Jonathan Stewart of the Carolina Panthers scores a touchdown against the Denver Broncos. (Photo : Harry How/Getty Images)
The NFL has released its schedule for the upcoming 2016-2017 season. Let's take a look at the five can't miss games of the NFL schedule.
Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers (Week 1) - Sept. 08, 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC
What a way to begin the season as the defending champion Broncos host the Panthers in a Super Bowl 50 rematch. Expect Cam Newton and the rest of Carolina to come out for revenge against the Peyton Manning-less Denver.
The main talk of this matchup is who will be the Broncos' starting quarterback. Mark Sanchez and Wayne Siemian are the only playmakers on their roster as of the moment but Denver is the favorite to land Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, per The Denver Post.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Week 2) - Sept. 18, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
The Bengals will be opening the season with two road games with the second one against their rivals, the Steelers. The two teams faced each other in last season's AFC wildcard playoff game with Cincinnati coming back from a 15-point to take the lead.
However, Pittsburgh was able to win the game 18-16 and advance to the next round with a game-winning field goal by kicker Chris Boswell. It will be a very interesting first matchup since there were a lot of controversy and animosity between these two teams.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks (Week 2) - Sept. 18, 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX
Football is back in Los Angeles and the Rams' first home game in Hollywood is a must-watch. They will be facing a Seahawks team that is without running back Marshawn Lynch.
The Rams will also have the chance to debut their first overall draft pick in front of the home fans. According to ESPN, Los Angeles is choosing between quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz.
Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans (Week 7) - Oct. 24, 8: 30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Brock Osweiler left Denver to sign a four-year, $72 million contract with Houston. Many fans are waiting to see what the former Broncos backup QB can do under pressure.
Osweiler's return to Denver is a must-watch game simply because of the drama and the reaction the fans will give towards him. He's one lucky quarterback since a beast like J.J. Watt is his teammate and not the one going after him.
New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks (Week 10) - Nov. 13, 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC
The "Legion of Boom" is looking for vengeance when they visit Tom Brady and the Patriots in Week 10. This is the much-anticipated rematch of one of the best Super Bowl games of all time.
The Seahawks may be without "Beast Mode" but expect their new passing attack to challenge New England. Both teams are considered contenders entering the 2016-17 season.
If you can't wait for the new NFL season to start, watch the video below for the top plays of last season.
