Once again, the NFL made a big show of releasing their schedule. I understand why some may think ESPN and NFL Network having 2-hour specials detailing the schedule is another sign of the NFL's too-big media presence, but in reality, the NFL is just flexing one of the key aspects of its brilliance: the short season. The NBA can't do this because there are 82-effing games. Here there are 16 games for each team, they happen at distinct times, and distinct days. It is meaningful. A bad start and you're climbing up-hill all season. An easy start and you can bank some wins that can prop you up when injury hits (KC in 2013 for example). The NFL schedule matters, and it is the first sign that the 2015 season has begun. So with that, here are a few thoughts on the primetime games:
Monday Night Football
Once again, ESPN is drawing the short end of the primetime stick, despite paying way more than CBS is for its limited TNF package, or NBC is for SNF. Having live NFL is just that important to ESPN. Apparently the NFL is pimping out Super Bowl rematches since this year it is Super Bowl 50, which explains why we have Jets @ Colts and Chiefs @ Packers in Wk 2-3 (rematches of Super Bowl III and II). The Chiefs @ Packers game might actually be one of the better ones in this slate. The early-season games aren't bad, with Lions @ Seahawks potentially frisky, and Steelers @ Chargers a nice game, but then we get a lot of NFC East (glad they shuffled some of those off to ESPN instead of having them on SNF each week), and some real questionable ones. Bears @ Chargers is garbage, as is Texans @ Bengals, a matchup that was boring even when it was a playoff game as recently as three years ago. Giants @ Dolphins, Lions @ Saints and Bengals @ Broncos end the year, all three could be good, but don't look so great. I do like having Rex and the Bills going to Foxboro on MNF. Overall, there are a lot of games that are a 5-6-7 out of 10, few real duds like in years past, but also few real marquee games, at least with a perspective 4-months before they kick off. One huge note, a Philip Rivers trade really hurts ESPN, as Steelers @ Chargers is far less interesting with a rookie Mariota, and makes that Bears @ Chargers game even worse.
Thursday Night Football
For the past couple years since it's expanded to full season (first happened in 2012), the NFL has tried to play as many inter-division games on TNF, and they've done it again, as all the TNF games through Thanksgiving Weekend are inter-division. In teh 2nd year of CBS having some of the games, they've given CBS the goods, as these games are, to me, better than the MNF games. Broncos @ Chiefs is a great way to kick the slate off in Week 2. Ravens @ Steelers in Week 4 is always fun (once again, though, both Ravens/Steelers games are slated for prime-time). Colts @ Texans is good as the Texans often play up to the Colts in Houston, Falcons @ Saints has been a nice game for years now, and while the 49ers have fallen, them hosting the Seahawks will bring out the intensity. Even Dolphins @ Patriots could be a really nice game. The late season stretch (again, we get Saturday Night games in Week 15-16) is all on NFL Network, and a lot more precarious. The inter-division thing goes out the window, and we get some really iffy matchups, like Buccaneers @ Rams, and Jets @ Cowboys, and Chargers @ Raiders, but a strong early schedule is enough to make up for it. People will still compain about TNF, but the games this year definitely seem better than normal years.
Sunday Night Football
Week 1: Steelers @ Patriots - it was an obvious choice given the options and the NFL's general dislike to make the opener a division rivalry game. People were saying the Eagles, but after Chip gutted the team it became far less attractive. The only complaint is the Steelers have a history of getting blowed out in Foxoboro. 8/10
Week 1: Giants @ Cowboys - Ah, the old standard NFC East game. From 2009-2013, the Giants @ Cowboys game was on National TV 4 times (2009-11 - all Giants wins - and 2013 a Cowboys win). I'm predicting a mini-Giants renaissance so this might be good, but it is tiresome. 6/10
Week 2: Seahawks @ Packers - Considering I feel the Packers would have beaten New England in the Super Bowl, let's just move on. I'll say this, there's no chance the Packers eff up the onside pick this time. 9/10
Week 3: Broncos @ Lions - Interesting choice, a rare game that may be good but has no historical or relevant ties - other than maybe Jim Caldwell and Peyton Manning reuniting. Not sure why they picked it. 6/10
Week 4: Cowboys @ Saints - These two play way too much in primetime. The Saints have probably peaked as a public team, but the Cowboys very much are. Still, not really inspired. 6/10
Week 5: 49ers @ Giants - Again, two public teams, but the 49ers have peaked as well. This may be the worst game on the SNF slate, but that's a credit to the overall slate more than anything. It should be noted, this and all following game are flex-able. 5/10
Week 6: Patriots @ Colts - Lot's of potential story-lines (#DeflateGate; The Old vs. The Young, etc.) for a game that's been really one-side each time since Luck came on board. Still, it's one that will draw a lot of attention. 7/10
Week 7: Eagles @ Panthers - This would have seemed far more appealing before all the Chip Kelly shenanigans; but getting Carolina on SNF as a host is a real welcome surprise, an opportunity to show that they've built something really nice in Charlotte. 7/10
Week 8: Packers @ Broncos - In what will be, excepting a possible Super Bow, the last time Rodgers and Manning play, will also be the first time Manning ever hosts him. The last time they played was 2008, Rodgers 1st year as a starter, so getting those two on the field again will be much appreciated. Really nice game here. 9/10
Week 9: Eagles @ Cowboys - Well, it took a whole 8 weeks before a 2nd all-NFC East game. Nicely NBC is scheduling them early this time, though of course they'll flex all NFC-East games each week in December. 6/10
Week 10: Cardinals @ Seahawks - If the Cardinals can sustain their level from the last two years and get a healthy Carson Palmer back, this is a real nice name for a budding little rivalry. Still, I feel like the better divisional rival now for Seattle in St. Louis. 8/10
Week 11: Chiefs @ Chargers - I'm assuming Philip Rivers stays put, which makes this game of Wild-Card contenders a real nice one. They've played a few prime-time games in KC over the years, but this is the first I can remember in San Diego. 8/10
Week 12: Bears @ Packers - Our Thanksgiving Night game is a storied rivalry, so it's a nice game in that sense, but also has gigantic blowout potential, for which I'm dinging it a bit. Still, Bears and Packers in cold Lambeau on Thanksgiving is a great set-up for a awesome Thanksgiving night. 7/10
Week 12: Patriots @ Broncos - This would be the latest that they've played against each other since 2003. This is also the first time a regular season game has been played in Manning's house since 2009, so that's a nice change. No matter how many times they play, the lead-up is always fun, and the prime-time games have either been epics, or comfortable Manning-team wins. 10/10
Week 13: Colts @ Steelers - Assuming it isn't the Ben Roethlisberger special like last year, this is a nice rivalry between two teams that are fighting to be the 3rd best team in the AFC, and a good look at the future rivalry in teh AFC if Ben stays healthy. Like it a lot. 8/10
Week 14: Seahawks @ Ravens - Despite losing a lot of players, I think the Ravens will be pretty good, again, so this lines up to be a great game. The Seahawks travel to one of the better prime-time environments in the NFL, and the Ravens get to flex their muscles. I'm almost guaranteeing the black uniforms for the Ravens will be out in this game. 9/10
Week 15: Bengals @ 49ers - I'm not sure about this game. I guess the 49ers could surprise and be fringe playoff contenders, and the Bengals will always be their 10-6 or 11-5 type of plodding 'good'-ness, but I'm not feeling this game at all, ending a pretty spectacular run of 5-weeks of games. 5/10
Week 16: Steelers @ Ravens - I really hope this game is meaningful, because if so it could be a classic. Really hard to judge these Week 16 games this far in advance, but I'm guessing both will be about as good as each other and this game will mean a whole lot. the Ravens get two primetime games at home late in the season, but they're two tough opponents. I can't wait to watch M&T Bank Stadium in this game. 9/10
Week 17: Top Five Potential Options:
#5: Seahawks @ Cardinals - This could be for the division
#4: Ravens @ Bengals - Ditto, though why do these two almost always play Week 17
#3: Broncos @ Chargers - This could be for the division, but almost definitely will have some seeding implications
#2: Eagles @ Giants - Token NFC East choice
#1: Patriots @ Dolphins - Imagine if somehow this game is meaningful for both teams
There's my thoughts on the prime-time sked. NFL Season has officially begun.
Monday Night Football
Once again, ESPN is drawing the short end of the primetime stick, despite paying way more than CBS is for its limited TNF package, or NBC is for SNF. Having live NFL is just that important to ESPN. Apparently the NFL is pimping out Super Bowl rematches since this year it is Super Bowl 50, which explains why we have Jets @ Colts and Chiefs @ Packers in Wk 2-3 (rematches of Super Bowl III and II). The Chiefs @ Packers game might actually be one of the better ones in this slate. The early-season games aren't bad, with Lions @ Seahawks potentially frisky, and Steelers @ Chargers a nice game, but then we get a lot of NFC East (glad they shuffled some of those off to ESPN instead of having them on SNF each week), and some real questionable ones. Bears @ Chargers is garbage, as is Texans @ Bengals, a matchup that was boring even when it was a playoff game as recently as three years ago. Giants @ Dolphins, Lions @ Saints and Bengals @ Broncos end the year, all three could be good, but don't look so great. I do like having Rex and the Bills going to Foxboro on MNF. Overall, there are a lot of games that are a 5-6-7 out of 10, few real duds like in years past, but also few real marquee games, at least with a perspective 4-months before they kick off. One huge note, a Philip Rivers trade really hurts ESPN, as Steelers @ Chargers is far less interesting with a rookie Mariota, and makes that Bears @ Chargers game even worse.
Thursday Night Football
For the past couple years since it's expanded to full season (first happened in 2012), the NFL has tried to play as many inter-division games on TNF, and they've done it again, as all the TNF games through Thanksgiving Weekend are inter-division. In teh 2nd year of CBS having some of the games, they've given CBS the goods, as these games are, to me, better than the MNF games. Broncos @ Chiefs is a great way to kick the slate off in Week 2. Ravens @ Steelers in Week 4 is always fun (once again, though, both Ravens/Steelers games are slated for prime-time). Colts @ Texans is good as the Texans often play up to the Colts in Houston, Falcons @ Saints has been a nice game for years now, and while the 49ers have fallen, them hosting the Seahawks will bring out the intensity. Even Dolphins @ Patriots could be a really nice game. The late season stretch (again, we get Saturday Night games in Week 15-16) is all on NFL Network, and a lot more precarious. The inter-division thing goes out the window, and we get some really iffy matchups, like Buccaneers @ Rams, and Jets @ Cowboys, and Chargers @ Raiders, but a strong early schedule is enough to make up for it. People will still compain about TNF, but the games this year definitely seem better than normal years.
Sunday Night Football
Week 1: Steelers @ Patriots - it was an obvious choice given the options and the NFL's general dislike to make the opener a division rivalry game. People were saying the Eagles, but after Chip gutted the team it became far less attractive. The only complaint is the Steelers have a history of getting blowed out in Foxoboro. 8/10
Week 1: Giants @ Cowboys - Ah, the old standard NFC East game. From 2009-2013, the Giants @ Cowboys game was on National TV 4 times (2009-11 - all Giants wins - and 2013 a Cowboys win). I'm predicting a mini-Giants renaissance so this might be good, but it is tiresome. 6/10
Week 2: Seahawks @ Packers - Considering I feel the Packers would have beaten New England in the Super Bowl, let's just move on. I'll say this, there's no chance the Packers eff up the onside pick this time. 9/10
Week 3: Broncos @ Lions - Interesting choice, a rare game that may be good but has no historical or relevant ties - other than maybe Jim Caldwell and Peyton Manning reuniting. Not sure why they picked it. 6/10
Week 4: Cowboys @ Saints - These two play way too much in primetime. The Saints have probably peaked as a public team, but the Cowboys very much are. Still, not really inspired. 6/10
Week 5: 49ers @ Giants - Again, two public teams, but the 49ers have peaked as well. This may be the worst game on the SNF slate, but that's a credit to the overall slate more than anything. It should be noted, this and all following game are flex-able. 5/10
Week 6: Patriots @ Colts - Lot's of potential story-lines (#DeflateGate; The Old vs. The Young, etc.) for a game that's been really one-side each time since Luck came on board. Still, it's one that will draw a lot of attention. 7/10
Week 7: Eagles @ Panthers - This would have seemed far more appealing before all the Chip Kelly shenanigans; but getting Carolina on SNF as a host is a real welcome surprise, an opportunity to show that they've built something really nice in Charlotte. 7/10
Week 8: Packers @ Broncos - In what will be, excepting a possible Super Bow, the last time Rodgers and Manning play, will also be the first time Manning ever hosts him. The last time they played was 2008, Rodgers 1st year as a starter, so getting those two on the field again will be much appreciated. Really nice game here. 9/10
Week 9: Eagles @ Cowboys - Well, it took a whole 8 weeks before a 2nd all-NFC East game. Nicely NBC is scheduling them early this time, though of course they'll flex all NFC-East games each week in December. 6/10
Week 10: Cardinals @ Seahawks - If the Cardinals can sustain their level from the last two years and get a healthy Carson Palmer back, this is a real nice name for a budding little rivalry. Still, I feel like the better divisional rival now for Seattle in St. Louis. 8/10
Week 11: Chiefs @ Chargers - I'm assuming Philip Rivers stays put, which makes this game of Wild-Card contenders a real nice one. They've played a few prime-time games in KC over the years, but this is the first I can remember in San Diego. 8/10
Week 12: Bears @ Packers - Our Thanksgiving Night game is a storied rivalry, so it's a nice game in that sense, but also has gigantic blowout potential, for which I'm dinging it a bit. Still, Bears and Packers in cold Lambeau on Thanksgiving is a great set-up for a awesome Thanksgiving night. 7/10
Week 12: Patriots @ Broncos - This would be the latest that they've played against each other since 2003. This is also the first time a regular season game has been played in Manning's house since 2009, so that's a nice change. No matter how many times they play, the lead-up is always fun, and the prime-time games have either been epics, or comfortable Manning-team wins. 10/10
Week 13: Colts @ Steelers - Assuming it isn't the Ben Roethlisberger special like last year, this is a nice rivalry between two teams that are fighting to be the 3rd best team in the AFC, and a good look at the future rivalry in teh AFC if Ben stays healthy. Like it a lot. 8/10
Week 14: Seahawks @ Ravens - Despite losing a lot of players, I think the Ravens will be pretty good, again, so this lines up to be a great game. The Seahawks travel to one of the better prime-time environments in the NFL, and the Ravens get to flex their muscles. I'm almost guaranteeing the black uniforms for the Ravens will be out in this game. 9/10
Week 15: Bengals @ 49ers - I'm not sure about this game. I guess the 49ers could surprise and be fringe playoff contenders, and the Bengals will always be their 10-6 or 11-5 type of plodding 'good'-ness, but I'm not feeling this game at all, ending a pretty spectacular run of 5-weeks of games. 5/10
Week 16: Steelers @ Ravens - I really hope this game is meaningful, because if so it could be a classic. Really hard to judge these Week 16 games this far in advance, but I'm guessing both will be about as good as each other and this game will mean a whole lot. the Ravens get two primetime games at home late in the season, but they're two tough opponents. I can't wait to watch M&T Bank Stadium in this game. 9/10
Week 17: Top Five Potential Options:
#5: Seahawks @ Cardinals - This could be for the division
#4: Ravens @ Bengals - Ditto, though why do these two almost always play Week 17
#3: Broncos @ Chargers - This could be for the division, but almost definitely will have some seeding implications
#2: Eagles @ Giants - Token NFC East choice
#1: Patriots @ Dolphins - Imagine if somehow this game is meaningful for both teams
There's my thoughts on the prime-time sked. NFL Season has officially begun.
