It’s always
great to break down the full NFL schedule upon its release to highlight some of
the best potential match-ups on the docket. While things can change on a dime
as we enter the season and beyond while watching team aspirations shift very
quickly. As of today, ADF highlights the best matchups per week for the new
league year.
Stay tuned for
future articles as ADF will breakdown each team schedule and offer our predictions
for their season records.
Week 1
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles (Thursday Night
Football – Season Opener)
The NFL
continues to open the year with last season’s Super Bowl Champion hosting a
stronger opponent to help the hype for kick-off weekend. This game should be a
dandy as the Falcons look to get back on track with their winning ways. The
Eagles might be without Carson Wentz for this contest as he recovers from his
ACL injury. Still should be a great showing to open the season.
Houston Texans @ New England Patriots
With Deshaun
Watson coming back from injury and already ahead of schedule, they Texans
travel to New England for a potential fantastic opening week contest. If
Houston’s top players can stay healthy and on the field, it wouldn’t be a
surprise to see the Patriots drop this game to a young up and coming team from
Houston.
San Francisco 49ers @ Minnesota Vikings
The
viewership should increase for this contest as two teams will unleash their new
full time starting quarterbacks for the season. A match-up between Kirk Cousins
and Jimmy Garoppolo should show some fireworks.
Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers
The Cowboys
always receive national attention and should be the same against Cam Newton and
the Carolina Panthers. Its difficult to say how the Boys will fair this year as
of today, but with a solid draft class this could be a great game in week one.
Los Angeles Rams @ Oakland Raiders (Monday Night Football)
A fantastic
caper to week one will show the Rams facing off against the Raiders on the
second half of the Monday night double header. The Rams have made all the right
moves this offseason making the fan base believe they are all in this season.
The Raiders should be an improved bunch making this a great way to finish week
one.
Week 2
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons
Divisional
games early on always provide entertainment and this contest should see vast
levels of excitement. The NFC South again has the makings of being the best
division in football meaning all contests from this division should provide a
thrill, this one included.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Pittsburgh Steelers
While the
Steelers have shown they continue to be a powerhouse, the intriguing aspect of
this contest should be in how the Chiefs young cannon armed quarterback
(Patrick Mahomes) will progress. If Mahomes turns out to be a player, this game
could see magic.
Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers
Aaron
Rodgers was lost for the season from a hit from the Vikings Anthony Barr and we
fully expect him to roar and get his revenge. This will be Kirk Cousins first
trip to Lambo Field as a member of the Vikings, and both offenses should be
able to generate points at will. Get ready for this one.
New England Patriots @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Last year’s
AFC Championship contest rematch will take place in week two but this time in
Florida. While New England remains the same team with Tom Brady running the
show, this could be a game where the Jags hold firm and steal a win.
Week 3
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
Another NFC
South contest will show the powerful Saints travel to Atlanta to face off what
should be a better Falcons unit. This rivalry should continue to impress.
New York Giants @ Houston Texans
Depending on
what the Giants do in the draft (possibly Saqoun Barkley, and potentially
signing free agent Dez Bryant to the mix),
New York would instantly return to becoming one of the better teams in the NFL.
If all that comes to pass, this contest would promptly be on the radar as one
of the best games of the week.
San Francisco 49ers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This contest
sticks out like a sore thumb to be one of great caliber. The NFL has been
looking for the next infusion of talented quarterbacks to take over as the era
ends on some of the aging veterans. Jimmy Garoppolo versus Patrick Mahomes
might have a long term ring of a fantastic matchup.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Los Angeles Rams
Both Los
Angeles clubs look to take the next step in their progression making the first
meeting of the two teams from LA very interesting. While the Rams look to be
Super Bowl contenders from day one, the Chargers should figure things out and
take the AFC West crown in 2018, should be a great game.
New England Patriots @ Detroit Lions (Sunday Night Football)
The Pats on
any given weekend could provide entertainment, but playing the Lions on Sunday
night should be absolutely fantastic. The narrative adding more fuel to the
fire is Matt Patricia facing his former team, teacher against student. This has
the makings of a good one in prime time.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Monday Night Football)
The Bucs are
a difficult group to predict as they greatly underachieved last season failing
to produce what was promised. This Monday night clash against the Steelers
should show the world what they could be in 2018. Could be a good match to end
week three.
Week 4
Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Rams (Thursday Night Football)
While
Thursday night games usually disappoint to lack of rest for players, this early
season TNF contest on paper shapes up to be unreal. Both offenses and defenses
are the cream of the crop making the full chess game that much more
intriguing.
Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
This matchup
will only bear fruit if Andrew Luck is on the field and fully recovered. These
two teams could create quite the rivalry seeing each other twice a year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears
By week four
the jury could be out on both teams as to where their trending as expectations
currently has them rising. Both teams should be much improved and we should be
able to tell if youngster Mitchell Trubisky is the real deal or simply a
pretender.
New Orleans Saints @ New York Giants
While the
Saints are top dogs going into the season, as mentioned the Giants need to
address a few key issues to make this one a favorable contest. If things pan
out, this game could be the game of the week on the afternoon slate.
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday Night Football)
Baltimore is
always hit-and-miss week to week, but whenever they face off against the
Steelers on the national stage, it turns out to be a great showdown. Last
season in prime time they showed the viewing public what it means to play in
the AFC North, should be much of the same on Sunday night.
Week 5
Atlanta Falcons @ Pittsburgh Steelers
This could
view as a potential Super Bowl face-off as both teams are built to make it to
the show next February. Obviously suggesting this in week five is ambitious,
but these teams are far too talented and should provide for the fans.
Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions
By this
point Aaron Rodgers should be carving up his opponents dropping large stats and
a positive winning record. The Detroit Lions should have more stability making
the contest a clear favorite to watch in week five.
Oakland Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers
ADF isn’t
ready to give up on the Raiders and the belief of what the Chargers could be
will make this game a beauty.
Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles
Defense,
defense, and more defense should be the name of how this game starts. Both
offenses should be finding their grove at this point making key plays and
possibly turnovers being the decider in this one. Potential NFC championship
preview.
Week 6
Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings
The
Cardinals will be a team that will have to prove themselves to start the
season. The Vikings should be in cruise-control daring teams to match their
resolve. This game has great potential for entertainment.
Kansas City Chiefs @ New England Patriots (Sunday Night Football)
While Sunday
night football usually provides great games for our viewing pleasure, the
narrative in this one will be “young verses old” as Brady could teach Mahomes
what it’s like being in the NFL. We should know a great deal about the Chiefs
at this point, making this matchup a possible hit or miss.
San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers (Monday Night Football)
Jimmy G and
the 49ers are gifted with a Monday night event at Lambo field in the middle of
October. There is much excitement over all the young quarterbacks ready to take
shape and place their stamp on the NFL in 2018, and this will act as one of
those games. Rodgers against Garoppolo equals fantastic.
Week 7
Tennessee Titans @ Los Angeles Chargers
This is an
intriguing contest between two teams looking to take the next step. The Titans
limped into the playoffs last year while the Chargers went on a tear just
missing. This game could provide great appeal.
Carolina Panthers @ Philadelphia Eagles
While the
NFC has so many teams of strength, this contest should also provide gleaming
appeal as an old fashion slug-fest leaving one left standing.
Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers
These
contests between Coach McVay and Coach Shanahan will be utterly superb to say
the least. Both coaches are offensive geniuses and will extract the most from
their quarterbacks. The edge will go to the Rams of course, but should be a
great game.
Week 8
Green Bay Packers @ Los Angeles Rams
While week
eight looks a little thin in terms of great matchups, the Packers and the Rams
in LA could prove another potential NFC championship preview. The only thing
about this game that will be a shame is that it’s not in prime time.
New Orleans Saints @ Minnesota Vikings (Sunday Night Football)
The rematch
of last year’s miracle in Minnesota will be played on Sunday night for the
world to witness. With the Saints fantastic run game against the Vikings great
defense and the Vikings potential great offense against an improving New
Orleans defense should show very well on Sunday night.
Week 9
Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers (Thursday Night Football)
Battle of
the Bay area could bring a lot of great football to Thursday night in week
nine. Should be a solid game.
Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings
Divisional
contests are always great and this one could give us quite a bit of offense as
Matthew Stafford faces Kirk Cousins in their first meeting.
Los Angeles Rams @ New Orleans Saints
Yet we find
another match that could find its way to becoming a potential NFC Championship
preview. Drew Brees and the Saints will host the stacked LA Rams - and yet
again it’s a darn shame this one isn’t in prime time.
Green Bay Packers @ New England Patriots (Sunday Night Football)
Is there
anything better then witnessing Aaron Rodgers go against Tom Brady on Sunday
Night Football in the middle of the season? I think not!
Week 10
Carolina Panthers @ Pittsburgh Steelers (Thursday Night Football)
Thursday
Night Football looks to have gotten their thumb on better matchups this year as
opposed to last year. Cam Newton versus Ben Roethlisberger to kick off week ten
is great.
Washington Redskins @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ADF is
taking a leap on this one as it would be dependent on how each team is able to
produce up to this point. Could have great appeal but could become a dud, time
will tell.
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday Night Football)
There is
nothing like NFC East rival football on Sunday night to end the day. The Super
Bowl champs will host the Boys in prime time, should be a nice one here.
Week 11
Dallas Cowboys @ Atlanta Falcons
Both these
teams should be in the running at this point making it potentially a great
game.
Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints
Another
potential playoff or championship preview as the schedule markers have done a
masterful job getting the top teams in the NFC to dual week to week.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday Night Football)
Last year’s
divisional rematch, this time being played in Jacksonville, should give the
Steelers all the motivation they require to get their revenge.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Rams (Monday Night Football)
If at this
point the Chiefs are contending and Patrick Mahomes is playing up to the level
expected - this could be a great Monday night caper to end week eleven.
Week 12
Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions (Thanksgiving Thursday)
On paper
this appears to be one of the better Thanksgiving slates we’ve seen in quite
some time. If the Bears are a much improved team the morning game will be a
dandy.
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints (Thanksgiving Thursday)
The
Thanksgiving night cap has the makings of putting everyone to bed with smiles
on their faces. Witnessing Matt Ryan go against Drew Brees in a divisional
showdown for playoff implications on turkey day, absolutely fantastic.
Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings (Sunday Night Football)
More prime time
brilliance from the NFL as they place Rodgers and Cousins on Sunday night with
the division on the line; could be one of the better games in 2018.
Week 13
New Orleans Saints @ Dallas Cowboys
This game
could provide clear playoff implications for both teams making this a prime
matchup for the viewing public.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
If ADF is
correct on the rise of the Chargers in 2018, this could view as the game of the
week with Rivers facing Big Ben in a fantastic showdown.
Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions
This contest
could bolster an extremely high score as both offenses should be on point as
these teams will be in the thick of the NFC race at this point.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders
This game
could be a dud at this point of the year if both teams underachieve. If Derek
Carr and Patrick Mahomes can get things moving in the right direction, is there
anything better than AFC West football late in the year?
Minnesota Vikings @ New England Patriots
A definite potential
Super Bowl preview as we’ll witness two of the better teams in the league duke
it out to claim victory.
Week 14
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As ADF
mentioned, the NFC South should be the best division in football this season,
and witnessing the second meeting of these two clubs in week 14 should be electric.
Atlanta Falcons @ Green Bay Packers
Whenever the
Falcons take on the Packers, the entertainment level always seems to rise.
Atlanta will travel to Lambo Field with potentially snowy conditions for a
monster NFC showdown late in the season.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
Dallas may
be on life support at this point in the year trying to scratch and claw their
way into the post season. The Super Bowl Champs should be trying to end the
Cowboys year in this contest.
Detroit Lions @ Arizona Cardinals
ADF has
great intrigue for this contest as both defenses are good but not great leaving
potentially a lot of points to be had. This could turn out to become a potential
shootout.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Oakland Raiders (Sunday Night Football)
If the
Raiders are in contention at this point, this contest will provide great plays
and a high level of skill filled with points on the scoreboard.
Week 15
Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs (Thursday Night Football)
Yet another
AFC West showdown as we enter the last three weeks of the season. The Chargers
should be able to wrap up the division with a win on TNF football.
New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Is there
anything better then witnessing these two teams face-off late in the season.
Last year the Steelers were robbed of a victory against New England due to the
horrible catch rule that has been corrected this season. Pittsburgh will want
this game for home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Los Angeles Rams (Sunday Night Football)
The last
time these teams met, Carson Wentz was lost for the year leaving Philly fans in
dismay. This game should be an absolute slug-fest as both clubs will be vying
for their placement for the postseason. Sunday Night Football does it again!
New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers (Monday Night Football)
Seems like a
broken record at this point, but another NFC South contest, this time on Monday
night should provide a beautiful match as both teams will again be
battling for the division crown.
Week 16
Houston Texans @ Philadelphia Eagles
This game
has brilliance written all over it as we see it from today’s perspective. If
Deshaun Watson is the player we believe he will be, could this be a potential
Super Bowl preview? ADF wouldn’t rule it out.
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions
Minnesota should
have the division almost rapped up at this point, but the Lions should give
them a run for their money in this one providing great entertainment value.
Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers
Once again
the NFC South provides another juicy matchup with the Falcons taking on the
Panthers. With great improvement of teams in the NFC this season, it’s difficult
to envision three teams making it out of the South; this game will have monster
playoff implications.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ New Orleans Saints
Is it out of
the question to suggest this could be another potential Super Bowl matchup
preview? We haven’t seen Drew Brees take on Ben Roethlisberger much in their
careers, but this game will be a barn burner.
Week 17
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans
If Andrew
Luck makes it through the season, this contest will reign supreme giving both
fan bases much to be excited about. If Luck doesn’t find his way back to full
health and the Titans take a step back in year one under coach Vrabel, this
could be a dud.
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers
The starters
should be playing in this one for rights to the NFC North and wildcard
aspirations should be all to play for here.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans
Could this
contest decide the AFC South division winner? If the stars align and the top
talents on both teams stay healthy, ADF believes this game will mean a great
deal to end the regular season.
Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints
The NFL schedule
makers will make all NFC South teams play each other in week seventeen to ultimately
decide who will stamp their ticket to the postseason, just excellent schedule organization.
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants
There is
potential that the outcome of this contest could allow one of these clubs to
sneak into the playoffs via the wildcard. With that said, this game could
literally mean nothing as well, hit or miss.
Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The second
half of the NFC South battle will see the Falcons take on the Bucs to try and
either win the division or just grab a wildcard spot. These games are always fantastic
with the amount of talent on the field.
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