A Future Idea: NFL Rivalry Weekend!

Why is it that professional sports, especially the NFL, get overlooked when it comes to rivalries?

I know there aren't any trophies to hang out, or national championships on the line, but maybe it would help if more emphasis is put on the bigger games. Watching the so called "College Football Rivalry Weekend" (which actually is more of a two-week long event), I began to wonder why the NFL couldn't throw together a similar week of their own.

Here's the proposal:

In a latter week in the year (with more at stake!), schedule each game as an interdivisional rivalry game. Week 17 would be best, because all 32 teams play on that weekend.

It could also be done on Week One, where the games would definitely fuel some excitement considering no team (ex: Detroit) would be going into the game with their heads down.

The NFL also could just as easily schedule a week any time of the season where there are no bye weeks. It would also be smart to put into consideration that a weekend towards the last few weeks of the season would allow more games to be nationally televised.

So, for my map, I personally and specifically propose a Week 17 NFL rivalry weekend. It would begin on Thursday night (on NBC or ESPN, rather than NFL Network where only a small percentage of the population gets to watch) and feature Saturday games as well.

The biggest games would of course be played in the national slots. Another concept would be to play the games in an optimal venue. Here's a preview.

Thursday: Bears @ Packers     8:15     NBC or ESPN

Saturday: Giants @ Eagles      1:00     FOX

              Dolphins @ Jets       1:00     CBS

              Bengals @ Browns    4:05     CBS

              Rams @ 49'ers         4:15     FOX

              Raiders @ Chiefs      8:30     NBC or ESPN

Sunday:   Lions @ Vikings        1:00     FOX

              Rams @ Seahawks    1:00     FOX

              Chargers @ Broncos  1:00     CBS

              Bills @ Patriots          1:00     CBS

              Falcons @ Saints      4:15     FOX

              Panthers @ Buccaneers     4:15 FOX

              Jaguars @ Colts        4:05     CBS

              Titans @ Texans       4:05     CBS

              Ravens @ Steelers     8:15     NBC

Monday:  Redskins @ Cowboys   8:30     ESPN

Tell me if you approve of the concept, and also specify if you feel their is a more favorable matchup for fans! I think a weekend like this would spice up the NFL.