The Eight Most Exciting NFL Games of 2016
Start writing a post
Sports

The Eight Most Exciting NFL Games of 2016

A preseason checklist of must watch football.

3
The Eight Most Exciting NFL Games of 2016
Charolotte Observer

We all love football because of the big moments. At some point for all of us, one game pulled each of us in and touched a certain part of us that unlocked an obsession. Those games are why we watch sports, why we sift through months of offseason nonsense, and why we give away a part of our self to some team. Last year, there was the thriller between the Packers and the Cardinals in the Divisional Round. A year earlier, we had one of the greatest Super Bowls ever. With that said, here are eight games that already have the look of instant classics.

Week 1: Patriots at Cardinals

If the Patriots fans were looking to get an easy ride through Tom Brady’s suspension, this may be the furthest thing from it. If last year is any indication, playing in Arizona may be the hardest game in football. This will give us a first look at whether Jimmy Garoppolo is a viable franchise option for life after Brady. We’ll also get to see if the Cardinals can live up to last years squad.

Week 7: Patriots at Steelers

Three games back from suspension, Tom Brady will face one of his biggest tests of the season. This is a matchup of what looks like the two preseason AFC favorites. Big Ben and Brady lead what could be the two best offenses in the NFL. Even without Martavis Bryant, the Steelers have the best triplets in the last five years. The Patriots have quietly added second tier talent like Chris Long and Martavis Bryant to a team that sprinted off to a 10-0 start before the injury bug bit in November.

Week 8: Cardinals at Panthers

Before Tyrann Mathieu suffered a season ending ACL tear and Carson Palmer broke his finger against the Eagles, the Cardinals were the most complete team in the league. That memory has been fogged up partially due to their disappointing playoff loss against Carolina. Carolina, meanwhile, was robbed of a potentially all-time season after narrowly missing a perfect season and ending up a Von Miller strip sack away from the Lombardi Trophy. We get the two best teams in the NFC from a year ago matched up with something to prove.

Week 9: Colts at Packers

The Packers offense could set records in 2016. Aaron Rodgers has been the best player in football for five years on end, but after producing one of the best months a quarterback has ever played the wheels fell off and led to a disappointing season. Getting Jordy Nelson, Eddie Lacy, and Jared Cook should help. As good as Rodgers is, Luck might be even better when he is playing at his best. If both offenses live up to the billing, this should be a showcase in the art of quarterbacking.

Week 10: Seahawks at Patriots

Two years ago, we were treated to one of the best Super Bowls ever between these two. In this matchup, we get to see the new and the old dynasties of the NFL. The Patriots won three Super Bowls in four years and then struggled to make it back for a decade before finally getting back against these Seahawks. Even though they took a step back last year, the Seahawks could be the next dynasty of the NFL if they can put things together in the next couple of years.

Week 13: Texans at Packers

The appeal of this matchup is simple: the best offensive player of the generation against the best defensive player of the generation. Watt has won three Defensive Player of the Year Awards in four years. Rodgers is the most statistically efficient quarterback ever. The two weak units on each side, the Packers defense and the Texans offense, should be improved over a year ago. If the Texans can live up to the hype, be prepared for a showdown.

Week 14: Ravens at Patriots

Even if the two are mismatched on paper, the Ravens and Patriots always find a way to produce a thriller. The rivalry has made some of the best playoff games in the past five years, including the 2013 AFC Championship and the 2015 Divisional Round. Stakes should be high. If the season unfolds anything like we expect it to, the Patriots should be fighting for a playoff bye while the Ravens will likely be fighting for a spot in the tournament.

Week 16: Broncos at Chiefs

The Broncos may have lost more than any Super Bowl team in recent memory. Both of their top two quarterbacks are gone, as well as many of the pieces to their historic defense. With all that they’ve lost, expect a tight race for the division title between them, the Chiefs, and the Raiders. This game could decide that race. Kansas City boasts a defense that looks just as good as Denver's entering the season with playmakers at every level. If he can return healthy, Justin Houston rivals Von Miller as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. While the Packers and Colts may be a showcase of great offense, this should be a battle of outstanding defensive play.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59095
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38172
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959648
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196694
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments