The NFL does things like no other league. She is the one who attaches the most importance to the unveiling of the calendar for the coming season. The matches for the 2022 campaign were announced on Thursday night and here are five you can’t miss.
Posted yesterday at 8:00 p.m.
Red felt-tip pens in hand, millions of football fans waited with enthusiasm and excitement for the clock to show 8 p.m. to find out which teams were going to face their favorite team. In a league where every game counts, due to the few games played, this day is already a good indicator of the challenges facing the 32 teams in the league.
Sept. 12 (Week 1): Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks
We wondered when Russell Wilson’s big return to Seattle would take place. The football gods have decided to settle the case quickly. The Broncos, Wilson’s new team, will travel to Lumen Field in Seattle for the Monday night opener of the season. The 33-year-old quarterback marked Seahawks history in red ink. In ten seasons, he notably won a Super Bowl. The reunion between him and his former trainer Pete Carroll is likely to be moving. They have played 158 matches together. However, once the starting kick is done, Wilson is likely to be ruthless. The Seahawks are a rebuilding team and, in return, the Broncos have built a club to win. Wilson is likely to have a little more fun than in his last seasons in Seattle. His style of play and the system of his new coach, Nathaniel Hackett, are a perfect match.
Oct. 2 (Week 4): Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
It is well known, the NFL is trying to internationalize its market. That’s why it’s been hosting regular-season games outside of America since 2007. Again this year, the NFL will begin its international schedule on October 2, as the Vikings and Saints battle it out in London. Both teams are unbeaten in two games in Europe. It will be the 34and match disputed in London and the 40and abroad. Two more games are scheduled in England, as well as one in Germany and another in Mexico. Sportingly, both teams improved defensively during the offseason. The Vikings acquired linebacker Za’Darius Smith, and the Saints signed safety Tyrann Mathieu.
Oct. 16 (Week 6): Buffalo Bills v. Kansas City Chiefs
This will be the day of the great reunion between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. The last time the two quarterbacks met on the same court was a few months ago, in the conference semifinals, in one of the best playoff duels in modern history. Remember. The Bills led 29-26 with 1:54 left in the final quarter. In 52 seconds, Mahomes’ offense generated a touchdown to take a 33-29 lead. With 13 seconds to go, Allen made a touchdown pass to Gabriel Davis to take a 36-33 lead. Harrison Butker then punted 49 yards, to send everyone into overtime. The Chiefs won the toss and ultimately won the game, with the Bills unable to touch the ball. Josh Allen was devastated on the bench. He will most likely remember that exact moment during the rematch in the fall.
Dec. 19 (Week 15): Los Angeles Rams vs. Green Bay Packers
A confrontation between two powers of the National Association, on a Monday evening, at the end of the season… a treat. A duel between last season’s MVP Aaron Rodgers and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford at Lambeau Field in light snow. Green Bay’s offense will certainly be diminished by the loss of star receiver Davante Adams. On the other hand, Matt LaFleur’s team will surely have made up for this loss, returned to the 15and activity week. On the other side, Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson II and Odell Beckham Jr will not give gifts to the locals. Last November, despite a foot injury, Rodgers and the Packers defeated the eventual champions 36-28.
Dec. 25 (Week 16): Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Arizona Cardinals
What could be better than a duel between two of the best teams on the circuit to accompany Grandma’s turkey and cookies on Christmas Eve. Little snow and football. Family and celebrations. Gifts and giveaway. Tom Brady versus Kyler Murray. Mike Evans versus DeAndre Hopkins. Shaquil Barrett versus Chandler Jones. An explosive and tight duel in perspective. As for the bread-sandwich, it will be necessary to savor this duel, since it presents itself to us only very rarely. The two teams have met just five times in the past 12 years. The last time was in October 2019. Especially since at this stage of the season, the two teams may be in the midst of a fight for a place in the playoffs, which would add to the importance of the duel.