7 matchups sure to produce fireworks
In honor of Memorial Day weekend and the fireworks shows sure to take place around the country, let's take a look at the upcoming matchups in the NFL that are sure to produce pyrotechnics.
Josh Norman vs. Dez Bryant
Week 8: Cowboys at Redskins
Week 13: Redskins at Cowboys
Norman, the Washington Redskins corner, has declared war on the NFC East. In an interview with Bleacher Report's Tyler Dunne, Norman set his sights on Odell Beckham Jr. of the New York Giants and Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys.
Norman's last matchup with Bryant ended with the two face-to-face on the 50-yard line. Rather than swap jerseys, the foes swapped insults. Norman called Bryant trashy and threatened to "unload the clip." Their next meeting comes on Oct. 29.
Josh Norman vs. Odell Beckham Jr.
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Week 12: Giants at Redskins
Week 17: Redskins at Giants
As for Beckham Jr., Norman's feud with the Giants superstar goes back to the 2015 season. In the recent interview, Norman referred to Beckham as a big kid and said, "I hope I don't catch him outside."
Their battles are must-see television and they resume in Week 12.
Brandin Cooks vs. Saints
Week 2: Patriots at Saints
Cooks became the subject of trade talk last season when he was reportedly frustrated with his role in the Saints' offense. Before a trade was consummated, Cooks appeared to beef with the new guy in New Orleans, Michael Thomas, over Twitter.
Both wideouts will get a chance to settle it on the field in Week 2 when Cooks meets his old team with his new team, the New England Patriots.
NFC Championship Game rematch
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Week 2: Packers at Falcons
The Falcons and Packers combined for 65 points in last year's NFC Championship game. Two of the league's most dangerous offenses will get a chance to renew acquaintances early in the 2017 season.
While Atlanta will be looking to erase the memories of their Super Bowl collapse, Green Bay will be seeking revenge for having their Super Bowl dreams quashed.
Aqib Talib vs. Raiders
Week 4: Raiders at Broncos
Week 12: Broncos at Raiders
Sadly, the Broncos will not face the Titans in 2017. Last season, Titans receiver Harry Douglas opted for a low block at the knees of Broncos corner Chris Harris Jr. and incited the wrath of Aqib Talib in the process. Talib vowed to get revenge on Douglas, but we'll have to wait until 2018 or later to rekindle that battle.
The Broncos and Raiders meet twice a season, however, and Talib memorably snatched a chain off the neck of Raiders receiver Michael Crabtree in last year's regular-season finale.
The Raiders better protect their neck.
Matt Ryan vs. Drew Brees
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Week 14: Saints at Falcons
Week 16: Falcons at Saints
Drew Brees and Matt Ryan led the league in passing yards in 2016. Brees surpassed the 5,000-yard plateau for the fifth time in his career and Ryan just missed the mark by 56 yards.
The NFC South combatants will meet twice in optimal conditions for aerial assaults, as they do every year. Both clubs put up at least 32 points in each of their matchups last season.
Super Bowl rematch
Week 7: Falcons at Patriots
Super Bowl LI had nothing but fireworks. Insane catches, a 25-point comeback, and the first overtime in Super Bowl history.
What can they possibly do for an encore?