Top 10 games of the 2021 NFL season: Rams-Bucs #8

Top 10 games of the 2021 NFL season: Bills-Chiefs, Giants-Cowboys make list

Nick Shook
Around The NFL Writer


We've known for several weeks who each NFL team will play this season, but with next week's unveiling of the full 2021 NFL schedule, we'll finally learn the when.

The table-setting extravaganza kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 12, on NFL Network, NFL.com and the NFL app. In anticipation of the full release, and in the wake of the 2021 NFL Draft, let's take a look at the 10 best matchups we know are coming this fall that we can't wait to watch.

10) Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets

The draft's top two quarterbacks clash in a battle of 2020 bottom-feeders hoping to turn things around in 2021. On one side is No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence, new coach Urban Meyer and the new-look Jaguars. On the other is No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, new coach Robert Saleh and the revamped Jets. It's not guaranteed either comes close to postseason contention, but it is a marker of the start of a fresh era for two franchises sorely in need of a reason to hope beyond a draft pick. These two will likely be measured alongside each other for the next few years, starting with this showdown.

9) New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

This meeting is all about the returns. For the Giants, it's the return of Saquon Barkley following an ACL injury that ended his 2020 season prematurely. And for the Cowboys, it's the comeback of quarterback Dak Prescott, whose close to fully recovered from the devastating leg injury he suffered in Week 5. It's about getting down to business (especially now that Dak's handled his) for two teams that have the potential to make the playoffs this season.

Which team is closer to its goal? Which returning player ends up being more important to his team's fortunes? Is this NFC East rivalry about to be renewed with full strength in 2021?

8) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Rams

Tampa Bay is the bully on the block after taking home (and expertly tossing) the Lombardi Trophy, but the Rams are firmly in the conversation to contend for the NFC crown. They'll have a whole lot to prove against the reigning champs.

Last year's back-and-forth affair gave the national audience a viewing treat, with the Rams edging the Buccaneers in a Monday Night Football game that sparked hope we'd see a postseason rematch. We didn't get one, with the Buccaneers instead facing the team that vanquished the Rams, the Packers, in the conference title game. But there's a new player in town -- Matthew Stafford -- who could put the Rams over the top and into a postseason meeting with the Buccaneers. Before we get that far, though, we'll first have a chance to learn where the Stafford-led Rams stand when they battle the champs.

Additional games to consider

Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams: The key pieces (Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff) of the 2021 offseason's blockbuster quarterback trade meet in their first face-off since switching teams.


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