Tribune Pro Football Writer Don Pierson picks a dozen notable games to watch. It’s never too early to program the VCR.
1. Minnesota at Denver
Sunday, Oct. 31
This is the Super Bowl preview, the game everybody wanted to see last season, when both teams got to November undefeated.
2. Pittsburgh at Cleveland
Sunday night, Sept. 12
The return of the Browns to the NFL against their long-time rival means all is well in Ohio.
3. Seattle at Green Bay
Monday night, Nov. 1
Mike Holmgren returns to the other sideline in Lambeau Field, where he will not feel so welcome.
4. Baltimore at Cleveland
Sunday, Nov. 7
Art Modell sends his former Browns to play the new Browns. He won’t dare accompany them.
5. N.Y. Jets at N.Y. Giants
Sunday, Dec. 5
Fans of New York, New York get to see whether either team can make it there.
6. Miami at N.Y. Jets
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Sunday, Dec. 12
This is the first of two December meetings between AFC Super Bowl hopefuls.
7. Minnesota at Atlanta
Sunday, Sept. 12
Vikings start where Falcons left them off in building where both teams hope to make Super Bowl.
8. Indianapolis at Cleveland
Sunday, Dec. 26
Last year’s No. 1 draft choice, Peyton Manning, against their year’s No. 1 pick, Tim Couch.
9. Washington at Dallas
Sunday, Oct. 24
The $800 million team meets America’s Team.
10. N.Y. Jets at Denver
Sunday, Oct. 3
Rematch of AFC title game at Mile High.
11. San Francisco at Minnesota
Sunday, Oct. 24
The battle of receivers — Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, J.J. Stokes vs. Randy Moss, Cris Carter, Jake Reed.
12. Bears at Detroit
Thursday, Nov. 25
Thanksgiving without Barry is as distasteful as turkey without cranberry.