Countdowns to the 5 Most Anticipated NFL Events

The beautiful feeling of NFL football is in the atmosphere again. We sit less than 2 months away from sanity coming back to the minds of many. As the anticipation continues to build after a whirlwind of an off-season, we have to remember to enjoy the ride.

Last season saw an amazing amount of controversy compared to years past. From the Ezekiel Elliot soap opera to the incredible journey of the Philadelphia Eagles minus Carson Wentz. The Patriots (again) found their way into the Super Bowl (thank you Jesse James for ‘dropping’ the winning pass). The Eagles were crowned NFL champions for the first time in the Super Bowl era. I guess the rest of the league can still focus on the Browns to provide the punch line. I mean, a 0-16 season will bring plenty of insults. The Rams relocated to L.A. and coincidentally found a ton of success in front of their new fan base. Who says the youngest head coach in the league can’t win football games.

I could write you an entire book on the intrigue from last season. But the key words there are last season. As we enter into the 2018-2019 season, every team has an equal shot at holding the Lombardi Trophy; everyone is undefeated. 

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the most anticipated events for the upcoming NFL season.

1. Countdown to NFL Super Bowl LIII

When: February 3, 2019 (Time TBA)

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta, Georgia.

Broadcast Information: CBS and CBS All Access.

Ticket Information: Online (many opportunities early)

I mean come on, if this isn’t number one on any list you come across then you should question your allegiance to the game of football. This is bigger than Christmas morning for most NFL fans. 

There is much information still to be determined with the Super Bowl, most obviously who will be playing in the game. Let’s all hope for our own sake that Tom Brady is having to watch from his couch. If I have to see that man line up at quarterback in another Super Bowl I may just…. Ok, another story.

Will the Eagles make another run? The obvious odds would prove that it is a difficult task. However, they made a Cinderella run last season on the coat tails of a backup quarterback. With Wentz back, who knows? Could there be a potential quarterback controversy mid-season if things don’t go Philly’s way?

NFC favorites to earn a trip to the Super Bowl this season include the Eagles, Cowboys, Vikings, Falcons, and even the surprising L.A. Rams. AFC favorites include the Patriots and Steelers. Could the Gruden-led Raiders make a run? Will the Chiefs finally take the next step? Could the Colts be contenders with a healthy Andrew Luck?

The Super Bowl is one of the most watched events across North America each year. Regardless of some of the negative publicity surrounding the NFL in recent years, this game will continue to rule the landscape of professional sports in the Western Hemisphere. 

2. Countdown to Hall-of-Fame Induction Ceremony

When: August 4, 2018. 7:00 P.M. (E.T.)

Where: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Canton, Ohio.

Broadcast Information: NFL Network /NFL Now

Tickets: Variety – Quintevents has packages

This event is one of my personal favorites each and every year. As we get older, seeing players that we used to celebrate (or despise) when we were younger being celebrated for reaching the pinnacle of the sport can get, well, emotional. Yea, that’s the right word, right? I mean, the NFL has been a staple in most of our lives for as long as we can remember. Why wouldn’t we want to celebrate the best to ever wear the uniform?

This year’s class features some of the most disruptive players of the 90’s and early 2000’s. This year’s inductees are Brian Urlacher, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Ray Lewis, Brian Dawkins, Bobby Beathard, Robert Brazile, and Jerry Kramer. I mean, WOW! Lewis and Urlacher were two of the most dominant linebackers to ever suit it up. Terrell Owens should have been inducted years ago, but his (obvious) off-field antics have cost him. The same can be said for Randy Moss. However, no one would argue that they have long-earned their spot in the Hall. Dawkins is one of the most underrated players in his era. Top it off with some throw backs in Kramer, Beathard, and Brazile and you have a great event. What a class!

3. NFL Hall-of-Fame Game Countdown

When: August 2, 2018. 8:00 P.M. (E.T.)

Where: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Canton, Ohio.

Broadcast Information: NFL Network (Local broadcast for participating teams)

Tickets: Official team websites or NFL.com .

Teams: Baltimore Ravens vs. Chicago Bears

Before you start throwing a fit about a pre-season game being on this list, think about how bad you want to see an NFL football game right now? That’s what I thought…

The annual NFL Hall of Fame game is the perfect preview for the Hall of Fame inductions. It marks the first game of the season, albeit a completely meaningless match. Still though, its competitive football. This is the first glimpse that fans will get at the previous springs draft picks, as well as the first opportunity for fans to either celebrate in the streets declaring a Super Bowl run, or complain about the front office and all of their failures. Just preseason, right?

The Hall of Fame game is just another event in the week long celebration in Canton. Whether you are a fan of the teams in the game or not is a truly insignificant point. The Hall of Fame game is typically the highest rated preseason game each and every year for the reasons that we just mentioned. So go ahead, sit back, and enjoy. Check out our official NFL preseason countdown clock.

4. Countdown to NFL Opening Weekend

When: September 6-10, 2018.

Where: 15 awesome NFL cities.

Broadcast information: Nationally televised game on the 6 ^th, 9 ^th, and 10 ^th. Games are carried on local channels for area teams (subject to blackout).

Ticket information: Check with official NFL websites for specific ticket information.

I don’t care what level of fan you think you are, NFL opening weekend will find your butt sitting in the chair with your eyes glued to the screen. This is what every NFL fan has been waiting for ever since the Eagles victory last February. There really isn’t quite another feeling like witnessing the opening kickoff, regardless of who you are rooting for. 

The best news about opening weekend is that every team has a realistic chance at a Super Bowl title. Yes, even the Cleveland Browns have a shot (cough cough). 

The season kicks off on Thursday evening, September 6 ^th . The Eagles will host the Atlanta Falcons. Kickoff is at 8:20 P.M. (E.T.) The game is broadcast on NBC. This game looks to be a real nail biter on paper. Will Wentz have rust from a long layoff? Will the Falcons continue to struggle early in the season as in years past?

Here's a countdown to the opening game, Eagles vs Falcons:

And here's a link to our official NFL regular season countdown.

Sunday, September 9 ^th will pave the way for the majority of the league playing their first game. Local games will begin at 1:00 E.T. with three more beginning at 4:25 P.M. E.T. There are plenty of big games on the first Sunday afternoon of the season. Among the most appealing will be the Bengals at the Colts, and the Cowboys as the Panthers. The 49ers revamped team will make a trip to Minnesota to take on the tough defense of the Vikings. 

Sunday night will feature yet another nationally televised game. The Packers will host the Bears in one of the most physical rivalries in all of football. The game will be broadcast on NBC. Kickoff is at 8:20 P.M. E.T. Sorry Bear’s fans, it will likely be much of the same for you in this one.

Here's a countdown to the Bears at Packers:

Finally, the first Monday Night Football game of the year! In an opening weekend special, the NFL has scheduled a double header this year. ESPN will first air the Lions hosting the Jets in what could prove to be a snooze fest. The second game should be a bit more exciting with the Raiders hosting the Rams. The NFL world has been anxious to see Jon Gruden coach again. Who would have thought it would have been with the Raiders, again! 

The first game will begin at 7:10 P.M. E.T. and the second will begin at 10:20 P.M. E.T. Monday Night Football is back folks! Go ahead and get ready to call in sick for work on Tuesday. Must be nice…

5. Conference Championship Game Re-Matches

When: Week 2 and Week 5

Where: Jacksonville and Philadelphia

Broadcast Information: Local broadcast (Fox and CBS)

Tickets: Available on Team websites and NFL.com.

Oh man, there are hundreds of games that people will claim are the biggest of the regular season. Truthfully, it is hard to predict what the top games will be. What is certain is that these conference championship ‘re-matches’ from last season will draw a ton of viewers, and for good reason.

The AFC Championship re-match will be played in Jacksonville. Last year, the Jaguars were actually beating the Patriots by 10 in the 4 ^th quarter. As Tom Brady has a propensity of doing, he brought the Patriots back for the victory. The Jaguars are the real deal guys, and this could symbolize a passing of the torch so-to-speak in the AFC pecking order. The game kicks off on September 16, 2018 at 4:25 C.T. on CBS. 

Here's a countdown to Patriots vs Jaguars:

The NFC Championship game re-match will have some new faces this year. Last year, the Eagles were led by Nick Foles in this game in place of Carson Wentz. The Vikings were led by feel good story Case Keenum. Fast forward to the upcoming season and Keenum is gone, replaced by high-priced Kirk Cousins. Wentz’s knee is healthy this time around. Last year, the Vikings stifling defense was picked apart by a determined Philadelphia team. Something tells me that the Vikings will have revenge on their minds. Give me Minnesota in this one. The game takes place on October 7, 2018 at 4:25 P.M. E.T. on FOX.

Here's a countdown to the The NFC championship game re-match:

The 2018-2019 season is sure to be a phenomenal one. Each season has such a huge build up that it is hard to say whether this one is the most anticipated, but it is pretty damn close. At the end of the day, I am a fan. So here is to every NFL fan across the globe. Whoever your team may be, this time of year is full of hope and excitement. 

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