Pigskin Rage: 2011 NFL Schedule Highlights

I was extremely excited last night when the NFL schedule was released because this brought me optimism. After analyzing the schedule, I pray that the NFL gets a deal done because I already can't wait for the NFL. I know everyone else can't wait for the NFL either, so here are some of the most intriguing games on paper for the upcoming season.

10 Bears v.s. Lions, Week 5
It's the first Monday Night game in Detroit since 2001, and this is a validation for Detroit fans who finally have excitement for their Lions. Looking at this game from a football fan perspective, we finally get to see young studs Ndamukong Suh and Calvin Johnson on national TV and they will challenge the NFC North champion Bears. I am very excited about this game because I believe the Lions could be one of the surprise teams in the NFL this season.

9 Packers v.s. Chargers, Week 9
I know some people will say that this is a Super Bowl preview. But the Chargers always seem to disappoint us, yet they manage to show up for the big games which is why this game should be outstanding because it features two of the most explosive quarterbacks in the game.

8 Eagles v.s. Giants, Week 11
The Eagles return to the Meadowlands for the first time since the Giants epic collapse that ruined the Giants season last year. It's a classic divisional matchup which should provide plenty of excitement as always.

7 Packers v.s. Falcons, Week 5
The Packers throttled the Falcons last season in what should've been a great playoff matchup between Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan. But Rodgers clearly outplayed Ryan, so I'm sure he is looking to avenge that.

6 Patriots v.s. Eagles, Week 12
There was heavy debate last season as to whether Tom Brady or Michael Vick should win the MVP. Tom Brady ended up taking the MVP unanimously (it wasn't even as close as that) but I'm sure many feel that Vick should've had more consideration. Or some people may just want to see two different quarterback styles that are nonetheless exciting. This game also features two of the NFL's best coaches going head to head with Bill Belichick and Andy Reid.

5 49ers v.s. Ravens, Week 13
Jim Harbaugh v.s. John Harbaugh on Thanksgiving, what's a better night cap than that?

4 Steelers v.s. Ravens, Week 1
The most physical rivalry in the NFL gets going in Week 1. Every game comes down to the wire and every game has defense. So expect hard hitting and stingy defense in this defensive classic.

3 Saints v.s. Packers, Week 1
Right off the bat, the past two Super Bowl champions square off at Lambeau Field. This game is matchups galore, Aaron Rodgers v.s. Drew Brees, Clay Matthews v.s. Jahari Evans, Charles Woodson v.s. Marques Colston, the list goes on and on.

2 Colts v.s. Patriots, Week 13
What would an NFL season be without a Tom Brady/Peyton Manning duel? People have to cherish these games because they're historic, and not only that, they're always one of the most exciting games of the NFL season. I can't wait!

1 Jets v.s. Patriots, Week 5
There are some great rivalries in the NFL, but the most intriguing rivalry in the NFL is Patriots/Jets. The week leading up to the game is like a soap opera, with the Jets taking shots at the mighty Patriots looking to prove themselves against one of the NFL's elite. Well, the Jets not only barked last year, they bit the Patriots, sending them home in the Divisional Playoffs in Foxboro. The Patriots will be looking for revenge, and it will be interesting to see what kind of game we see, the 45-3 ass-whipping, or the dominant Jets performance in the postseason.