USA TODAY International Edition
Mark your calendars for these intriguing NFL games
Star quarterback and coaching showdowns among 10 2020 games we can’t wait for.
Pressing forward with its plans for an on- time start to the 2020 season, the NFL has released its full slate of games.
There will be no international games, and we don’t know what kind of crowdcontrol methods the league will implement amid the coronavirus pandemic. But if the games do begin on time, the coming season will feature no shortage of action and compelling story lines.
Here’s are 10 of the most intriguing matchups on tap in the regular season.
Chiefs at Ravens ( Sept. 28)
Led by two of the most electrifying quarterbacks ( and the winners of the last two MVP awards), the Chiefs and the Ravens square off again. Patrick Mahomes holds bragging rights after beating Jackson and the Ravens 27- 24 in their first meeting ( 2018) and throwing for 374 yards and three TDs in a 33- 28 triumph last season. But a year after following in Mahomes’ footsteps and taking home the NFL’s top individual honor, Jackson will try to avenge the losses and match Mahomes’ Year 3 Super Bowlwinning quest. This game should feature all kinds of fireworks as each unit spent the offseason bolstering their speed on offense while upgrading their defenses. It also could represent a preview of the AFC championship game.
Bucs vs. Saints ( Sept. 13; Nov. 8)
It’s still hard to believe future Hall of Famers Tom Brady and Drew Brees are now divisional foes. But sure enough, if each 40- plus- year- old quarterback can remain healthy, we should be treated to two regular- season shootouts between these icons. Brees and the Saints will try to rebound from yet another heartbreaking season- ending defeat and give chase to the Lombardi Trophy, perhaps for one last time for the signal- caller. Meanwhile, Brady hopes to bring his winning ways to a Tampa Bay squad that’s loaded with young talent.
Cardinals vs. 49ers ( Sept. 13; Dec. 26 or 27)
The rebuilding Cards made the eventual NFC champion 49ers sweat in each meeting last year. With a year of experience under Kyler Murray’s belt, and after an aggressive offseason, Arizona should be more thoroughly equipped to challenge its NFC West rival.
Patriots at Chiefs ( Oct. 4)
Two great franchises seemingly headed in the opposite directions, yes — but intriguing nonetheless. Kansas City boasts the potential to take over as the AFC’s next great dynasty while New England has begun to rebuild after losing Brady and a number of defensive standouts. However, this is a showdown of two great coaches in Andy Reid and Bill Belichick. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of a defensive game plan Belichick can cook up.
Titans at Ravens ( Nov. 22)
In a rematch of one of last season’s great postseason upsets, Mike Vrabel and his Titans return to Baltimore. A punishing ground game and a physical defensive game plan rendered the topseeded Ravens ineffective. That loss exposed Baltimore’s need for a fortified defensive front and more weapons to lighten Jackson’s load. The draft and free agency were devoted to both.
Patriots at Rams ( Dec. 10)
A lot has changed since Super Bowl LIII. Gone from their previous squads are Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks, among others. Now, both New England and Los Angeles are working to retool their rosters while simultaneously giving themselves the best chance to remain competitive. Belichick is out to show he can continue to work his magic without Brady, and Sean McVay is trying to show that success in Years 1 and 2 was not a fluke.
49ers at Cowboys ( Dec. 20)
This should be a good measuring stick for the Cowboys and new head coach Mike McCarthy. Dallas had Super Bowl aspirations and fell far short, going 8- 8 and missing the postseason. Now the Cowboys host the defending NFC champion 49ers, who should provide a significant test on both sides of the ball.
Steelers vs. Browns ( Oct. 18; Jan. 3)
As divisional opponents, these teams already didn’t like each other. But last year’s melee, in which Myles Garrett clocked Mason Rudolph with the quarterback’s own helmet, further stoked the animosity. The Steelers hope to have Ben Roethlisberger back on the field after an elbow injury forced him to miss 14 games last year. And the Browns are again hitting the reset button after firing head coach Freddie Kitchens ( replaced by Kevin Stefanski) and GM John Dorsey ( replaced by Andrew Berry).
Packers vs. 49ers ( Nov. 5)
The NFC championship game rematch should be interesting. We’ll see if Aaron Rodgers and Company can fare any better than they did in January, when they fell 37- 20, and in November, when the Niners trounced them 37- 8. Both exposed the Packers’ need for more weapons on offense. This meeting should be a good test for second- year Packers coach Matt LaFleur, who struggled against mentor Kyle Shanahan.
Dolphins vs. Patriots ( Sept. 13; Dec. 20)
Viewed as candidates to go 0- 16 after an awful start to the season, including a 43- 0 drubbing by the Patriots, Miami pulled off quite a turnaround, winning five of its last nine games. No win was bigger than their Week 17 upset of New England. That 27- 24 victory gave Brian Flores his first victory over mentor Belichick. Now, as the Patriots’ new era kicks off, their divisional foes all will be licking their chops. But the Dolphins are the only AFC East squad to beat New England last year.