Season Opener (Poll)

[Jackson 2]

The league has done some shady (or outright heinous) things, but I don't believe for a second that they've ever designed the schedule to "bury" a specific team.

I believe a Goodell-led league is capable of literally anything, no matter how crooked.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Chef’s. It’s the game everyone is going to want to see.

 

[dannydyn]

Given that this team always tends to start the season in limp mode, as much as I'd like to see the pats blow the doors off a potential playoff opponent on opening night, I'd rather take a safe 'bet' in the form getting a 'W' against a weaker team, and just move on from there.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Im guessing steelers, its a decent matchup but not really marquis at this point. The chiefs game is too big now to have on opening night, they will probably save it for a November snf or 4:00 cbs. Most of the time they will not have a matchup of 2 major favorites on opening night.

 

[ralmat55]

TV dictates scheduling. I’m thinking CBS sees the Steelers and Chiefs as highly rated 4:25 games. Fox sees the same for the Cowboys and Giants games.

NBC might get one of them for a Thursday night opener, but a 1st week Sunday nighter will get a good enough rating regardless, so the networks will save those marquee games for later in the season.

The Browns matchup appears the most compelling remaining matchup, so that’s my best bet.

 

[Tb12goesinya]

The NFL obviously has their formula, but wouldn't it make sense to save KC and Pitt. Opening Sunday(I think bears and pack get opening Thursday for historical significance) will garner a lot of attention no matter what, as everyone is extra excited for 1st week. If I were making the decision I would strongly consider the Giants, Cowboys, or Browns.

 

[Tb12goesinya]

I would very much enjoy smacking around the Giants in primetime.

 

[Dexter]

 

[italian pat patriot]

KC chould be...the expected one...but i hope will be CLE

 

[TheRainMaker]

100th anniversary of the NFL, the longest series between two teams in the league.

You're going to get very tired of hearing 'centennial' and '100th anniversary' I fear, this year.

I get that. Where I'm coming from is, why couldn't the Pats open up at home on Sunday?

 

[Joker]

"due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts and owner concerns, the New England Patriots will begin the 2019 season on the road and remain on the road for eight straight games...to insure the integrity of the game"

 

[reflexblue]

Years ago it was the two afccg opponents, i remember the patriots kicking the loud mouth drama queens err the squeelers azzes all over the field at Gillette stadium. The firwst game there i believe.

 

[Uptown]

 

[Huckleberry1]

I picked the Chef’s because it’s the best game, but I hate Thursday Night Football, and I LOVE the idea of making the Stealers watch the bannner going up .

Salty tears

#7 coming

 

[Pessimistic Pete]

Rumour is we won’t play the first game. There’s lots of speculation that Bears vs. Packers will be featured for the 100th anniversary of the NFL.

Report: Packers-Bears the “likely” season opener

So they're just going to randomly end a 14 year old tradition of the SB Champion playing the opening night of the season? **** the NFL.

Especially in favor for golden boy Aaron Rodgers and the Packers who have had a losing record/haven't made the playoffs the last 2 years.

Can't wait to see him make a 4th quarter comeback then talk shows asking if "Is he actually the GOAT" the following Friday morning before inevitability finishing 7-9

 

[BTTA]

The big question seems to be tradition (opening night) vs. Pats fatigue. I think TV ratings ($$) wins out in the end, because it always does for the NFL, and they play at home Sunday night against a team with a large viewing audience (Giants, Eagles, Steelers, or Cowboys).

 

[Tony2046]

Very tough schedule next season:

Home: Giants, Cowboys, Chiefs, Steelers, Browns, AFC East.

Road: Eagles, Ravens, Bengals, Redskins, Texans, AFC East.

Bolded will be the five toughest games imo. But we won't know much until the draft & FA is over.

19-0

 

[PatsDeb]

I say Pittsburgh, but heck, I'd like a nice easy lay-up no matter who that might be.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

So they're just going to randomly end a 14 year old tradition of the SB Champion playing the opening night of the season? **** the NFL.

Especially in favor for golden boy Aaron Rodgers and the Packers who have had a losing record/haven't made the playoffs the last 2 years.

Can't wait to see him make a 4th quarter comeback then talk shows asking if "Is he actually the GOAT" the following Friday morning before inevitability finishing 7-9

Oh give me an effin' break. Crap like this is why people ***** (sadly, sometimes correctly) about NE fans being spoiled brats.

It's not "random". It's celebrating the 100th anniversary of the NFL with a game between the two oldest teams currently in the league. Makes perfect sense. Get off your butthurt horse.

 

[Patstastic]

Winning (Or Losing) week 1 isn't really a huge deal either way. Still 15 games to go. Thus, having the Chiefs@ Patriots doesn't make sense. Save that game until later in the season.