The NFL season officially started on March 17, 2021. After an eventful free agency period, football fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the new season to witness the talent on display every Sunday.
As of today, there are 169 days remaining until the 2021 NFL season kicks off on September 9. This upcoming season has the potential to be just as thrilling as the last. Teams like the New England Patriots are determined to avoid missing the playoffs again, while the Houston Texans are making moves to rebuild their franchise.
New England Patriots HC Bill Belichick
Dark horse teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Detroit Lions, and Dallas Cowboys, are all looking to improve their chances of making it to the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have set their sights on keeping their Super Bowl-winning team intact for another shot at the championship. The 2021-2022 NFL season boasts several exciting matchups that fans can look forward to.
2021-2022 NFL Season: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New England Patriots
One of the most highly anticipated games of the season is the matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots. NFL fans have been eagerly awaiting Tom Brady's return to Gillette Stadium ever since he left New England for Tampa. Bill Belichick, the Patriots' head coach, has been busy strengthening his defense for this significant encounter.
Former New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees
This game holds immense importance for both Brady and Belichick, as they both seek to prove their worth without each other. Brady's departure marked the end of the Patriots' dominance in the AFC, and his return to New England has the potential to break viewership records for the NFL.
2021-2022 NFL Season: The New Orleans Saints' First Game Without Drew Brees
The NFL has yet to release the schedule for the 2021-2022 season, but regardless of the opponent, the New Orleans Saints' opening game is bound to attract a large audience. This will be the first game for the Saints without Drew Brees on their roster since 2005. Everyone will be eager to see how Jameis Winston performs as the team's starting quarterback. Last season, the Saints faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their opening game. Whether they will have a similar matchup this year or face a non-divisional opponent remains to be seen.
2021-2022 NFL Season: Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams
Lions and Rams meet after big off-season trade
One of the biggest moves of the 2021 NFL offseason was the trade between the Los Angeles Rams and the Detroit Lions involving quarterbacks Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford. Goff, now with the Lions, has expressed his excitement at joining a team that truly wants him. This season, Goff will face off against his former team in what promises to be a revenge game.
Matthew Stafford, on the other hand, will reunite with familiar faces as he plays against the team he spent his entire career with. Fans will be closely watching this game to determine which team got the better end of the trade.
2021-2022 NFL Season: The Dallas Cowboys' First Game After Dak Prescott's Huge Deal
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott
The Dallas Cowboys have finally reached a long-term deal with their starting quarterback, Dak Prescott. This agreement has been in the works since last offseason, and fans will eagerly tune in to watch Prescott's return to the field after suffering a major ankle injury. Cowboys supporters will be curious to see how Prescott performs both after his injury and following his significant contract extension.
As we count down the days until NFL Kickoff 2021, excitement continues to build for another thrilling season of football. Whether it's the highly anticipated matchups, the rise of underdog teams, or the return of star players, there is something for every fan to look forward to. So mark your calendars and get ready for the kickoff!
