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Every game in the newly expanded 17-game NFL regular season is important. However, some matchups can mean a little more than others. Now that the 2021 NFL schedule is out, let's focus on the must-win games for each franchise.
They could be divisional games, AFC vs NFC matchups or rookie quarterback faceoffs. So without further ado, let's take a look at three key games for every AFC team in the 2021 NFL regular season.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has the toughest NFL schedule of any team this season. The Steelers will need to start their season well again, as they have a very tough last few games to overcome.
Let's take look at three big games for the Steelers:
Week 3 - Sunday, September 26, Cincinnati Bengals, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
The Steelers’ first divisional game of the year is one they need to win. If they can’t beat the young Bengals team at home, it could be a long season for the team.
Week 11 - Sunday, November 21, at LA Chargers, 8.20 PM ET, NBC
This Week-11 Sunday night football clash is one the Steelers would love to win. Any away game is tough in the NFL, but the Chargers are a team the Steelers should fancy beating.
Week 17 - Monday, January 3, Cleveland Browns, 8.15 PM ET, ESPN
This Monday night football game between the Browns and the Steelers could decide who wins the division and makes the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens will be gunning for the AFC North title this season. After disappointing playoff runs in the previous two campaigns, this could be the Ravens’ year.
Here are three key matchups for Baltimore:
Week 2 - Sunday, September 19, Kansas City Chiefs, 8.20 PM ET, NBC
A titanic AFC clash comes in Week 2 of the 2021 NFL season for the Ravens. Patrick Mahomes, who has arrived in Baltimore, will look for a big outing in this Sunday night football game. It remains to be seen the Ravens finally manage to overcome the Chiefs in prime time.
Week 9 - Sunday, November 7, Minnesota Vikings, 1.00 PM ET, FOX
The Ravens will be confident of beating the Vikings at home in Week 9. If they are to win the AFC North, they need to win home fixtures like this one.
Week 16 - Sunday, December 16, at Cincinnati Bengals, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
The inexperienced Bengals will be a road game the Ravens head coach John Harbaugh will expect his team to win. That's because any divisional road win is key to qualifying for the playoffs.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns will be buoyed by their first playoff win since 1995 against the Steelers’ last postseason. This year they face another tough battle to make the playoffs, but the franchise seems to have turned a corner towards future success.
Here are three key games for the Browns this NFL season:
Week 1 - Sunday, September 12, at Kansas City Chiefs, 4.25 PM ET, CBS
After getting beaten by the Chiefs in last year’s NFL playoffs, the Browns will seek immediate payback in this Week-1 clash. A road win over the AFC champions would be the perfect start to their campaign.
Week 8 - Sunday, October 31, Pittsburgh, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
It could be a big divisional game for both teams, but the Browns will look to beat the Steelers at home. This game could define who wins the AFC North Conference at the end of the season.
Week 17 - Sunday, January 9, Cincinnati Bengals, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
A home win against the Bengals should see the Browns primed for a playoff run. A home loss could spell the end of their postseason hopes, though.
Cincinnati Bengals
The return of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow should help the Cincinnati franchise eke out more wins this season. They are probably a year off challenging for the playoffs, though.
Here are three games for them to target:
Week 4 - Thursday, September 30, Jacksonville Jaguars, 8.20 PM ET, NFLN
The battle of the no.1 NFL draft picks will take place on TNF. It's a big game for Joe Burrow to show he’s the better player than rookie Trevor Lawrence. This is a game both teams will likely mark on their calendars.
Week 8 - Sunday, October 31, at New York Jets, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
The Bengals won’t be favored to win many road games this season, but against the rebuilding Jets, they will fancy their chances. This match could be a great opportunity for the Bengals to grab an NFL away win.
Week 17 - Sunday, January 2, Kansas City Chiefs, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
AFC champions Chiefs will visit the Paul Brown Stadium in Week 17. It should be a big test for the Bengals but one they should be ready for late in the NFL season.
Los Angeles Chargers
Inconsistency and injuries have cost the LA Chargers in recent NFL seasons. Now that they have a young, exciting QB in Justin Hebert, things are looking up in Los Angeles.
Here are three crucial matchups for the Chargers:
Week 3 - Sunday, September 26, at Kansas City Chiefs, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
What better way to show your divisional rivals that you mean business than by beating the AFC champion Chiefs at their own stadium? A Week-3 road victory for the Chargers would boost their NFL playoff hopes.
Week 8 - Sunday, October 31, New England Patriots, 4.05 PM ET, CBS
The Patriots are no longer the dominating force they once were, so the Chargers should fancy their chances of a win at home in this game.
Week 16 - Sunday, December 26, Houston Texans, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
Who knows what sort of team the Texans will have this NFL season? If Deshaun Watson is out for the year, the Chargers would be expected to win this home game.
Denver Broncos
Unless the Denver Broncos can trade for Aaron Rodgers, things could be tough for the team again this season. They’re in a difficult division, and it’s hard seeing them making the NFL playoffs.
Here are three key matchups for the Broncos this NFL season:
Week 2 - Sunday, September 19, at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 PM ET, CBS
If the Broncos are going to win any road games this year, this is one of them. They have to like their chances against rookie QB Trevor Lawrence and the Jags.
Week 6 - Sunday, October 17, Las Vegas Raiders, 4.25 PM ET, CBS
The Raiders will venture to Mile High Stadium in Week 6 and look to win this game to remain in playoff reckoning.
Week 15 - Sunday, December 19, Cincinnati Bengals, 4.05 PM ET, CBS
A Week-15 home game against the Bengals is another must-win fixture for the Broncos.
Kansas City Chiefs
Defending AFC champions Kansas City Chiefs will look to make their third straight Super Bowl.
Let’s look at three key fixtures for the Chiefs this campaign:
Week 2 - Sunday, September 19, at Baltimore Ravens, 8.20 PM ET, NBC
A titanic AFC clash comes in Week 2 of the 2021 NFL season for the Chiefs, who will head to Baltimore for a game of Sunday night football. Mahomes and company will look to dominate the Ravens once again in prime time.
Week 9 - Sunday, November 7, Green Bay Packers, 4.25 PM ET, FOX
A dream matchup for NFL fans will take place in Week 9 when the Packers visit the Chiefs. Aaron Rodgers vs Patrick Mahomes should be must-see TV!
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, at Denver Broncos, 4.25 PM ET, CBS
The Chiefs may need this road win to clinch the top seed in the AFC, so this matchup with the Broncos in Week 18 is a huge one for them.
Las Vegas Raiders
Week 1 - Monday, September 13, Baltimore Ravens, 8.15 PM ET, ESPN
The first regular game of the season is a big one for the Raiders, as they host AFC powerhouse Ravens on Monday Night. A first-up home win would set the tone for the Raiders’ 2021 campaign.
Week 6 - Sunday, October 17, at Denver Broncos, 4.25 PM ET, CBS
The Raiders will venture to Mile High Stadium in Week 6. It’s a road game they need to win to challenge for the NFL playoffs.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, Los Angeles Chargers, 4.25 PM ET, CBS
Their final regular-season game will see the Raiders lock horns against the visiting Chargers. It could prove to be a crucial fixture for the Las Vegas franchise if they wish to make the NFL postseason.
New England Patriots
Bill Belichick and the Patriots will look for a bounce-back NFL season after last year’s disappointing campaign. The NFC East is getting stronger, with the Bills and Dolphins looking like real challengers in the division.
Here are three key games in 2021 for the Pats.
Week 4 - Sunday, October 3rd, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7.20 PM ET, NBC
Tom Brady’s homecoming will likely be circled on the Patriots calendar. NFL fans will be tuning in to see who wins the battle between Belichick and Brady.
Week 13 - Monday, December 6, at Buffalo Bills, 8.15 PM ET, ESPN
A key Monday Night football game in Week 13 will see the Patriots visit the Bills. This game will likely decide who wins the NFC East division this season.
New York Jets
The rebuilding New York Jets aren’t considered a serious threat to win the AFC East this season. New head coach Robert Saleh will likely have his work cut out trying to win with a rookie quarterback in a very competitive division.
Here are three games the Jets should target:
Week 1 - Sunday, September 12, at Carolina Panthers, 12.00 PM ET, CBS
The Jets will be desperate to pull off an upset road win in Week 1 when they face former QB Sam Darnold and the Panthers. A win would be a great morale booster for the young team.
Week 5 - Sunday, October 10, Atlanta Falcons, 8:30 AM ET, NFLN
The Jets face the Falcons in London in Week 5. This game will likely be a great opportunity for the Jets to get a big win and gain some more international fans at the same time.
Week 16 - Sunday, December 26, Jacksonville Jaguars, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
This game will feature a battle between the no. 1 and no. 2 picks in this year’s NFL Draft. Zach Wilson will be gunning to defeat Trevor Lawrence and the Jags, with rookie bragging rights on the line.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins narrowly missed the NFL playoffs last season. This year, they’re primed to make a playoff run with a hungry young roster.
Below are three key matchups for the Fins:
Week 1 - Sunday, September 12, at New England, 3.25 PM ET, CBS
A first-up win against divisional rivals, the New England Patriots, would kick off the Dolphins’ 2021 NFL campaign in the right vein.
Week 10 - Thursday, November 11, Baltimore Ravens, 8.20 PM ET, FOX
If the Miami Dolphins hope to be considered as playoff contenders this season, beating the Ravens at home in Week 10 would go a long way to prove their postseason credentials.
Week 15 - Sunday, December 19, New York Jets, TBD
The Fins host the Jets late in the season, and this one will likely be a must-win game for the Dolphins if they want to make the NFL playoffs.
Buffalo Bills
The defending NFC East champions, Buffalo Bills, are the favorites to win the division again this season. The Bills will try to secure the top seed for the NFL playoffs.
Here are three key games to help them achieve their objective:
Week 2 - Sunday, September 19, at Miami Dolphins, 1.00 PM ET, FOX
The Bills will look to assert their dominance in the NFC East with a road win in Miami against the playoff hopefuls Dolphins.
Week 5 - Sunday, October 10, at Kansas City Chiefs, 8.20 PM ET, NBC
This Sunday night NFL football game will feature an AFC championship rematch as the Bills visit Arrowhead Stadium. It remains to be seen if Josh Allen is able to finally beat Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City.
Week 16 - Sunday, December 26, at New England Patriots, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
The Bills will look to secure their grip in the NFC East with a road win over the Patriots in Week 16 of the 2021 NFL season.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts look primed for a successful 2021 NFL season, as they have reunited former first-round NFL draft pick Carson Wentz with head coach Frank Reich. If the QB can rediscover his early success in Philadelphia, the Colts will likely be playoff-bound.
Here are three key regular-season games for the Colts:
Week 1 - Sunday, September 12, Seattle Seahawks, 1.00 PM ET, FOX
Wentz and the Colts will look to start their new stint in Indianapolis with a big home win over the competitive Seattle Seahawks.
Week 7 - Sunday, October 24, at San Francisco 49ers, 8.20 PM ET, NBC
The Colts will travel to the Bay for a Sunday night football matchup against the 49ers. A road win in front of a national NFL audience would help them make an impressive statement.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
Their last game of the NFL regular season will see the Colts head to Jacksonville. This is a must-win game for the Colts if they expect to make the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s a new era in Jacksonville. With rookie QB Trevor Lawrence under center, the Jags will expect big things in the next few NFL seasons.
Here are three games the Jags can win in 2021:
Week 1 - Sunday. September 12, at Houston Texans, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
The Jaguars could struggle to win many games on the road this season, but their first game at Houston will likely be an opportunity for the young team to grab a Week-1 victory.
Week 16 - Sunday, December 26, at New York Jets, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
The battle of the rookie QBs will take place in Week 16. It remains to be seen whether Zach Wilson or Trevor Lawrence wins the rookie bragging rights.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, Indianapolis Colts, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
Their last game of the NFL regular season will see the Colts head to Jacksonville. It'll be an opportunity for the Jags to finish their season on a high, with a win in front of their home fans.
Tennesee Titans
The Titans have made the playoffs in both their last two NFL campaigns. They will look to Ryan Tannehill and Derek Henry to lead the team to another postseason.
Here are three key games for them:
Week 3 - Sunday, September 26, Indianapolis Colts, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
The Titans will look to impose their superiority over AFC South rivals, the Colts, with a home win in Week 3.
Week 16 - Thursday, December 23, San Francisco 49ers, 8.20 PM ET, NFLN
Tennessee will troop out in front of a national NFL audience in Week 16 against the 49ers.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, at Houston Texans, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
Ryan Tannehill and the Titans will travel to Houston for a key away game in Week 18. A win over the Texans in the final game of their regular season could secure a high playoff seed for the Titans.
Houston Texans
Things are a mess in Houston. That's because Deshaun Watson's situation shows no signs of getting resolved any time soon, and there’s a real chance he may never play for the Texans again.
Here are three key games for the Texans in what could likely be a disappointing 2021 NFL season:
Week 1 - Sunday. September 12, Jacksonville Jaguars, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
The Texans should look to win their week-one clash with the young Jags team. If the Texans can’t defeat Jacksonville at home, it could be a long season for the team.
Week 7 - Sunday, October 24, at Arizona Cardinals, 4.25 PM ET, CBS
The Texans will look at their Week 7 trip to Arizona as an opportunity for a road win in 2021, as a victory away from Houston could kickstart the Texans’ season.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, Tennessee Titans, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
Their last home game of the season against the Titans could be an opportunity for the Texans to give their fans some hope for 2022.
