Let’s Celebrate: The last time the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs played; it was back in January with a trip to the AFC title game on the line. Houston struck early to a 24-point lead. That didn’t stay safe. The Chiefs kept their foot on the gas pedal and never looked back. These two will meet again to open up the 2020 NFL season on Thursday, September 10th. I think we have a nice quarterback rivalry in the making here between Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. This will be the Texans first game since trading DeAndre Hopkins.
Icons: The minute we saw Tom Brady decide to take his legendary resume to Tampa Bay, one thing immediately stood out to me. We’ll be getting a battle of future Hall of Fame quarterbacks two times a season. For the first time in his career, Tom will be wearing the uniform of another team. He will make his Buccaneers debut against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. I already hear the Superdome and that crowd. What a way to start a season.
II: Last year, we saw the first meeting between Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson. Two of the star quarterbacks in this league. The first match up went in Lamar’s favor. To be honest, the Texans didn’t even show up. The Ravens and Texans will be battling again this season, this time in Houston. This is another quarterback matchup we could all look forward to in the future. The MVP will be in Texas facing his buddy.
Elite Time: We really don’t get many elite quarterback battles. This is why I always say when we do, appreciate them because it could be the last battle we get. For the first time since 2014, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees will face each other. The Packers will make a trip to the Superdome for a showdown with the New Orleans Saints. If you like points and touchdowns, this could be the game for you. I can’t wait to see these legends battle once again.
Who Runs PA?: I’ve compared Carson Wentz to a younger Ben Roethlisberger during the early stages of his career. Interstate battles in the NFL are always fun. Who really runs the Keystone State? We’ll find out this season when the Philadelphia Eagles face the Pittsburgh Steelers for a show down. This will be just the second matchup between Carson Wentz and Big Ben.
12 For 12: Just two seasons ago, we were treated to Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady squaring off against each other. Can you believe that was just the second time these quarterbacks have faced each other? For just the third time ever, we’ll see Aaron and Tom square off. An old-school battle between the Packers and Buccaneers will take place at Raymond James.
Remember Me?: October 30th, 2017. That’s the day the New England Patriots decided to trade Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers. The rest is history. Jimmy was supposed to be the heir apparent to Tom whenever he decided to hang it up. For the first time since that trade, Jimmy G will make his first career start against the Patriots in Foxborough. This should be all the way interesting.
Primetime: Each year when the schedules release, one game that’s always appeared has been the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. It has always been on Sunday night. What made you think this would be any different. These two rivals will battle it out in South Philadelphia once again. I’ve always enjoyed the battles these two teams have faced off against each other. It’s always a showdown, I wouldn’t expect anything different.
Cali Time: The state of California was not kind to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. They were dominated at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers and lost twice to the San Francisco 49ers. For the first time since that NFC title game, these two will meet up in a rematch. I know Rodgers will enter that game with a chip on his shoulder. The 49ers are the kings of the NFC this year. To get anywhere in the conference, you must take Kyle Shanahan’s team down.
IV: Patrick Mahomes has had his fair share of battles since becoming a starter. Especially with Tom Brady. From the AFC title game a few years ago to the game they had last season. They’ll see each other again for the fourth time ever. This time, Tom will be in an NFC uniform of course. The champs will make a trip to Florida (hoping they’ll be playing in Tampa Bay again come February).
Catch It Like Beckham: Odell Beckham was selected by the New York Giants in the 2014 NFL Draft. He gave football fans one of the most memorable plays in recent memory. Just last Spring, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns which made a lot of sense. The Giants wanted to break it down and build up from scratch. OBJ will be making his return to MetLife to face the team who drafted for the first time as a member of the Browns.
A First: We’re being treated to a few solid quarterback matchups this year. Brady and Brees twice, Rodgers and Brady along with Mahomes and Brady to name a few. Let’s add another one to the slate. Patrick Mahomes and Drew Brees. This will be the first meeting between these Super Bowl winning quarterbacks. What a game this could be. Both could be fighting for playoff positioning in their conferences by the time this one comes around.
