2014 Sunday Night Football Schedule
NFL Kickoff, Thurs., Sept. 4: Packers at Seahawks
If you’re going to lead with your best foot, Aaron Rodgers vs. the Super Bowl champs is about as good as it gets. Expect the 12th Man to be in rare form, and a few Fail Mary replays for good measure.
Week 1, Sun., Sept. 7: Colts at Broncos
Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning face off in a way-too-early contender for game of the year. This one should be a fantasy owner’s dream with plenty of masterful quarterback play and a lot of points.
Week 2, Sun., Sept. 14: Bears at 49ers
It doesn’t have the sizzle of Weeks 1 and 2, but it’s an early look at the brand-new Levi’s Stadium, not to mention the Bears’ high-powered offense against the 49ers’ defense.
Week 3, Sun., Sept. 21: Steelers at Panthers
Cam Newton and Ben Roethlisberger face off in a battle of Pro Bowl quarterbacks and bruising defenses. The Panthers are looking to repeat one of their best seasons, while the Steelers try to avoid missing the playoffs for the third straight year.
Week 4, Sun., Sept. 28: Saints at Cowboys
The Saints make their only visit to Dallas as Jerry World hosts its first Sunday Night Football game of the year. Expect Drew Brees and Tony Romo to light up the scoreboard.
Week 5, Sun., Oct. 5: Bengals at Patriots
Geno Atkins and the Bengals defense will do their best to stop Tom Brady, but they’ll need some support from Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. This could be a sneaky-good game with Hue Jackson’s offense against Bill Belichick’s defense.
Week 6, Sun., Oct. 12: Giants at Eagles
It’s a good, old-fashioned NFC East showdown when Eli Manning and the Giants travel down the turnpike and invade The Linc. Expect Chip Kelly to have some surprises in store for New York’s defense.
Week 7, Sun., Oct. 19: 49ers at Broncos
Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers head into one of the loudest stadiums in football in Invesco Field. You can bet Von Miller and the refurbished Denver defense will try to give them a very rude welcome.
Week 8, Sun., Oct. 26: Packers at Saints
Rodgers vs. Brees in the Superdome. Do you really need another reason to watch this one? There’ll be more than a few fantasy matchups decided by this offensive showdown.
Week 9, Sun., Nov. 2: Ravens at Steelers
Defense and running games. That’s what the AFC North does. It should be a physical, knock-down, drag-out battle between two teams that definitely don’t like each other.
Week 10, Sun., Nov. 9: Bears at Packers
Another old-school North matchup sees the Packers making their third appearance on SNF. It’s also the first time the Bears will face new Packers pass-rusher, and former Bear, Julius Peppers in Lambeau Field.
Week 11, Sun., Nov. 16: Patriots at Colts
A rivalry that began as Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning now features the elder Brady trying to outduel Andrew Luck. Rest assured, Brady and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will have a few tricks up their sleeve.
Week 12, Sun., Nov. 23: Cowboys at Giants
With weapons like Dez Bryant and Victor Cruz on the field, it’s no surprise there’s almost always offensive fireworks when these long-time rivals meet in primetime. This stretch-run showdown should be no different.
Week 13, Thanksgiving night: Seahawks at 49ers
Possibly the two best teams in the NFC face off in what’s become the best rivalry in the league. Not to mention the pleasure of seeing what happens when Richard Sherman and Michael Crabtree face off again.
Week 13, Sun., Nov. 30: Broncos at Chiefs
The Chiefs were the surprise team of 2013, but the bloom may be off the rose with all of their offseason defections. This game is also a reminder of the Emmanuel Sanders fiasco, which saw the speedy wideout possibly diss the Chiefs in order to sign with Denver.
Week 14, Sun., Dec. 7: Patriots at Chargers
Darrelle Revis and the Patriots’ secondary take their show on the road against Philip Rivers and his bolo tie. Expect Revis to go head-to-head with 2013 rookie sensation Keenan Allen on a lot of plays.
Week 15, Sun., Dec. 14: Cowboys at Eagles
The NFC East playing late in the season usually means the division title is in play and it should be a frosty night in South Philly as Jason Garrett leads his team into an extremely-hostile environment.
Week 16, Sun., Dec. 21: Seahawks at Cardinals
The Cardinals are a trendy pick thanks to their high-flying defense, led by All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson, who should pose quite the problem for Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
Week 17, Sun., Dec. 28: TBA
There’s only one thing you can guarantee in Week 17 – a playoff spot will be on the line. Whether it’s a division title or a wild card spot, whoever’s playing the last regular season game of 2014 will have plenty to play for.