2018 NFL Schedule: 5 Games That Just Became More Interesting

The 2018 NFL schedule won’t be known for some time yet but already one thing is clear. Games that looked bad months ago are suddenly gaining intrigue.

There are a variety of reasons why this could be. Sometimes it’s a sudden change in one teams’ roster that makes them look more formidable. Others it could be a new head coach that makes them look more exciting. Still others it’s a fascinating back story that was born suddenly in the past couple months. All things considered it helps to build suspense towards next year even as the current season remains in progress.

With that said here are five games that suddenly stand out far more than they did when news of the 2018 opponents first leaked.

Oakland Raiders at San Francisco 49ers

Honest to goodness a few months ago this game would’ve been looked upon with utter indifference. That changed with two key events. The first was the 49ers acquisition of Jimmy Garoppolo, suddenly transforming them into a successful team almost overnight. The second was the arrival of Jon Gruden back in Oakland. Think about that. Gruden vs. Kyle Shanahan. Garoppolo vs. Derek Carr. Perfect weather on the west coast. This is a match made in heaven for points enthusiasts everywhere. A proper Battle for the Bay.

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

It’s still a rivalry that draws attention even when it’s been as one-sided as it has for so long. However it feels like the Bears are finally building something worth watching. They have a top 10 defense, a talented young quarterback in Mitch Trubisky and now a head coach in Matt Nagy who can build a proper offense around him. Fans were robbed of a Trubisky vs. Aaron Rodgers debut last season due to the latter’s collarbone injury. So this game will be a first in many ways.

Houston Texans at New England Patriots

The Texans knew after their playoff defeat last January that they had to upgrade the quarterback position if they were going to get past New England. Deshaun Watson provided that ray of hope in the first electric meeting between the two teams with Tom Brady and the Patriots escaping in a 36-33 thriller. Watson will be back healthy by the time this rematch rolls around and it wouldn’t surprise if it ended up on primetime. Old school against new school. Master vs. apprentice. Never mind the likely playoff implications as well.

Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns

How in the world could a team that just went 0-16 make this list? Subplots, subplots and more subplots. The Browns are now run by John Dorsey, the same man who was surprisingly fired by the Chiefs before the 2017 season began. From there it gets even juicier. Rumors are rampant Dorsey might move to get Alex Smith, who is likely to be supplanted by 1st round pick Patrick Mahomes. No doubt a revenge factor would come into play were that to happen.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Trade Rush Leads To Bold Moves

Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Rams

Their first showdown was so anticlimactic since Carson Wentz tragically tore his ACL before the game was over. Fans are anxious to see the top two picks of the 2016 draft go at it again. This time around hopefully they’ll be able to finish what they started because the first time was so damn fun. What makes it even better is now fans will know that their meeting could end up having ramifications in the NFC playoff picture. Could this be the next Brady-Manning rivalry?