By Lance Tominaga, ESPN Honolulu Web Editor.
Yesterday, we began our week-by-week “dream tour” of the 2021 NFL season, selecting a “must-see” game for every week on the schedule. Our itinerary so far includes intriguing gems such as Ravens-Raiders, Dolphins-Jaguars, Buccaneers-Patriots and Bills-Chiefs. Here is Part Two of our fantasy schedule, covering Weeks 10 through 18:
WEEK 10: KANSAS CITY @ LAS VEGAS. Both Chiefs-Raiders games were surprisingly close last season. Even more surprising, the Raiders even beat the then-defending Super Bowl champions in one of those contests. Now imagine the hated Chiefs playing inside a packed Allegiant Stadium on a Sunday night in Sin City. This game might take this rivalry to another level.
WEEK 11: BALTIMORE @ CHICAGO. This is a classic AFC vs NFC matchup between two teams that like to play hard and physical. The Ravens will have one of football’s most electrifying players in Lamar Jackson, but who will be under center for the Bears, Andy Dalton or promising rookie Justin Fields?
WEEK 12: LAS VEGAS @ DALLAS. A Thanksgiving Day feast. There’s just something about a Raiders-Cowboys game that makes it can’t miss. (America’s Team vs the Evil Empire?)
WEEK 13: SAN FRANCISCO @ SEATTLE. Here’s another pivotal divisional matchup that should have postseason implications. Plus, it’s always a treat to watch Russell Wilson play.
WEEK 14: BALTIMORE @ CLEVELAND. Are the Browns for real, or was last season a fluke? The answer should be revealed by this point of the season. With Pittsburgh’s Ben Rothlisberger on the decline – sorry, Steeler fans, but you know it’s true – Baltimore vs Cleveland should be the AFC North’s marquee matchup for the next several years.
WEEK 15: NEW ORLEANS @ TAMPA BAY. Tom Brady and the Bucs eliminated the Saints in last season’s playoffs, sending Drew Brees into retirement. With nearly all of their key players returning, Tampa Bay is poised to successfully defend their Super Bowl championship. Even without Brees, however, the Saints will be a tough out.
WEEK 16: PITTSBURGH @ KANSAS CITY. If the Steelers are still a playoff contender, this will be a major roadblock for them to overcome. Either way, this is a marquee game.
WEEK 17: MINNESOTA @ GREEN BAY. There’s nothing like a big rivalry game with playoff hopes on the line. Also, no tour of the NFL would be complete without experiencing Lambeau Field!
WEEK 18: NEW ENGLAND @ MIAMI. We close the regular season with what could be an important AFC East matchup. Both the Patriots and Dolphins figure to be fighting for playoff spots. Whether Miami succeeds or not may even determine Tua’s future with the franchise.
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