only division rivals, but the two cities hit hardest on that fateful day. Later that night, the New York Jets will play a home game against the Dallas Cowboys in what figures to be a moving event.

The tragedy of that day still resounds with most Americans, and that will show on the faces of every fan and player on opening day.

Michael Vick

You would have to be a Dallas Cowboy fan to not have goosebumps watching Michael Vick's brilliance on a football field.

Vick, in his second full season as a starter since missing the 2007 and 2008 seasons, is back to his old tricks—terrifying defenses with his run/pass ability.

An early season favorite for MVP honors, will anyone be able to stop Vick this year?

The Dream Team

"Dream Team."

That's what Vince Young called the 2011 version of the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Philly Sports Daily.

"From Nnamdi [Asomugha] to [Dominique Rodgers-] Cromartie, to Jason [Babin] to myself," Young continued, "I know they are going to do some more things...It’s just beautiful to see where we’re trying to go."

While Young may be getting just a little ahead of himself, there is no denying that on paper no one can match up with the talent assembled in Philadelphia this season.

Whether you watch as a fan of the team, or as a bitter rival hoping to see them crash and burn, the Eagles are a "must watch" this season.

New England Patriots

The reigning MVP from the 2010 season is back, and he has new toys and targets to help him.

Tom Brady will have a new No. 1 wide receiver (Chad Ochocinco), his favorite offensive lineman just inked a six-year deal (Logan Mankins) and the defense has been upgraded by leaps and bounds with moves to acquire Albert Haynesworth, Andre Carter and Shaun Ellis.

The Patriots won an NFL-best 14 games last year before being embarrassed in the playoffs (again). Regardless, they are the team to beat in the AFC.

AFC East Playoff Race

The 2011 AFC East divisional race figures to come down to two bitter rivals—the New England Patriots and New York Jets.

No love has been lost between the two since Rex Ryan took over as head coach of the Jets in 2009. Since then, the teams have fought it out on and off the field.

Ryan famously said the team's late 2010 showdown was "personal," claiming "this is about Bill Belichick versus Rex Ryan" in comments to the media.

It will be personal again in 2011 as the two teams fight for the AFC East title.

NFC North Playoff Race

The Green Bay Packers are coming off a Super Bowl win and should be favorites to win the NFC North, but it's worth noting that it was the Chicago Bears and not Green Bay who won the division last year.

All four teams in the NFC North—Green Bay, Chicago, the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions—could be given an outside shot to make the playoffs, making the NFC North not only the best division in football, but the most fun to watch.

Wide Open NFC West

If you are a fan of any team in the NFC West, chances are you feel pretty good about your team's chances this year.

The Seattle Seahawks were handed the division crown last year with a 7-9 record. The worst team in the division, the Arizona Cardinals, won five games. Just two games separated first from last during the 2010 season, and it shouldn't be that much different this year.

The St. Louis Rams may be the early season favorite, but fans in San Francisco, Arizona and Seattle all feel like they have a real shot this year.

AFC North Rivalries

Few division races will be as hard fought, or as exciting, as the race for the AFC North championship between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sorry to fans of the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, but let's be realistic about your chances this year.

The Ravens and Steelers are two of the toughest teams in the NFL every year, and this season figures to be no different as both teams rely heavily on a solid ground game and stout defenses to win games.

If you love hard-nosed football, this is the division for you.

NFC East Division Race

The Philadelphia Eagles may be the "Dream Team," but they will face stiff competition for the NFC East title from both the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas limped to a 6-10 record last year after suffering a barrage of injuries throughout the season. They are back at 100 percent this year and are ready to roll under new head coach Jason Garrett.

And, of course, you can never count out the Giants in this division. Tom Coughlin's team is always a tough out. If their offensive line can gel quickly, the Giants will be very hard to stop once Ahmad Bradshaw gets going.

The NFC North may be a better division overall, but the race in the East might be the closest to watch as the season unfolds.

Detroit Lions Defensive Line

As if having the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year and resident badass Ndamukong Suh wasn't enough, the Detroit Lions added 2010 Lombardi Award winner Nick Fairley to line up beside him.

You also have to mention veteran Corey Williams, who may not be flashy but gets the job done at defensive tackle. Oh, and they have Cliff Arvil and Kyle Vanden Bosch too.

The Detroit Lions defensive line has more talent than any other in football. If all five players can stay healthy, the front four in Detroit should be unstoppable.

Matt Ryan

You don't have to like Matt Ryan, but you should respect his ability to come from behind and win games.

Ryan has led the Atlanta Falcons to eight fourth-quarter comebacks and 13 game-winning drives in his three seasons.

The 2011 season should be even better for Ryan, as the Falcons traded up in the draft to select star wide receiver Julio Jones (Alabama) to line up as the team's No. 2 wide receiver.

Ryan's development as a starting quarterback has been impressive to watch. What's more impressive is that he's only getting better.

Josh Freeman

If you enjoy watching Matt Ryan's late-game heroics, you'll definitely like Josh Freeman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Freeman has led seven game-winning drives in his two seasons as a starter for the Buccaneers, during which he's played in just 26 games. That's one comeback win in roughly every four games.

The talent around Freeman is getting better too, as the Buccaneers' young offensive weapons LeGarrette Blount and Mike Williams develop into legitimate stars.

The Bucs may not be the favorite to win the NFC South, but they are definitely in the running as a wild-card contender.

Cam Newton

Cam Newton is coming to the NFL, and defenses better be ready.

Newton is a hybrid quarterback unlike anything we have seen since Michael Vick entered the league. Newton is big, powerful, fast and elusive. He's like a mix of Ben Roethlisberger's size and Michael Vick's running ability. Call him Tim Tebow, but with a better arm.

Newton will face an uphill battle as he tries to learn an NFL offense and adjusts to the speed of the pro game. Whether he fails or succeeds, watching Cam Newton as an NFL quarterback will be exciting.

Larry Fitzgerald and Kevin Kolb

You don't have to believe that Kevin Kolb is the next great quarterback in the NFL to get excited about the potential of Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald together in Arizona.

Larry Fitzgerald has suffered since Kurt Warner retired following the 2010 season, and it's not just fantasy football fans who will be happy to see a promising quarterback throwing passes in Arizona this season.

Kolb may have come at a high price, and time will tell whether or not he's worth that price, but the Cardinals at least have a hope at quarterback this season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Line

Da'Quan Bowers. Adrian Clayborn. Tim Crowder. Gerald McCoy. Brian Price. Roy Miller.

Six players, all within their first five years of play in the NFL, all with the talent to break out and scare the you-know-what out of NFL offensive lines and quarterbacks.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been known for their defensive play over the last decade, and they'll continue that tradition with an impressive front four this year.

As long as Bowers, McCoy and Price can stay healthy, this could be one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.

Clay Matthews

Clay Matthews, Professional Ass-Kicker

At least that's what his business card should say.

I won't get into the argument that Matthews isn't a complete linebacker, or that he's yet to prove he can drop into coverage. That's not what this is about, so don't go there. This is about Clay Matthews being an absolute beast off the edge and one of the most fun players in the NFL to watch.

Sometimes it's nice to turn off the analysis and just enjoy the game. When you do that, Matthews is one of the best to watch.

Ndamukong Suh

The Detroit Lions defensive line had their own slide. Ndamukong Suh deserves one all on his own.

Not since...OK, maybe never, has a rookie defensive tackle so impressed as Suh did last season. Suh was absolutely unstoppable at times, leading all rookies in sacks and earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors while being named the NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Pretty impressive for a first-year player. Suh will only be better in 2011 as the Lions have built a defensive line that will draw double teams away from him.

Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receivers

The Kansas City Chiefs passing game was pretty good in 2010. In 2011, it will be better.

The Chiefs used their first-round draft pick on wideout Jonathan Baldwin, a big-play threat with legitimate jump-ball skills. They then added slot receiver extraordinaire Steve Breaston, who played under Chiefs head coach Todd Haley in Arizona.

The Chiefs will have no excuses if the passing game doesn't excel this season. The talent is there for Kansas City's passing game to be exciting.

Sam Bradford

The AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2010, Sam Bradford answered the critics who doubted the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

In 2011, Bradford should take the next step toward becoming one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. And it's going to be fun to watch.

The Rams added talent around Bradford at receiver and tight end, picking up Mike Sims-Walker and Lance Kendricks. They'll also get back Donnie Avery, who will be an excellent option as an underneath receiver in Josh McDaniel's spread offense.

You don't have to be a fan of the St. Louis Rams to appreciate what Sam Bradford has the potential to become in the NFL. Watching him develop will be exciting no matter the team you root for.

Rex Ryan and the New York Jets

Any one who has worked in the media for a short time has learned to love Rex Ryan. He's a guaranteed story every time he opens his mouth. And for that I love him, even if I disagree with many of his coaching methods.

No matter what you think of Ryan as a coach or person, you have to admit he's at least exciting to watch. You never know what you'll get from Ryan, and his level of bluntness is both refreshing and much needed in today's world of "coach speak."

Ryan can be pompous, but he also backs it up. And for that I'm looking forward to 17 weeks of Rex Ryan.

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan received mention here already. The rest of his team deserves some love too.

The Atlanta Falcons had the best record in the NFC last year, posting an impressive 13-3 record behind the strength of Ryan's offense and a stingy defense.

Both sides of the ball should be better in 2011, with additions like Julio Jones at wide receiver and Ray Edwards at defensive end.

The Philadelphia Eagles may be the preseason pick to win the NFC, but don't sleep on the Falcons as a potential threat in the NFC.

Green Bay Packers Repeat Attempt

With all the talk this preseason about the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons, it seems we might be forgetting the team that actually won the Super Bowl last year.

The Green Bay Packers return 20 of 22 starters from their Super Bowl season (not counting injured players), which means they have the talent in-house to win the Lombardi Trophy again this season.

Watching the Packers make an attempt at a repeat Super Bowl title will be one of the joys of the 2011 season.

Peyton Manning's Recovery

Offseason neck surgery has prevented Peyton Manning from practicing this summer, and it will keep him from playing this preseason—will it limit his availability early in the season?

One of the more compelling storylines this season will be the status of Manning early in the season and how he responds to playing without any preseason reps.

Manning is an all-time great, but his ability to bounce back from a pretty serious surgery/recovery at 35 years old is worth watching.

Adrian Peterson

Simply, the best.

If you find yourself looking for an exciting offensive performance each week, find the Minnesota Vikings on your NFL Sunday Ticket schedule and tune in on No. 28. He'll be the one running over, around and through defensive players.

Tamba Hali

Take four and a half minutes and watch the very cool video above. If this doesn't get you excited for the 2011 NFL season and the abilities of sackmaster Tamba Hali, well, get your pulse checked.

Tamba Hali experienced an amazing 2010 season under Romeo Crennel's tutelage as defensive coordinator in Kansas City. 

Hali's 2011 season should be even more impressive as the Chiefs have added talent around him that will help keep blockers from double teaming him on every play.

Trent Cole

The best player no one talks about, Trent Cole may be the best all-around defensive end in the NFL today.

Trent Cole does it all, and with Cullen Jenkins and Jason Babin lining up alongside him and Antonio Dixon on the Philadelphia Eagles defensive line this year, things could get ugly for opposing quarterbacks.

Trent Cole is my reason for excitement in Philadelphia this year. The "Dream Team" will be the major storyline, but Cole is the real playmaker here.

Peyton Hillis

Mr. Madden cover 2011, Peyton Hillis gives fans of hard-nosed football a reason to watch the offensive side of the ball.

Hillis, who played fullback for the Denver Broncos, surpassed 1,000 yards in 2010 by simply running over would-be tacklers. Hillis is a throwback to the days when running backs didn't go out of bounds and didn't look to fall ahead for yards.

Hillis sees the tackler, and then he tries to run him over. And as a fan of old school football, that's pretty damn exciting.

Andre Johnson

Having played wide receiver since the sixth grade, I get excited by great receiver play. Andre Johnson does it better than anyone in the NFL right now.

The entire Houston Texans offense should be amazing to watch in 2011, and the majority of that credit goes to No. 80.

Push play, watch two minutes of greatness and get jacked for what Andre Johnson can do on a football field.

Calvin Johnson

If Andre Johnson gets his own page, so does Calvin "No Relation" Johnson of the Detroit Lions.

Jerry Rice had Cris Carter, and Andre Johnson has Megatron.

If the Detroit Lions can get solid, healthy play from former No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford, Johnson could absolutely explode.

Any receiver who can make Shaun Hill look good should rev up your football engine when you think about him playing alongside a legitimate franchise quarterback.

The Return of Elvis Dumervil

Elvis Dumervil was last seen posting 17 sacks to lead the NFL during the 2009 Denver Bronco season. A popped Achilles' tendon caused Dumervil to miss the 2010 season, but now he's back and ready to regain his throne atop the NFL's sack leaders list.

Dumervil's return couldn't come at a better time as the Broncos move from a 3-4 defense to the 4-3 system favored by John Fox. He'll be lined up at right defensive end and asked to rush the passer from a three-point stance on every down.

New Kickoff Rules

Citing player safety as a concern, the NFL Competition Committee decided to move the kickoff line back from the 30 to the 35-yard line. The intent is to create more touchbacks and limit the massive head-on collisions we see on special teams plays.

How is this more exciting? Well, it won't be in terms of actual gameplay, but for football strategists it will be exciting to see what NFL coaches come up with to combat the deeper kickoff rules.

How will the Devin Hesters and Dexter McClusters of the league adapt, and will we see more teams running the ball out of the endzone?

NFC South Playoff Race

The NFC South is good.

This one division has a recent Super Bowl champion (the New Orleans Saints), the team with the best record in the NFC last season (the Atlanta Falcons) and a team that won 10 games last year and still missed the playoffs (the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). There is also the Carolina Panthers, who should be exciting to watch with Cam Newton under center.

There may not be a better division, top to bottom, in the entire NFL. Watching the race unfold throughout the season will be one of the best stories in the league.

The NFL Network Schedule

The NFL Network is a football fan's heaven. If you don't have it, you're missing out. And I'm not paid to say that.

The Thursday night slate of games on the NFL Network this season are worth the subscription alone.

Raiders vs. Chargers. Jets vs. Broncos. 49ers vs. Ravens. Eagles vs. Seahawks. Browns vs. Steelers. Jaguars vs. Falcons. Cowboys vs. Buccaneers. Texans vs. Colts.

There are some legitimate "can't miss" games in there, notably the Week 17 Colts vs. Texans matchup.

Donovan McNabb: Minnesota Viking

Playing for his third team in as many seasons, quarterback Donovan McNabb will be a major storyline for much of the 2011 season.

McNabb is expected to guide a talented Viking team to a playoff run, but he'll be facing three teams in the NFC North that are all expected to be much better than the Vikings.

McNabb's play, and his ability to keep rookie first-rounder Christian Ponder off the field, are two storylines worth watching this year.

A Healthy Matthew Stafford

Finally healthy after missing most of the last two seasons to injury, quarterback Matthew Stafford is finally ready to prove his worth as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft.

Stafford has started just 13 games, and in that time he has shown enough promise that fans and writer alike feel the Lions could be a sleeping giant this season if Stafford can stay on the field.

That's a big if.

Stafford's progress, and the collective breath being held every time he takes a hard hit, will generate much needed excitement on offense for Detroit.

The Texans/Colts Rivalry

Members of the Indianapolis Colts organization and fanbase may tell you there is no rivalry with the Houston Texans. Ask the same question in Houston and you will find a rivalry that is alive and well.

The Texans and Colts split their 2010 matchups one game apiece. It's expected that their 2011 games will determine the winner of the AFC South.

The Texans will covert to a 3-4 defense this year, with the hopes that Wade Phillips' ability to frustrate Peyton Manning will carry over to Houston.

The two teams meet in Week 1 and then again in Week 16, with the winner likely taking the division.

Von Miller

Looking for an early prediction for 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year? Denver Bronco rookie linebacker Von Miller has my vote.

Miller left Texas A&M as one of the best rush linebackers I had ever seen in college. He'll bring that talent and athleticism to the outside linebacker position in Denver, where coach John Fox is expected to turn him loose on opposing offenses.

The Return of Plaxico Burress

After spending 22 months in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the leg at a New York City nightclub, Plaxico Burress is back in the NFL.

The last time a player returned to the NFL after spending time in prison, it turned out pretty well for Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles. Fans of the New York Jets are hoping for the same luck.

How well Burress transitions from his cell to a football field, and how well he can replace Braylon Edwards, merits a close watch this season.

Chris Johnson's Holdout

Chris Johnson might be the most exciting running back in the NFL. His ability to run around defenders is the stuff of legend. It's said that Johnson doesn't make tacklers miss, he prevents tacklers from ever getting in position to make a play. That sums it up pretty well.

While it will not be exciting if Johnson goes through with his threat of a holdout, it will be one of the most exciting and compelling storylines of the 2011 season if Johnson isn't on the field.

The Tennessee Titans will be under serious pressure to sign Johnson to the contract extension he deserves.

A Healthy Jermichael Finley

Green Bay Packer tight end Jermichael Finley has an almost cult-like following in NFL circles despite having done very little in his career.

It's all about potential with Finley. And that potential is exciting.

Finley has a rare ability as a receiver. He's built like a power forward and, much like Antonio Gates, he's able to use his body to box out defenders or jump over them to snag the ball out of the air. He's also dangerously fast.

Finley's return to the already potent Green Bay offense will be one of the most exciting additions of the season.

DeSean Jackson

The NFL's version of the Human Highlight Reel, DeSean Jackson is one of the most electric and exciting players in the NFL.

Jackson's ability as a receiver, runner and return man make him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. As a fan, and a defender, you never know when he's going to take one for the distance and put six on the board.

The Jackson/Michael Vick connection in Philadelphia has the potential to explode in 2011.

Jamaal Charles

Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson are both amazing running backs to watch, and for different reasons. Add Jamaal Charles to your list of running backs you must see in 2011.

Charles' blend of speed and vision make him a treat to watch on every play. Charles led all NFL backs with a ridiculous 6.38 yards per carry in 2010. As the Chiefs offense gets better around him, Charles will only have more opportunities to break away from the defense.

Put Jamaal Charles up top on the list of the NFL's most exciting players.

Sunday Night Football

If you haven't looked ahead to see the NBC Sunday Night Football schedule, prepare to wet your pants a little.

Week 1: Cowboys vs. Jets

Week 2: Eagles vs. Falcons

Week 3: Steelers vs. Colts

Week 4: Jets vs. Ravens

Week 5: Packers vs. Falcons

Week 6: Vikings vs. Bears

Week 7: Colts vs. Saints

Week 8: Cowboys vs. Eagles

Week 9: Ravens vs. Steelers

Week 10: Patriots vs. Jets

Week 11: Eagles vs. Giants

Week 12: Steelers vs. Chiefs

Week 13: Colts vs. Patriots

Week 14: Giants vs. Cowboys

Week 15: Ravens vs. Chargers

Week 16: Bears vs. Packers

Wow. How NBC talked the NFL into giving them this schedule is a coup in itself. I know what I will be doing every Sunday night for the next four months.

The Drew Brees Rebound

During the 2009 season, Drew Brees led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl win on the strength of his 34 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions, good for a passer rating of 109.6.

Brees had a Super Bowl hangover in 2010, tossing 22 interceptions and struggling to win big games. How Brees responds this year and how well the Saints offense transitions will be the key to their season.

The talent is there in New Orleans for the team to win another Super Bowl, if Brees returns to his 2009 form.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants

The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles are the Hatfields and McCoys of the NFL. They don't like each other, and they never will.

It did not help matters when Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith left the New York Giants this week for the Eagles, adding even more strength to an already ridiculous roster in Philadelphia.

The Giants and Eagles both know that to win the NFC East they must defeat the other. Their two games, in Week 3 and Week 11, will likely determine the standings in the NFC East.

The New York Jets Versus the New England Patriots

There is no love lost between Rex Ryan's New York Jets and Bill Belichick's New England Patriots. It doesn't help that the No. 1 seed in the AFC will likely be decided when the two teams meet this season.

New England finished the 2010 season No. 1, with a 14-2 record, after losing in Week 2 in a tough 14-28 loss. The Patriots would redeem themselves, and shut up the Jets, by destroying the team 45-3 in Week 13.

The Jets would get the last laugh, beating the Patriots 28-21 in the divisional round of the playoffs.

The battle between these two storied franchises will be the storyline of the AFC this year.

Week 17 Matchups

The NFL wisely made the final week of the regular season the most exciting of the entire schedule when they decided to make the last week's matchups all division games.

Check out this docket of games:

Redskins at Eagles

Steelers at Browns

Ravens at Bengals

Jets at Dolphins

Panthers at Saints

Buccaneers at Falcons

Lions at Packers

49ers at Rams

Colts at Jaguars

Bills at Patriots

Titans at Texans

Bears at Vikings

Cowboys at Giants

Chiefs at Broncos

Chargers at Raiders

Seahawks at Cardinals