2011 NFL Schedule: 5 Games That Will Top Thursday's Opener

The NFL got the season off to an incredible start on Thursday night with a showdown between the Saints and Packers.

In reality, it was one of the best games that we're going to see this season.

No, it wasn't heavy on defense; but it did feature two top teams that the league has to offer. Remember that these are the last two Super Bowl Champions.

Additionally, we got a matchup of two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. The two hardly disappointed, throwing for a combined 731 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions.

But taking a look at the rest of the NFL schedule, I can't help but think that the best is yet to come. So, let's take a look at five games that will be just as good as what we saw on Thursday. Just note that in the case of divisional rivals, we'll only be looking at one game.

Patriots vs. Steelers (Week 8)

This is always a potential playoff preview. It's also normally a nationally televised game, although that will not be the case this year.

These are always two of the best teams in the league. The Steelers are the reigning AFC Champions with two 21st century Super Bowls, whereas the Patriots are coming off of a 14-2 season with three 21st century Super Bowls.

In Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger, you have two of the best quarterbacks that the NFL has to offer.

This is one that NFL fans should pay plenty of attention to.

Ravens vs. Steelers (Week 9)

You could go with the opening week showdown here and I couldn't argue much. But barring injuries, the second game just seems like the better matchup.

The two teams will be in full swing at that point. Plus, November 6 in Pittsburgh will be a lot colder than September 11 in Baltimore.

Normally weather doesn't factor too much into these things, but these are two teams that pride themselves in being hard hitting, old school teams. The colder the weather is, the better the game will be.

Lastly, this one will be under the lights on national TV.

These two teams seldom disappoint, but the second clash seems like the better game here.

Patriots vs. Eagles (Week 12)

This is the only game listed here that pits an NFC team against an AFC team. Like the previous Patriots game, this is not a national TV contest, although it does take place after flex scheduling, so that could change.

Take a look at the players that will be in this one. Tom Brady and Mike Vick are at quarterback. You can hardly get two more conflicting styles. Still, you can hardly get two more effective quarterbacks.

What's really exciting here is that this can be a Super Bowl preview, and that always makes things a lot more intriguing.

But even if that doesn't end up being the case, look at the matchups and perennial status of the two teams. This one will be fun.

Bears vs. Packers (Week 16)

What are some of the key elements that go into making a good game?

1) Two rivals going head to head.

You won't be able to find two rivals greater than the Packers and Bears.

2) Important game in the season.

This is a rematch of last year's NFC Championship Game. Even if these teams don't reach those heights, it's likely that it will have serious playoff implications.

3) Great Environment

Sunday Night Football on Christmas at Lambeau Field. You can try to find a better environment, but you will be searching for a while.

Yeah, this is a game that you won't want to miss.

Falcons vs. Saints (Week 16)

This game could decide the NFC South. It takes place a day after the Bears vs. Packers showdown. The Falcons were the NFC's best regular season team last year. The Saints are perennially strong while the Falcons are coming off of a 2010 season where they were the NFC's best regular season team. 

In the parity era, that might not carry over from year to year, but it's unlikely that this will be a meaningless game.

In the quarterbacks, you have Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. Brees is a former Super Bowl MVP and annual MVP candidate (though he's never won it), while Ryan is one of the best young quarterbacks in the game.

These are just five games on the schedule. If you think I missed a few, you may well be right. There are plenty of exciting teams in the NFL; at least two of them are locking up every week.

So, while Thursday night's opener was an incredible game in a great environment, just know that the best is yet to come.