Overrated, Underrated, & Perfectly Rated NFL Games
Photo by Adam Hunger from The Associated Press
The NFL schedule has officially been released, and, unlike college football, the NFL lets us know what they think the game of the week is way ahead of time considering what they put on primetime and give CBS and Fox as the “games of the week.”
Well, they did. But now there’s 7 different primetime games each week, so who knows?
But did they get it right?
Let’s dive in and find out.
Week 1: Patriots vs Seahawks
Overrated
The big game week 1 is the standalone game to kick off the season.
This year, it’s a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl where the Seahawks defeated the Patriots.
But why?
First off, it wasn’t a good game, and second of all, most of the story leading up to it probably won’t be football, but instead what happened with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Diana Russini.
Should’ve been Seahawks vs Bears
What It Should Be: 49ers vs Rams
Niners and Rams games seem to always be good games, and this one is in Australia which has a super fun fan culture and it’s their first ever NFL game.
This could be a really fun one.
Week 2: Lions vs Bills
Underrated
The week 2 slot isn’t great, so the Thursday night home opener for the Bills is likely game of the week.
And this may seem lame. After all, the Bills are good and the Lions finished last in their division last year.
But I think it’s fair to say the Lions will be better this year, and this is also the first game in the Bills new stadium, which is an outdoor stadium!
That’s right! The NFL hasn’t mandated every new stadium be a dome!
That will be a fun atmosphere.
Week 3: Eagles vs Bears
Perfectly Rated
The vibes among these two teams to end last year couldn’t have been more different.
The Eagles felt like it was a let down year, while the Bears felt it was the start of something magical.
Week 3, they face off in Chicago on Monday Night Football, and we’ll be able to find out if things have stayed the same or changed (for the better, or worse).
Week 4: Broncos vs 49ers
Underrated
Two teams that feel like, if the injury bug didn’t go against them, they could have very easily been Super Bowl champions.
Two teams that are in extremely difficult divisions, and every loss could be crucial to their playoff hopes.
This will be a good barometer to these two teams hopes this season.
Week 5: Bears vs Packers
Perfectly Rated
It might be the NFL’s biggest rivalry, and last year was the first time in a long time where both teams were good, and it led to three absolutely awesome games.
Let’s get another one, why don’t we?
Week 6: Chargers vs Chiefs
Overrated
The Chiefs offense will still probably be boring like it has been the last three years, and the Chargers will probably have 4 devastating injuries by this point.
Same as it ever was.
What It Should Be: Texans vs Jaguars
A 13-4 Jags team trying to build off of that against the best defense in football at 9:30 A.M. in London?
Get your coffee ready and enjoy.
Week 7: Chiefs vs Seahawks
Perfectly Rated
The reigning dynasty against the defending champs.
The Super Bowl MVP returning to Seattle against his former team.
Mahomes against Mike Macdonald.
It writes itself.
Week 8: Chiefs vs Broncos
Overrated
(Jeez, this is a brutal stretch for the Chiefs…)
These games have been good recently, but they’re not exactly exciting in terms of watching football.
Credit to both defenses, but there’s a game this week that could be fireworks that I prefer instead.
What It Should Be Ravens vs Bills
Look at these teams schedules.
The Bills have a very tough start the year, and the Ravens very possibly could be 7-0 coming into this game.
This could end up being a very, very crucial game for the Bills.
Plus, these games are usually a lot of fun.
Week 9: Texans vs Chargers
Underrated
Everyone thinks Justin Herbert is going to have a great season under Mike McDaniel.
And he might!
But this will be an excellent test against the league’s best defense.
Week 10: 49ers vs Cowboys
Perfectly Rated
Usually, these games are overrated.
The Cowboys don’t hold a candle to the Niners.
However, with a new and (hopefully) improved defense, the Cowboys will have a tough test mid season against a Kyle Shanahan offense to see if they truly are playoff worthy or not.
I’m excited for it.
Week 11: Buccaneers vs Lions
Perfectly Rated
This is not a good week in terms of high marquee matchups, so fine.
Two teams hoping for better seasons than a year ago.
Sure.
Week 12: Man, I don’t know
Perfectly Rated
Week 11 is kind of a dud.
Week 12 is stacked.
Packers vs Rams. Bears vs Lions. Eagles vs Cowboys. Chiefs vs Bills. Seahawks vs Niners. Ravens vs. Texans.
From Wednesday before Thanksgiving until Sunday when you’re about to go back to work on Monday, there are awesome games.
Week 13: Chiefs vs Rams
Perfectly rated
It’s a standalone Thursday game between two teams with Super Bowl ambitions, and it kicks off December football when it comes to the final stretch run.
This game could be very, very important.
Week 14: Chiefs vs Bengals
Overrated
The Chiefs and Bengals played a great AFC Championship game in 2022, and then a great game the following season, which has led people to consider this an excellent rivalry.
2022 was four years ago.
We have to stop pretending this is a big rivalry until we see the game actually matter again.
What It Should Be : Bills vs Packers
December night football in Lambeau between two teams built for cold weather.
“The way football should be played!” he said in his biggest possible Boomer voice.
Week 15: Patriots vs Chiefs
Overrated
It feels like the NFL set this up late in the season for playoff seeding purposes.
The problem is, I don’t think the Pats will be that good this year.
And because of that, I don’t think this game is interesting.
What It Should Be : Seahawks vs Eagles
Did you know the Eagles haven’t beaten the Seahawks since 2008?
A standalone Saturday game in Philly could be a perfect opportunity to break that streak.
Week 16: Rams vs Seahawks
Perfectly Rated
These two teams played three amazing games last year, including one in the NFC Championship game.
Now, facing off in week 16 again, this could be a HUGE game for playoff implications.
Must watch game.
Week 17: Lions vs Bears
Perfectly Rated
I think the Lions will be a bit better this year, and I think the Bears will be a bit worse this year.
Plus, I think the NFC North is being a bit overrated this season, so this could be a big game for the division.
Week 18: Seahawks vs Rams
Overrated
“Brian, you just said this was perfectly rated two weeks prior? Why is this one overrated?”
Because this is week 18.
It is incredibly possible, if not likely, that the playoff seeding is already determined at one, or both of these teams is resting starters.
If not, fair enough, NFL! You nailed it.
But I think this could end up being a Jalen Milroe vs Ty Simpson game.
What It Should Be: Falcons vs Panthers
This game screams two 8-8 teams playing for the NFC South title and final playoff spot, and it will likely end up being extremely painful for the Falcons.
