2019 NFL Schedule: Top Matchups

Just days from the 2019 NFL Draft, the NFL announced the regular season slate for all 32 teams, highlighted by title game rematches and some big-time matchups. A look at the highlights of the 256-game schedule.

Week 1: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

To kick off the ‘Road to Super Bowl 54’ in Miami, the NFL bucked the tradition of having the defending Super Bowl champions host the opening game, opting to instead highlight the league’s 100th anniversary by showcasing one of the league’s most historic rivalries.

Last season’s Week 1 matchup between the Bears and Packers proved to be one of the more exciting games of the entire season, seeing Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers tossing three second-half touchdown after an injury, leading the Pack to a 24-23 victory.

Week 2: New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams

One of the most anticipated rematches of the last decade in the NFL, the #1 seed in the NFC last season, the New Orleans Saints, travel to LA to face off against the reigning NFC champion Rams in a rematch of the 2018 NFC Championship game.

This past offseason, the NFL expanded its use of instant replay to include missed pass interference calls, directly in response to the blatant missed call at the end of the NFC Championship game. The rematch of these two teams promises bad blood, fireworks, and offensive displays of firepower that could easily make the matchup the best game of the 2019 season.

Week 5: Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs

A rematch of the 2018 divisional playoff game, the Chiefs come into the season reigning AFC West champions and easily the favorite in the AFC. The Indianapolis Colts, however, have reloaded their roster, and look to capitalize on a promising 2018 campaign, most notably adding former Chiefs pass rusher Justin Houston the an already formidable defensive front.

Week 14: Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots

Another rematch from the 2018 playoff slate, the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots once again welcome quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs into Gillette Stadium in a rematch of the 2018 AFC Championship game.

Sporting two of the more electrifying matchups from the 2018 season, both the Patriots and Chiefs remain atop the AFC’s Super Bowl favorites, and it appears possible the two could be headed for an AFC title game rematch as well.

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Road to Miami: 2019 NFL Free Agency Winners & Losers

As teams begin to shift their focus toward the 2019 NFL Draft, we’re looking back at the free agency winners and losers on the Road to Super Bowl 54 in Miami.

Winners

Cleveland Browns

“The Browns are building a powerhouse. Believe it. Those are words that don’t seem to go together, but General Manager John Dorsey continues to push the right buttons. He gave up plenty to the New York Giants in the trade for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., but it was well worth it. The Browns get perhaps the game’s most dynamic player.

They’ll have to deal with expectations, for a change, and they’ll have a rookie head coach in Freddie Kitchens. But having expectations is a good problem to have.” — Mark Maske, Washington Post

Green Bay Packers

“The Packers ranked 22nd in points allowed, 22nd in rushing yards allowed, 19th in turnover differential and just weren’t able to get enough key stops on defense when it mattered most. As a result, we saw a rare strategy from Green Bay: spend big in free agency.

The Packers added linebackers Preston Smith (four years, $52 million) and Za’Darius Smith (four years, $66 million), as well as safety Adrian Amos (four years, $37 million) to help fix a mediocre to below-average defense. Amos’ addition also hurts the Packers’ biggest rival and top competitor in the NFC North division, the Chicago Bears.” — Nick Goss, NBC Sports

Indianapolis Colts

“Selective and patient. Colts general manager Chris Ballard didn’t let last season’s 10-6 record and playoff appearance dictate how he would attack the offseason. He has been selective in how he has used the NFL’s most salary-cap space by signing just two outside free agents — defensive end Justin Houston and receiver Devin Funchess. He has remained patient and is committed to continuing to build the roster through the draft. The Colts currently have nine picks later this month.” — Mike Wells, ESPN.com

New York Jets

“Winning free agency in March rarely translates into winning games between September and December. But the Jets, like the Raiders, were in desperate need of upgrading the roster, and they have taken positive steps by adding running back Le’Veon Bell, wide receiver Jamison Crowder and linebacker C.J. Mosley.

On offense, it’s all about aiding the development of young quarterback Sam Darnold. And the arrivals of Bell and Crowder help greatly in that regard.” — Mark Maske, Washington Post

Losers

New York Giants

“If the best organizations follow a clear vision, what can we say about the Giants?

The Giants now have one of the NFL’s least-talented rosters, and hope for improving it is limited by their decision to let Collins walk away (rather than making a trade) and settling for a modest return in the Beckham trade. They don’t seem to be following a linear plan and are years late on initiating a succession plan at quarterback. It is as though the Giants — and general manager Dave Gettleman in particular — are operating in a long-discarded era of NFL team building.” — Kevin Seifert, ESPN.com

Pittsburgh Steelers

“The Steelers acquired just third- and fifth-round draft picks, as well as no salary cap relief, from the Raiders in exchange for Antonio Brown (arguably the league’s top wide receiver). Pittsburgh also wasn’t able to re-sign star running back Le’Veon Bell, and there are no running backs on the free agent market capable of adequately replacing him. The Steelers haven’t added any key pieces to a defense that was mediocre last season, either.

Could we finally be seeing the end of the Steelers’ run as a top contender in the AFC? It sure looks like it.” — Nick Goss, NBC Sports

Tennessee Titans

“The Titans were one of the most active teams in the NFL, making three major deals by signing offensive lineman Rodger Saffold, receiver Adam Humphries and defensive end Cameron Wake while also re-signing Vaccaro at safety. I’m just not certain what to make of it.

On the one hand, giving Wake $10 million guaranteed at age 37 seems excessively hopeful. But on the other, giving relatively inaccurate quarterback Marcus Mariota a productive slot receiver in Humphries seems like a good idea. Saffold, assuming he is healthy, fits the smashmouth run style the Titans are expected to pursue.

I understand the Titans’ incentive after they were in the AFC South division race until Week 17 last season. But will this eclectic haul do anything to push them past the Texans and Colts?” — Kevin Seifert, ESPN.com

Washington Redskins

“[Safety Landon] Collins is an excellent player who will help the defense. But $84 million to a safety? Some in and around the league were baffled about that.” — Mark Maske, Washington Post

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Countdown to Super Bowl 2019 Atlanta: Super Bowl XLV

The 2018 NFL playoffs are officially set.. what began with 32 teams now features just 12 with all eyes on Atlanta for Super Bowl 53 next month. Two teams that missed the playoffs this season, however, headline the latest in our Super Bowl countdown — the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV.

Aaron Rodgers Captures a Ring

Played in front of 91,060 fans at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texans, Super Bowl XLV between the Packers and Steelers was one of the most exciting Super Bowls in recent memory. Head coach Mike McCarthy and the Green Bay Packers would take home the Lombardi trophy, by a final score of 31-25.

Super Bowl XLV MVP honors were awarded to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, after completing 25 of his 39 pass attempts for 304 yards and three touchdowns. The Packers came out of the gates firing in the first half, building a lead that would prove to be insurmountable to the Steelers, eventually winning Green Bay the game.

Popular artist Christina Aguilera sang the national anthem before Super Bowl XLV, with the halftime show returning to it’s hip-hop roots with the Black Eyed Peas, Usher and Slash. FOX Network broadcasted Super Bowl XLV, with announcers Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver and Chris Myers handling broadcasting duties. The cost of a 30-second commercial in Super Bowl XLV rose to $3 million.

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Countdown to Super Bowl 2019 Atlanta: Super Bowl XXXII

Two of America’s favorite quarterbacks in NFL history, Super Bowl XXXII would feature a showdown between the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers on the Road to 2019 Super Bowl in Atlanta.

Brett Favre vs. John Elway

Played at the historic Qualcomm Stadium in sunny San Diego, California, Super Bowl XXXII between the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers was one for the record books. Nearly 70,000 fans piled in to catch two of America’s favorites, Broncos quarterback John Elway and Packers quarterback Brett Favre, show off in an offensive battle.

In what would turn out to be a close game between the two, the Denver Broncos would walk away Super Bowl champions, a 31-24 victory over Green Bay. Despite being 0-4 to date in Super Bowl appearances, the Broncos would finally capture that elusive Lombardi trophy. Broncos running back Terrell Davis, who would score the eventual game-winning touchdown with just 1:45 left in the game, would go on to be named Super Bowl MVP.

Over 90 million viewers tuned in to catch the Super Bowl on NBC in 1988, with this being referee Ed Hochuli’s first time officiating the big game. Jewel would sing the national anthem before Super Bowl kickoff, and the halftime show would feature popular artists such as Boyz II Men and Smokey Robinson.

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Countdown to Super Bowl 2019 Atlanta: Super Bowl XXXI

Embarking on the Week 11 slate of games on the Road to Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta, we’re headed back to New Orleans for Super Bowl XXXI between the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers.

A Classic: Cowboys vs. Steelers

Once again played at the historic Louisiana Super Dome in New Orleans, LA, the Green Bay Packers would walk away from Super Bowl XXXI victorious over the New England Patriots, with a final score of 35-21.

Both teams would put on a historic offensive showcase for fans around the world, posting 24 first quarter points between the two. The Packers, however, would score 17 points in the second quarter, all but sealing their Super Bowl victory. The versatile Desmond Howard would walk away with Super Bowl MVP honors, the first designated special teams specialist to win the award.

Pat Summerall and John Madden would handle broadcasting duties for Super Bowl XXXI, broadcast on FOX to over 87 million viewers worldwide. The halftime show would be handled by a bevy of stars, with performances from the Blues Brothers, James Borwn and ZZ Top, while Luther Vandross would handle the National Anthem.

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Countdown to Super Bowl 2019 Atlanta: Super Bowl II

The Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders will both be looking to the 2018 NFL season as a year of redemption. But in 1968, both teams found themselves in the second AFL-NFL championship game, with the Packers making their second-straight appearance. The Road to the 2019 Super Bowl in Atlanta continues with Super Bowl II in Miami, Florida.

NFL vs. AFL: Part Two

Held at Miami’s Orange Bowl Stadium on January 14, 1968, the Green Bay Packers would make their second-straight Super Bowl appearance in front of more than 74,000 fans. Super Bowl II, or the second NFL-AFL Championship game, would be yet another victory for the NFL, providing fans with belief that the NFL was much more talented than their AFL counterparts.

After defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I, the Packers would take on the vaunted Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II. Reporters and fans alike expected the Packers to dominate the game, and that they did. In fact, the Oakland Raiders were only able to score twice in the entirety of the game. Don Chandler, the Packers kicker, was able to make four field goals and defensive back Herb Adderley added a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown en route to the Packers’ second straight championship, a 33-41 victory over Oakland.

Not to be forgotten was Packers quarterback Bart Starr, who not only was the first two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback, but was the first two-time Super Bowl MVP as well. Just two Super Bowls played, two championships and two Super Bowl MVP awards would help to cement Starr’s status as one of the all-time greats.

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Countdown to Super Bowl 2019 Atlanta: Super Bowl I

With all 32 teams reporting for training camp in recent weeks, the Road to Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta has officially kicked off the 2018 NFL season. And as we embark on the road to 2019 in Atlanta, we’re looking back before as move forward, beginning with the very first ever NFL Championship game, Super Bowl I between the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers.

The Very First Super Bowl

Played on January 15, 1967, Super Bowl I between the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers took place at the always memorable Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, located in Los Angeles, California. Nearly 62,000 fans were in attendance for the first ever Super Bowl, the same city that will play host to Super Bowl LVI in 2022.

The Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs were the first two teams to take part in a Super Bowl. In the first half of the game, the Chiefs would jump out to a quick lead and take control of the game in the early goings. However, in the second half, things would pull a little more even thanks to a 50-yard interception return for touchdown by Packers defensive back Willie Wood, and a unforgettable performance by Packers quarterback Bart Starr.

Starr would go on to be named Super Bowl I MVP, and eventually lead the Packers to a 35-10 victory, throwing for two touchdowns and completing 16 of his 23 passing attempts.

One interesting note about Super Bowl I is that it was broadcast nationally by two networks simultaneously, being shown on both NBC and CBS in 1967. There was no flashy halftime performer or performance, but rather fans were entertained at halftime by a mix of various college bands and musicians from the universities of both Arizona and Michigan.

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Road to Super Bowl 53: NFC North Preview

Entering July, we are officially in the final month of 2018 without football! As team’s prepare to ramp up their game plans on the ‘Road to Super Bowl 53’ in Atlanta in 2019, will the Minnesota Vikings continue to dominate in 2018 with a new quarterback at the helm?

Minnesota Vikings

2017 Record: 13-3, NFC North Champions

The biggest contract awarded in NFL history, the Minnesota Vikings finally have what they feel to be their franchise-defining quarterback ahead of the 2018 season in former Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins. And despite not returning even one quarterback on the roster from the magical 2017 season that saw them one-game from a home-game Super Bowl appearance, the team seems to feel they’ve found the missing piece to make that final leap.

Aside from renovating the quarterbacks room, the Vikings also brought in other key players, namely defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and wide receiver Kendall Wright, and drafting cornerback Mike Hughes out of Central Florida in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Detroit Lions

2017 Record: 9-7

After yet another middle-of-the-road season in 2017, the Detroit Lions have a brand new coaching staff and a revamped roster heading into the 2018 NFL season.

Former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia takes the reins in Detroit, bringing a new smash mouth mindset to the team. And the team’s offseason improvements look to bolster that mentality, bringing in players like linebackers Devon Kennard and Christian Jones, cornerbacks DeShawn Shead and Nevin Lawson, running back LeGarrette Blount and re-signing safety Tavon Wilson.

Green Bay Packers

2017 Record: 7-9

A disappointing season for Green Bay began with a collarbone injury to quarterback Aaron Rodgers that would eventually sideline the Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion for the majority of the 2017 season. But in 2018, with a brand new look across the board, the Packers are looking to rebound.

Despite losing wide receiver Jordy Nelson, the Packers have seemingly reloaded on offense, bringing in some size in tight ends Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis. On the defensive side of the ball, the team brought in embattled Jets defensive tackle Mo Wilkerson to bolster the front lines, and bolstered the defensive secondary by drafting Jaire Alexander out of Louisville and signin Tramon Williams.

Chicago Bears

2017 Record: 5-11

Another disappointing campaign, another offseason of change, and another year with a brand new head coach at the helm recaps the Chicago Bears of 2017 and 2018. But this time around, the Bears are confident they’ve found the long-term solutions.

The Bears went on a free-agency spending spree after bringing in new head coach, former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. On the offensive side of the ball, Chicago signed wide receivers Allen Robinson (JAX) and Taylor Gabriel (ATL), tight end Trey Burton (PHI). But it appears to be the defensive side where the Bears were looking to retool the most, drafting Alabama linebacker Roquan Smith in the 1st round of the 2018 NFL Draft, bringing in linebackers Sam Acho and Aaron Lynch, and signing a bevy of defensive backs in Prince Amukamara, Kyle Fuller, Sherrick McManis and Marcus Cooper.

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2018 NFL Expert Mock Draft: Picks 11-15

As teams get set for the month of April, the next step on the journey toward Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta involves invigorating the team’s rosters with an infusion of youth; the 2018 NFL Draft. We’re gathering some of the top experts from around the NFL world and taking a look at who they predict will go where, continuing with picks 11-15.

#11: Miami Dolphins

CBS Sports, Bleacher Report: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia | NFL.com: Vita Vea, DT, Washington

“The Dolphins have been showing interest in Smith, one of the draft’s top linebackers. He’d be the long-term stud the team needs next to Raekwon McMillan, and the Dolphins could make him the immediate starter at WILL and look to trade Kiko Alonso to another team where he’d be a better fit. They can also think about getting out from Alonso’s deal next offseason if nothing else.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

#12: Buffalo Bills

CBS Sports (traded to Cleveland Browns): Vita Vea, DT, Washington | Bleacher Report (traded to Indianapolis Colts): Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA | NFL.com: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

“After trading back, again, the Indianapolis Colts will gain pick Nos. 12, 22 and 96 in this hypothetical deal with the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the No. 6 spot.At No. 12, Ballard and Co. still get a top-notch player who fills a huge need. Marcus Davenport is raw, coming from tiny Texas-San Antonio. But he showed during the season, at the Senior Bowl and the combine that he’s the type of athletic rarity who can make the needed improvements to make an early NFL impact.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#13: Washington Redskins

CBS Sports: Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia | Bleacher Report: Vita Vea, DT, Washington | NFL.com: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

“Nothing wrong with more speed being added on defense, and Smith fits the bill. He’s often favorably compared to Atlanta MLB Deion Jones due to his build, and ability to play FAST.” – Charles Davis, NFL.com

#14: Green Bay Packers

CBS Sports, NFL.com: Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA | Bleacher Report: Josh Jackson, DB, Iowa

“An offseason of change has the Green Bay Packers looking like a new team heading into the draft. But that new team still has holes to fill at pass-rusher, wide receiver and cornerback.Iowa’s Josh Jackson didn’t help his cause with a 4.56-second 40-yard-dash at the combine, but his play shows a cornerback with ball skills, technique and toughness. He’s a natural fit in defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s scheme, and he and Kevin King give them one heck of a young cornerback duo.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#15: Arizona Cardinals

CBS Sports: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville | Bleacher Report: Mike Hughes, DB, UCF | NFL.com: Connor Williams, G, Texas

“Jackson isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but the Cardinalshave an offensive coordinator in Mike McCoy who can build the offense to the dynamic prospect’s strengths. Jackson isn’t ever going to be the best passer in the league, but good luck defending a running game that features David Johnson and the threat of the QB running at any time. The Cardinals would ideally trade up for one of the top four QBs, but with so many holes on the roster, they can’t afford to sacrifice picks.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

To see full mock drafts:

For Matt Miller and Bleacher Report’s full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

For Charles Davis and NFL.com’s full 2018 Mock Draft, click here.

For R.J. White and CBS Sports’ full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

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2018 Super Bowl Countdown: Super Bowl XLV

As the Pittsburgh Steelers get set for their divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, we’re looking back at Super Bowl XLV on the Road to Super Bowl 52 in Minneapolis, between the Steelers and the NFC-champion Green Bay Packers.

February 6, 2011

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