NFL Games Today 2021

The NFL is back in business after a whirlwind season interrupted by the pandemic. It’s a new year with an expanded regular-season schedule stretching to 18 weeks for the first time in league history, and a quarterback carousel that’s set to see many different starters on the field for various teams by Week 1. Here’s a look at the 2021 season’s primetime games to watch, including Week 1’s big Monday Night Football showdown between Lamar Jackson and Derek Carr.

1. Bengals at Jaguars (Sept. 9): It’s a rematch of last year’s thrilling AFC Championship game, with Mahomes and Jackson battling in what could be a potential early-season shootout. It also pits two talented young teams that should be competitive for the rest of the year.

2. Steelers at Browns (Sept. 23): This is one of the most intriguing matchups on the schedule, and it could have a lot to do with whether Cleveland makes any noise at all this season. The Browns are stacked and the Steelers are coming off a bye week, so this is a big game that could set the tone for both clubs.

3. Rams at Seahawks (Oct. 10): Tom Brady vs. Josh Allen is another fascinating matchup to watch, especially since both teams seem to have a promising future at QB. This is a classic interconference battle between two rivals that have become synonymous with good football in recent years.

4. Cowboys at Buccaneers (Sept. 15): This is an AFC Championship Game rematch from last year that should be a great game. Prescott is entering his third year and should be a much-improved leader on the field for the Cowboys, while rookie Allen is one of the top young players in the league.

5. Chargers at Raiders (Oct. 3): This is a great game to tease fans of an eventual Chiefs-Raiders wild-card matchup, as it features a pair of powerful, entertaining teams. The Chargers are the better team, but this is a great chance for Oakland to make an impression and prove they’re a legitimate contender.

6. Vikings at Panthers (Nov. 4): This is a primetime matchup of two of the best teams in the NFC. Both are expected to be strong contenders in their division and have huge fanbases. There’s a decent chance this game will be one of the highest-rated of the season.

The full schedule was released today and can be found here. Not all games will be televised in all areas, so check local listings for more information. The NFL is promoting the games through its social media channels, so be sure to follow along for the latest updates on this exciting new era of football in the United States. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on all things NFL. Enjoy the games! — Matt Eberflus, NBC Sports