10

can't-miss NFL games in 2021 🗓️

Michael McClymont / 

May 12, 2021

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Week 1: Cowboys at Buccaneers

A multifaceted must-watch. Not only is it the 2021 season opener and the start of Tampa Bay's title defense, but it should be Dak Prescott's first game back since fracturing his ankle last October.

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Week 2: Chiefs at Ravens

Two of the last three NFL MVPs do battle on Sunday Night Football in Week 2. A nice subplot: Orlando Brown Jr. facing his former team after he asked out of Baltimore and was traded to K.C.

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Week 3: Buccaneers at Rams

Two of the NFC's best lock horns when the defending champions visit the Rams. The winner figures to get a leg up in the race to represent the conference in Super Bowl LVI.

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Week 4: Buccaneers at Patriots

The game we've all been waiting for since Tom Brady departed Foxborough after 20 seasons. Brady now owns seven rings and will face Bill Belichick and the Patriots on SNF for the first time in their Hall of Fame careers.

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Week 5: Bills at Chiefs

A rematch of last year's AFC Championship Game. The Chiefs and Bills meet on SNF and figure to be the class of the conference again this season, with two potential MVP quarterbacks leading the charge.

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Week 7: Lions at Rams

The two key pieces of a blockbuster trade face off. Matthew Stafford forced his way out of Detroit after 12 seasons, and the Rams dismissed Jared Goff two seasons after he led L.A. to a Super Bowl berth.

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Week 9: Packers at Chiefs

This could be Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers' first head-to-head matchup, provided Rodgers is still with Green Bay. The Packers have fallen short of delivering this matchup in the Super Bowl in each of the past two seasons.

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Week 12: Eagles at Giants

These two have a score to settle. New York was kept out of last year's playoffs after Philadelphia appeared to throw a Week 17 game against Washington. Giants head coach Joe Judge accused the Eagles of tarnishing the game, reigniting a divisional rivalry.

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Week 16: Jaguars at Jets

The top two picks of the 2021 draft square off when Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars visit Zach Wilson and the Jets.

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Week 16: Browns at Packers

Two potential playoff teams meeting on Christmas Day in the snow at Lambeau Field? Thank you, Santa. 🎅

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