10 NFL Games Not To Be Missed

Peyton Manning’s latest duel with Tom Brady is one matchup we’ll be tuning in for.

With the 2014 NFL Season kicking off on Thursday, Betting Sports has gone panning for football gold within the upcoming schedule, picking out 10 games you’ll want to tune in for this season.

Forecasting the season ahead is tricky business. All it takes is one injury, one deflating loss or one underdog victory for the schedule to be blown apart. A dark horse can quickly become a contender while a favorite can watch the season wash away from them. Just ask the 2013 Houston Texans.

As such, for all we know, Week 14’s matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers – two teams who suffered miserable campaigns a year ago – could prove to be a hugely pivotal game. And nobody would expect that.

As such then, we’ve generally picked out games that have story lines attached to them. Games that are likely to be interesting, even if a quarterback goes down or a schedule gets blown to pieces. Of course, even these 10 NFL gems could go south quickly.

Regardless, let’s have a little fun and see what’s on tap over the next four months.

Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers meet the Baltimore Ravens in an early season clash.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (Sept. 11)

While Thursday Night Football may have its share of critics, it’s hard to argue against this Week 2 AFC North divisional matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. What’s not to like about two teams that don’t like each other getting it on while they’re still fresh and relevant?

Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks (Sept. 21)

Just three weeks into the regular season we’re treated to a rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII, as the Seattle Seahawks welcome the Denver Broncos to CenturyLink Field. Will the Seahawks dominate the Broncos once more, or will Peyton Manning’s team earn a smidgeon of payback?

Kansas City Chiefs at San Francisco 49ers (Oct. 5)

Remember when the San Francisco 49ers opted to run with Colin Kaepernick instead of Alex Smith? Well, Smith gets his chance to prove his old employers wrong when he leads the Kansas City Chiefs into battle at the brand new Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons invite you to breakfast on Oct. 26

Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons (Oct. 26)

Ever wanted to watch football with breakfast? Well, come the end of October you can. In Week 8, the Atlanta Falcons ‘host’ the Detroit Lions in the second of this season’s three NFL International Series games at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. local time, which equates to 9:30 a.m. ET. Football and Wheaties anyone?

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers (Oct. 30)

The Carolina Panthers were the surprise package of 2013, winning 11 of their last 13 to finish with a 12-4 record and a postseason berth. At 50/1, few expect much of the Panthers again this year. By the time Week 9 rolls around, we should have a good idea of whether or not Cam Newton and Co. is going to be a contender this year. This Thursday Night Football showdown should also give us a solid view of the New Orleans Saints, currently ranked joint-third in the NFC. The Saints couldn’t buy a win on the road towards the end of last season. Will they be able to beat their division rivals in this one?

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots (Nov. 2)

Another year, another quarterback showdown between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Brady and the New England Patriots earned a regular season win over Manning and the Broncos last season, but it was the team from the Mile High City that got the last laugh via the AFC Championship Game. For the record, Brady is 10-5 versus Manning.

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (Nov. 9)

The NFL’s longest running rivalry needs little hyperbole to garner a viewing audience but this Week 10 matchup could be particularly riveting. Both the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears enter this game on the back of a bye week, meaning both should be finely tuned, freshened up and ready to bruise.

The Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers on Thanksgiving.

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (Nov. 27)

Thanksgiving and football go hand in hand but kudos to the matchmaker that decided to add a little NFC West fire to the oven. Following the traditional Turkey Day games in Detroit and Dallas, San Francisco welcomes Seattle to Levi’s Stadium for what promises to be yet another enthralling installment of what is fast becoming one of the best rivalries in professional football.

Buffalo Bills at Oakland Raiders (Dec. 21)

No, we haven’t lost our minds. And no, we don’t expect any game between the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders to hold any importance in regards to the destination of the Lombardi Trophy this year. However, the Raiders’ lease at O.co Coliseum expires at the end of this season, which means this could be the final NFL game played at the 48-year-old stadium. While success has been lacking in Oaktown of late, watching a team ship out remains a sad sight for any city.

As an aside, Oakland also plays the St. Louis Rams on November 30 in what could be a dress rehearsal for football in Los Angeles. Likewise, the Rams meet the San Diego Chargers a week earlier in another matchup between potential L.A. prospects.

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins (Dec. 28)

As per usual, there’s little to separate the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins in the NFC East. Both are considered 66/1 long shots to win Super Bowl XLIX going into the season, yet both could finish with a division championship, with this game proving to be the decider. Then again, what’s the betting that this is the game that sees the Cowboys finish the campaign with an 8-8 record for the fourth straight year?

Will Tony Romo and the Cowboys finish 8-8?

Just for fun

The matchup between Denver and Seattle listed above is one of seven Super Bowl rematches you’ll find on this year’s schedule, the others being: New England at Green Bay (Super Bowl XXXI); San Diego at San Francisco (XXIX); San Francisco at Denver (XXIV); Chicago at New England (XX); Minnesota at Miami (VIII); and Indianapolis at Dallas (the Baltimore Colts defeated the Cowboys in Super Bowl V).

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The 2014 NFL Season kicks off on Thursday with the Green Bay Packers visiting the Seattle Seahawks (8:30 p.m. ET).

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