The Must See Games of The 2009 Season

The NFL has released its 2009 schedule and the anticipation of the big match up games has already begun. With the big free agency signings and trade impacts (Cutler to da Bears come to mind) many games will be promoted with even bigger hype than before. Here are the rivalries and rematches to look for in the 2009-2010 season:

Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Opening Day)
The defending Super Bowl Champs Pittsburgh will take on the team with the best record of last season, the Titans in the leagues opening Thursday night game. This is just one of five primetime appearances by the Steelers next season. Tennessee beat the Champs last year 31-14. The Steelers haven't lost a game since.

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers (week 1)
Jay Cutler and da Bears visit the Pack in their opener in primetime on Sunday night. Chicago's potent defense and new gunslinging QB look to make a good first impression on the season by taking out a division foe on the road. That's a tall order in Lambeau Field.

New York Giant vs. Dallas Cowboys (week 2)
This game will be a very publicized one. The Cowboys will open their brand new stadium and will be without their tortured star receiver T.O. (released at the end of the season). The Giants look to redeem themselves after falling apart in the playoffs and parting with their star wideout Plaxico Burress. This one sets the tone for the division

Indianapolis Colts vs. Arizona Cardinals (week 3)
Are the Cardinals for real? We will find out in this game. They will be at home, which is where they play best. But, Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the league and was last year's league MVP. Some felt that title should have gone to Kurt Warner, QB for the Cardinals. They will go head-to-head in this game.

San Diego Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (week 4)
San Diego has all of the pieces in place to make a run for the Super Bowl. Phillip Rivers has proven that he can lead this team in big games. He's also proven that he likes to start trouble with opposing players and even fans. I doubt he'll take on big Ben Rothlisberger one-on-one. He'll have a chance here. But, with that Steeler defense looking to put him on his back, I doubt he'll be thinking of Ben at all.

San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos (week 6)
I can guarantee that referee Ed Hoculi will not be officiating or even attending this game. Hoculi, one of the leagues best refs, blew a whistle and the call during a game with these to teams last season that pretty much cost the Chargers the win. Former Coach Mike Shanahan infamously went for a two point conversion to win a nail biter in this division match up. This rematch will not be for the faint of heart.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New England Patriots (week 7, Wimbley Stadium, London)
I don't know why the NFL is so intent on playing regular season games internationally. Perhaps its a plan for world domination. I'm not sure that the British will ever really embrace "American Football", but they tend to show up and cheer. So it counts. I do feel that the Bucs are being robbed of a home game, though.

New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts (week 10)
I always love this match up. Its turned into a bonafide rivalry for the ages. I just hope that Brady returns from his injury still playing like the champion he is. Peyton Manning shouldn't disappoint with this standout game at home. He loves a chance to beat the Pats.

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots (week 11)
This is a rivalry for the ages. It does lose some of its luster now that Mangini is gone. That whole teacher vs. apprentice angle is no longer there. Also, the late, great, tape debate should finally be over ( a reference to the Pats being fined by the league for videotaping the Jets illegally during a game). But Jet fans and New England fans truly despise one another, which makes this game all the more entertaining.

Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions (week 12, Thanksgiving Day)
Okay, so the Lions aren't high on anyone's watch list lately. But come Thanksgiving Day, this game is always on and always entertaining. The Lions put on a good show and they have even won a few against the Packers when the elements are all aligned in their favor. Besides, some one, some where will mention a turducken.

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers (week 14)
This match up always seems to get a primetime viewing. The reason for that is the fact that these two teams fight to the very end in a highly entertaining rivalry that leaves fans wanting more. The 9ers and the Cards are 2 and 1 respectively in their division and this match up never disappoints for its sense of urgency and desperation to prove one's greatness. It usually goes down to the last second or into overtime.

San Diego Chargers vs. Tennesee Titans (week 16, Christmas Day)
Nothing like opening presents, eating Christmas cookies, visiting with relatives and watching some live football on NFL network. This match up features two AFC powerhouses that will sure to be in the hunt for a Super Bowl berth. Besides, I'm sure that Phillip Rivers can probably take Kerry Collins in a fist fight.

I believe these games will live up to their billing. I just wish the season was starting next week and not in September. But, that's how the world works. Until then, we have a schedule of games and we are ready for football.