The Countdown to Super Bowl LIII

Most Interesting Games - Week by Week Countdown

Every NFL team has Super Bowl aspirations, as hopes are renewed each season. The NFL season is always full of surprises, as new teams emerge as contenders and other teams struggle to repeat last year's success. Only time will tell if the Philadelphia Eagles can repeat as Super Bowl champions or if another team will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season. The road to the Super Bowl will soon begin, as teams put the finishing touches on their training camp roster.

Preseason (August 2nd, 2018 - August 30, 2018)

The NFL preseason kicks off on August 2nd, 2018 with the Hall of Fame game between the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens. The NFL will induct eight members into the Hall of Fame, which includes WR Randy Moss, WR Terrell Owens, G Jerry Kramer, LB Brian Urlacher, LB Ray Lewis, LB Robert Brazile, SS Brian Dawkins, and GM Bobby Beathard. This star-studded Hall of Fame class is must-watch TV for football fans across the country, as the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is August 4th at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN and the NFL Network. The rest of the league will begin preseason the following week, as each team has four weeks of preseason games to fine-tune their roster and prepare for the upcoming season.

Week 1 - Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles - September 6, 2018, 8:20 PM ET NBC

The NFL season begins with a highly anticipated rematch of last year's NFC Divisional Round Playoff matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons. Carson Wentz is expected to be ready to play in the opener, as he hopes to help the Eagles repeat as Super Bowl Champions. However, if Wentz is not yet cleared to return, Nick Foles will be ready to step up and help the Eagles defend their first Super Bowl Championship in franchise history. However, competition will be fierce in the season opener, as the Falcons are a talented team that made it to the Super Bowl only two seasons ago. The Falcons high-flying offense led by Matt Ryan and Julio Jones will test the stout defense of the Philadelphia Eagles in a hotly contested season opener.

Week 2 - New England Patriots @ Jacksonville Jaguars - September 16, 2018, 4:25 PM ET

CBS The second week of the NFL season is highlighted by a rematch of last year's AFC Conference Championship matchup between the New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars have one of the top defenses in the NFL, as they look to shut down one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the league. Will Tom Brady lead his Patriots to another victory or will the defense of the Jaguars continue their dominance and overcome the New England Patriots? All eyes in the NFL will be on this early season matchup between the top teams in the AFC.

Week 3 - New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons - September 23, 2018, 1:00 PM ET Fox

The rivalry between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons has always been hotly contested, and the stakes are even higher with both teams expected to compete for the NFC South crown. The Saints lost in heartbreaking fashion in the playoffs and will look to bounce back with Drew Brees returning for another season. The young Saints defense was the key to last year's turnaround, and they hope to build upon that momentum and stop the Falcons offense led by the trio of Matt Ryan, Devonta Foreman, and Julio Jones. Whoever wins this divisional game will have an early advantage in winning the highly competitive NFC South.

Week 4 - Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Rams - September 27, 2018, 8:20 ET Fox

The Minnesota Vikings landed prize free agent QB Kirk Cousins during the offseason, as they hope Cousins can lead the Vikings to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1976. The Vikings have one of the best defenses in the league, as they fell just one game short of reaching last year's Super Bowl. However, the Rams also made the playoffs last year, and they strengthened their team with the additions of DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Aqib Talib, and CB Marcus Peters. This great matchup between these Super Bowl contenders will possibly give NFL fans around the league an NFL playoff preview.

Week 5 - Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles - October 7, 2018, 4:25 PM ET Fox

For the second week in a row, the Minnesota Vikings will have another marquee matchup as they challenge the Philadelphia Eagles for NFC supremacy. Both teams have stellar defenses that will be tested by talented QB's. Will the addition of Kirk Cousins be enough for the Vikings to surpass the Eagles or will Carson Wentz be fully recovered from his ACL injury to lead the Eagles to victory? Which defense will emerge and make a critical play in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter? All of these questions and more will be answered in an exciting matchup between two of the top teams in the NFL.

Week 6 - San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers - October 15, 2018, 8:15 PM ET ESPN

The mid-season trade for Jimmy Garoppolo sparked the 49ers offense last year, and they look to continue that trend against the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but he lost his favorite weapon in Jordy Nelson due to free agency. The addition of Jimmy Graham will give Aaron Rodgers another red zone target as the Packers hope to bounce back from last year's disappointing season and reach the playoffs. Both of these teams have playoff aspirations, and this mid-season matchup can be the difference in one of these teams continuing to play in January, while another team has to watch from the sidelines.

Week 7 - Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins - October 21, 2018, 4:25 PM ET CBS

The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins renew one of the NFL's classic rivalries in a top mid-season matchup. The Cowboys hope to emerge from the talented NFC East with Ezekiel Elliott running behind the league's top offensive line. However, the absence of a true number one wide receiver may make it more difficult on the offensive side of the ball. On the other side, the Redskins acquired Alex Smith in an off-season trade, as he hopes to end the Redskins lengthy playoff drought. Games between these bitter foes are always close contests, as this will be one of the most exciting games of the week.

Week 8 - Green Bay Packers @ Los Angeles Rams - October 28, 2018, 4:25 PM ET Fox

Both of these high-powered teams will be striving for playoff berths in the highly competitive NFC conference. The Los Angeles Rams won the offseason with big-ticket acquisitions on the defense side of the ball. However, the Green Bay Packer can never be counted out with Aaron Rodgers in the lineup, as he can strike at any time with a long touchdown pass. The matchup between the Packers offense and the Rams defense will be must-see TV for NFL fans, as the strength of both teams is matched up against each other in a game that can have playoff implications.

Week 9 - Green Bay Packers @ New England Patriots - November 4, 2018, 8:20 PM ET

NBC The contest between the Packers and Patriots will be highly anticipated, as two of the best quarterbacks in the league face off against each other. Will Tom Brady continue his stellar play or will age finally catch up to him? Can Aaron Rodgers stay healthy and lead the Packers to the playoffs? Both of these quarterbacks can score plenty of points, as this is a dream matchup for fantasy football players. The winner of this game will hope to harness this momentum to propel the team to even more victories during the home stretch of the NFL season.

Week 10 - Carolina Panthers @ Pittsburgh Steelers - November 8, 2018, 8:20 PM ET Fox

Cam Newton is one of the most exciting players in the NFL, as he can dive over the line of scrimmage for a touchdown or throw a bullet touchdown pass to any wide receiver on the field. On the other side, the Pittsburgh Steelers have stars all across the offensive side of the ball, whether it Le'Veon Bell running for over 100 yards or Ben Roethlisberger connecting with Antonio Brown with a touchdown pass. Only one team can emerge as a winner, as this game will have plenty of offensive fireworks for an exciting regular season matchup.

Week 11 - Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints - November 18, 2018, 1:00 PM ET

Fox The New Orleans Saints barely missed out on making it to the NFC Championship game due to a costly missed tackle that led to a miracle touchdown catch. However, the Saints will have a chance to face off against the defending Super Bowl champions in a highly anticipated matchup between two of the top teams in the league. Of course, the road to the Super Bowl will not be easy for the Philadelphia Eagles, as every team in the league will look to defeat the reigning Super Bowl champs.

Week 12 - Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans - November 26, 2018, 8:15 PM ET ESPN

The Tennessee Titans surprised many NFL experts with a playoff berth last year, and they hope to build upon that success with Marcus Mariota leading the team on the offensive side of the ball. However, they will face a tough divisional matchup with the Houston Texans, as Deshaun Watson is expected to be back under center after suffering from last year's season-ending knee injury. Both of these young quarterbacks should produce an exciting matchup that can have a major impact on which team is able to make the playoffs in the wild-card race.

Week 13 - Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders - December 2, 2018, 4:05 PM ET CBS

The Kansas City Chiefs drafted their quarterback of the future in Patrick Mahomes and gave him the keys to the offense after trading long-time starter Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins. The Oakland Raiders will be a tough matchup for the young quarterback, as they brought back fan favorite Jon Gruden to replace head coach Jack Del Rio. The Oakland Raiders have rising stars in Derek Carr and Amari Cooper on the offensive side of the ball, as they hope to bring a Super Bowl championship to Oakland before the team moves to its new home in Las Vegas.

Week 14 - Minnesota Vikings @ Seattle Seahawks - December 10, 2018, 8:15 PM ET ESPN

The Seattle Seahawks experienced an offseason of change, as they lost long-time defensive players due to free agency or retirement. Russell Wilson will continue to lead the Seahawks during this transition period, and they will still be a tough matchup for any NFL team. The Vikings have one of the best defenses in the league, and the Seahawks must prioritize the protection of Russell Wilson, as the offensive line has struggled in the past few seasons. Seattle has one of the best home-field advantages in the league, as the Vikings will look to overcome the 12th man with a late-season victory.

Week 15 - New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers - December 16, 2018, 4:25 PM ET

CBS These two bitter foes face each other once again, as the Patriots and Steelers meet up for another classic matchup. The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best offenses in the NFL, as they can strike a team on the ground or through the air. Of course, no one knows the future of both of these great quarterbacks, as this may be the last time they face each other in the regular season. The New England Patriots will be ultra-motivated to make a return trip to the Super Bowl after their surprising defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Week 16 - Pittsburgh Steelers @ New Orleans Saints - December 23, 2018, 4:25 PM ET

CBS Both of these teams are favorites to make the playoffs and possibly even reach the Super Bowl. This late-season matchup will be critical for both teams, as it can have a significant impact on playoff seeding. Both of these teams have dynamic offenses that can score points at any time, which should produce a fast-paced offensive showcase that is a dream come true for fantasy football players. The winner of this matchup may come down to who has the last possession or which defense can make a crucial stop at the last second.

Week 17 - Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants - December 30, 2018, 1:00 PM ET Fox

These NFC East rivals always matchup well against each other with hard fought games. No one expected the Giants to struggle last year, but they were rewarded with the opportunity to select one of the most athletic running backs in the NFL Draft. The dynamic duo of Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr. will look to play a major role in helping the New York Giants bounce back from a disappointing season. Of course, the Dallas Cowboys will look to shut down the New York Giants offense with a rejuvenated defensive line led by DeMarcus Lawrence. Playoff seeding can be on the line, as both teams look to bounce back from disappointing seasons.

Playoffs (January 5, 2019 - February 4, 2019)

The NFL playoffs is one of the most exciting events in sports, as only the best teams qualify after a grueling 16 game season. Every game counts, as only the top two teams in each conference get a bye week during Wild Card Weekend. Every year classic memories are made, whether it is a last second hail mary touchdown pass or a timely interception that seals a team's victory. Surprise teams make the playoffs each year, as fans across the country cheer their favorite team throughout the playoffs as they hope to reach Super Bowl LIII.

Super Bowl LIII - February 2, 2019, 6:30 PM ET CBS

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest events in all of sports as the top two teams in the NFL compete against each other for gridiron glory. Will the New England Patriots reach a third consecutive Super Bowl? Can the Philadelphia Eagles repeat as champions? Will a surprise team emerge and shock the NFL world? The NFL is always full of twists and turns, whether a new player emerges on the biggest stage or a key player suffers a devastating injury. Super Bowl LIII will be a highly anticipated event with two of the best teams in the NFL competing against each other for Super Bowl glory.