Notes and Reactions to the NFL Schedule

By Todd L. Frank | Thursday, April 22, 2010 | ( 0 )

Got something to say?

The 2010 NFL schedule was finally released this week. Plenty of good matchups, and I’m sure there’s plenty to be happy about or complain about depending on who your favorite team is.

Some random notes and reactions:

No coincidence that the schedule was delayed and then released the same week as Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension was announced. In related news: no surprise that the Steelers have 6 primetime/TV games and NONE of them are in the first 4-6 weeks. What a coincidence!

Ravens rejoice: their first game against Pittsburgh is while Roethlisberger will still be serving his suspension. And it’s the game IN Pittsburgh. The last 2 seasons the Ravens are 1-4 vs. the Steelers. The one win? Ben didn’t play. Nice gift from the league, you’re welcome Baltimore!

I don’t think there’s any doubt that Brett Favre will come back and play one more year in Minnesota (despite the weekly/monthly “news” stories about how he’s undecided and the Vikings keep telling him to take his time. That’s like telling Jamarcus Russell to help himself to the buffet). Of course the scheduling gods are making sure they do right by Saint Favre: the Vikings first game is the prime-time Thursday opener at New Orleans and, when the weather turns cold, 4 of their last 5 games are indoors.

The New York Jets have 5 primetime/TV games. They’ll be on HBO’s Hard Knocks, they signed Ladanian Tomlinson and Jason Taylor, acquired Antonio Cromartie and Santonio Holmes, and have contender expectations after reaching the AFC Championship game last season. Smells like 7-9.

No primetime/TV games for the Bills, Raiders, Seahawks, Buccaneers, or Rams. Fine with me, but we still get the Lions on Thanksgiving. Now if they could just get rid of the stupid opening song sequences from the Sunday and Monday night telecasts I’d be in heaven. Oh, and take that annoying dancing Fox robot guy too.

Week 1 starts September 9, so the first Sunday is September 12. Another Labor Day weekend will come and go with no NFL football.

All of the final-week games are divisional matchups. Should help avoid teams resting players. Might not eliminate it, but a step in the right direction.

Still over 4 months till the season starts....

Got something to say?