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Every game in the NFL regular season is important, but some matchups mean a little more than others. Now that the 2021 NFL schedule is out let's hone in on the must-win games for each franchise in the NFC division.
They could be divisional games, AFC v NFC matchups or rookie NFL quarterback faceoffs. On that note, here are three key games for every NFC team in the 2021 NFL regular season.
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Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings will look to return to the NFL playoffs this season after a disappointing 7-9 record last year. Kirk Cousins will want to cement his place as the team's starting QB.
Here are three key games for the Vikings this season.
Week 2 - Sunday, September 19, at Arizona Cardinals at 4.05 PM ET, FOX
The Minnesota Vikings will be on the road for their first two games in 2021. After playing the Bengals away in Week 1, they will look to go 2-0 on the road, which would be a massive boost for their playoff hopes.
Week 5 - Sunday, October 10, Detroit Lions 1 PM ET, FOX
The Detroit Lions head to Minnesota for a key NFC North matchup. It'll be the Vikings’ first divisional game of the season, and they are expected to beat the Lions at home.
Week 17 - Sunday, January 2, at Green Bay Packers at 8.20 PM ET, NBC
The Vikings travel to Green Bay for a massive Sunday Night Football clash. This Week 17 game could decide who wins the NFC North.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers have had a turbulent NFL off-season after it was announced that star quarterback Aaron Rodgers was unhappy with the franchise and wanted a trade. How this issue gets resolved could define the Packers’ 2021 NFL campaign.
Let’s look at three key games for Green Bay this season:
Week 1 - Sunday, September 12 at New Orleans Saints at 4.25 PM ET, FOX
The Packers’ first game is a big one away to the Saints. Whoever plays QB for Green Bay will likely create differing fan expectations. If Rodgers does return, the Packers would expect to compete on the road and get a crucial week-1 road win.
Week 9 - Sunday, November 7 at Kansas City Chiefs at 4.25 PM ET, FOX
The dream match-up between Rodgers and Mahomes would be a must-watch event for all NFL fans. An away win against the AFC champions would be a massive one for the Packers.
Week 16 - Saturday, December 25 at Cleveland Browns at 4.30 PM ET, FOX
The Browns will visit Lambeau on Christmas Day for a big game in Week 16. The Packers are always difficult to beat at home, and they will hope to give all their fans a Xmas gift with another home win.
Detroit Lions
The new-look Lions squad will hope to kick off their new era with a winning season. However, head coach Dan Campbell and QB Jarred Goff have a tough task ahead of them in 2021.
Week 2 - Monday, September 20 at Green Bay Packers at 8.15 PM ET, ESPN
The Lions travel to Lambeau Field for a big NFL Monday Night Football game in Week 2. If the Lions manage to beat the Packers on the road, that could set them up for a successful season.
Week 6 - Sunday, October 17 at Cincinnati Bengals at 1 PM ET, FOX
The Week-6 home game against the Bengals will be a must-win one if the Lions want to make the playoffs this season. If they can’t beat a young Bengals team at home, the Lions will likely struggle again in 2021.
Week 13 - Sunday, December 5th, at Minnesota Vikings at 1 PM ET, CBS
A crucial divisional home game for the Lions comes in against the Vikings in Week 13. The Lions have some key home games later in the season, and this one against the Vikings would show if they’re ready to take the next step.
Chicago Bears
The Bears will hope to return to the NFL playoffs this season. But they have some uncertainty around their quarterback position. Will Andy Dalton, Nick Foles or rookie Justin Fields be the starting QB in Chicago?
Here are three key matchups for the Bears in 2021:
Week 2 - Sunday, September 19 at Cincinnati Bengals at 1 PM ET, FOX
The Bears’ first home game against a young Bengals team is a must-win one. The Bears need to beat the lesser teams in the NFL if they are going to have any chance of making the playoffs.
Week 6 - Sunday, October 17 at Green Bay Packers at 1 PM ET, FOX
The Packers have owned the Bears in recent seasons, so the Chicago Bears could be keen to turn the tide at Lambeau Field in Week 6.
Week 17 - Sunday, January 2 at New York Giants at 1 PM ET, CBS
The Week-17 NFL clash against the New York Giants will likely be a key game that could decide the Bears’ playoff ambitions. It’s another NFL home game where the Chicago Bears should be able to pull off a victory.
Dallas Cowboys
The return of star NFL quarterback Dak Prescott should boost the Cowboys this season. Anything short of the playoffs will be considered a failure by Jerry Jones and the Cowboys management.
Here are three key games for Dallas this NFL season:
Week 3 - Monday, September 27, Philadelphia Eagles, 8.15 PM ET, ESPN
This Monday Night Football clash at Jerry World could be an early opportunity for the Cowboys to stamp their authority in the NFC East division.
Week 12 - Thursday, November 25, Las Vegas Raiders, 4.30 PM ET, FOX
The NFL Thanksgiving fixture at home against the Raiders will be a big game for Dallas. They have disappointed recently on the national holiday and will look to make a statement in front of their home fans.
Week 15 - Sunday, December 19, New York Giants, 1 PM ET, FOX
The Cowboys travel to the Big Apple in Week 15 in a big NFC East clash. The Giants will likely be an improved lot from last year, so this game could decide the division.
Washington Football Team
Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera will do his best to propel another unlikely playoff berth for his team this season. Veteran NFL QB Ryan Fitzpatrick takes over the offense in what should be an interesting year in the nation’s capital.
Week 1 - Sunday, September 12, Los Angeles Chargers, 1 PM ET, CBS
The first-up game for the WFT will be a key one. The young NFC East team needs to get off to a good start, and this game would present the perfect opportunity to do so.
Week 12 - Monday, November 29, Seattle Seahawks, 8.15 PM ET, ESPN
The Seahawks come to Washington for a Week-12 MNF clash. This game will be a chance for Washington to show a national NFL audience that they are in the race for the NFC playoffs.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, New York Giants, 1 PM ET, FOX
The last game of the NFL regular season will see the WFT visit division rivals, the New York Giants. This could be a crucial game to decide the winner of the NFC East.
Philadelphia Eagles
A lot of changes were made this NFL off-season in Philadelphia. The Eagles will start the season with a new head coach and second-year QB in Jalen Hurts.
Here are three crucial games for the Eagles this season:
Week 3 - Monday, September 27, Dallas Cowboys, 8.15 PM ET, ESPN
The Monday Night Football clash at Jerry World will show if the Eagles are real contenders for the NFC East title.
Week 8 - Sunday, October 31, Detroit Lions, 1 PM ET, FOX
The Week 8 road trip to Detroit looks like another very winnable away game for the Eagles. If they can take care of business in Detroit, they will likely be on track to make a playoff run.
Week - 16 - Sunday, December 26, New York Giants, 1 PM ET, FOX
A crucial home game against NFC East rivals, the New York Giants, would be a must-win late-season clash for the Eagles.
New York Giants
The New York Football Giants spent big in the off-season, bringing in several free agents. They would expect a big leap in play from their starting quarterback Daniel Jones to help them reach the playoffs.
Here are three key games for the Giants this NFL season:
Week 1 - Sunday, September 12, Denver Broncos, 4.25 PM ET, FOX
The Giants host the Broncos in Week 1 and will look to start their campaign with a win. The Broncos' QB situation is not good, so the New York team should fancy their chances of winning this game.
Week 7 - Sunday, October 24, Carolina Panthers, 1 PM ET, FOX
Another NFL home game that the Giants need to win if they are to push for a playoff berth.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, Washington Football Team, 1 PM ET, FOX
The last game of the NFL regular season will see division rivals, the WFT, visit New York. This could be a crucial game to decide the winner of the NFC East.
Seattle Seahawks
Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks enter the NFL season, facing a very difficult challenge to win the division. The NFC West is stacked this year, so it will likely take all the magic Russell Wilson has to get the Seahawks to the playoffs.
Here are three key matchups for the Seahawks:
Week 2 - Sunday, September 19, Tennessee Titans, 4.25 PM ET, CBS
The Seahawks will look to make a statement in their first home game against the Titans. This is a very winnable matchup for the team and could set the tone for their 2021 NFL season.
Week 5 - Thursday, October 7, Los Angeles Rams, 8.20 PM ET, FOX
This Week-5 Thursday Night football game will be a big divisional rivalry clash against the Rams. Both teams will look for their first win in the NFC West battle.
Week 19 - Sunday, January 9, Arizona Cardinals, 4.25 PM ET, FOX
The final game of the season will see Seattle visit Arizona for a key NFC West divisional matchup. A win could seal the Seahawks' NFL playoff berth.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers will gun for a bounce-back year after last season’s injury-plagued run. However, it remains to be seen who would be their starting QB - NFL veteran Jimmy Garappolo or rookie Trey Lance.
Here are three games that will likely be key in their 2021 NFL campaign:
Week 3 - Sunday, September 26, Green Bay Packers, 8.20 PM ET, NBC
The Sunday Night football clash between the Niners and Packers should be a good one. The Niners could be desperate to win their first home match after starting with two games on the road.
Week 9 - Sunday, October 10, Arizona Cardinals, 4.25 PM ET, FOX
The Niners face the Cardinals in a key NFC West game in Week 9. A home win will likely be crucial to the 49ers’ chances of taking the division.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, Los Angeles Rams, 4.25 PM ET, FOX
The final game of the season against the Rams could determine a playoff berth and who wins the NFC West title.
Los Angeles Rams
Another team that had a busy NFL off-season was the Los Angeles Rams. They traded away their starting QB Jarred Goff for Lions veteran Matthew Stafford. It remains to be seen if the move pays off.
Here are three key matchups for the Rams this regular season:
Week 1 - Sunday, September 12, Chicago Bears, 8.20 PM ET, NBC
The Rams could make an immediate statement in SNF against the Chicago Bears. Matthew Stafford will hope for a winning start to his career in LA.
Week 7 - Sunday, October 24, Detroit Lions, 4.05 PM ET, FOX
Former Rams QB Jarred Goff will likely return to LA in the ultimate grudge matchup. It would be the first time each QB plays their former team, and neither would want to walk off the field a loser.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, San Francisco 49ers, 4.25 PM ET, FOX
The Rams' final game of the season against the Niners could determine a playoff berth and who wins the NFC West title.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are the sleeper picks to win the NFC West this season. Kyler Murray has been joined by NFL veterans AJ Green, JJ Watt and Malcolm Butler. It remains to be seen if they manage pull off an upset and win the division.
Here are three must-win NFL matchups for the Cardinals:
Week 2 - Sunday, September 19, Minnesota Vikings, 4.05 PM ET, FOX
The Cardinals’ first home game of the season is a big one against the Vikings. It’s these type of matchups the Cardinals need to win if they are to be considered as serious playoff contenders.
Week 9 - Sunday, October 10, San Francisco 49ers, 4.25 PM ET, FOX
An NFL road win over the Niners in Week 9 could propel the Cardinals towards the division title and a playoff berth.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, Seattle Seahawks, 4.25 PM ET, FOX
In their final NFL game of the regular season, the Cardinals will come up against their NFC West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks. It’s likely Arizona will need to win this home game to make the NFL playoffs.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints will enter their first NFL campaign in the post-Drew Brees era. Head coach Sean Payton will have to use all his offensive play-calling skills to help the Saints make the NFL playoffs this season.
Here are three key games for the Saints:
Week 2 - Sunday, September 19, at Carolina Panthers, 1.00 PM ET, FOX
The Saints’ first division game will be away against the rebuilding Panthers. This looks like a very winnable game for New Orleans.
Week 8 - Sunday, October 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4.25 PM ET, FOX
Defending NFL Super Bowl champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to town in Week 8. The Saints will look to gain revenge after being knocked out of the playoffs by Tom Brady and the Bucs last season.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, at Atlanta Falcons, 1.00 PM ET, FOX
The Saints' playoff hopes could come down to their final game of the season. They face the Falcons away and might need to grab a road win to qualify for the postseason.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have a new head coach in 2021, but Arthur Smith might find his first NFL season in charge tough going. If Matt Ryan can rediscover his MVP form, they might have a chance at the postseason, though.
Here are three key games for the Falcons this NFL season:
Week 2 - Sunday, September 19, at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4.05 PM. ET, FOX
Atlanta travel to Tampa Bay for their first NFC South matchup this season. If they manage to pull off the upset and beat the Super Bowl holders, it will set them up for a big season ahead.
Week 8 - Sunday, October 31, Carolina Panthers, 1.00 PM ET, FOX
It’s games like this one against the Panthers the Falcons need to win in 2021. If they are to be a serious NFL playoff threat, they'll need to beat a young Panthers unit at home.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, New Orleans Saints, 1.00 PM ET, FOX
Atlanta’s playoff hopes could come down to their final game of the season. They face the Saints at home; a big win in front of their fans could help them qualify for the postseason.
Carolina Panthers
The rebuilding Carolina Panthers are not expected to challenge for the Super Bowl this season. They have a new QB in Sam Darnold and will hope to see some improvements in their performances in 2021.
Here are three key NFL matchups for the Panthers:
Week 1 - Sunday, September 12, New York Jets, 1.00 PM ET, CBS
The Panthers face Sam Darnold’s former team in Week 1, and it’s a must-win game for them if they want to have a successful 2021 NFL campaign.
Week 8 - Sunday, October 31, at Atlanta Falcons, 1.00 PM ET, FOX
The Panthers could play spoilers in the NFC South, so this fixture against the Falcons is a game they should be targeting.
Week 11 - Sunday, November 21, Washington Football Team, 1.00 PM ET, FOX
This Week-11 home game against the WFT is a match the Panthers are realistically expected to win. It’ll be an opportunity to show their fans they are no longer the NFL easy-beats of 2020.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look for more of the same after winning the Super Bowl last season. Tom Brady is back and so is much of their championship-winning squad, which should bolster the Bucs' hopes of another successful campaign.
Here are three key games for the Bucs in 2021:
Week 1 - Thursday, September 9, Dallas Cowboys, 7.20 PM ET, NBC
The Bucs will look to start their NFL campaign with a bang when they take on the Cowboys on a big opening night. What better way to celebrate being defending champions?
Week 8 - Sunday, October 31, at New Orleans Saints, 4.25 PM ET, FOX
Defending Super Bowl champions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will want to reinforce their superiority over the Saints in Week 8. The Bucs beat the Saints in the Superdome in the playoffs, and they’ll want to repeat that feat again.
Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, Carolina Panthers, 1.00 PM ET, FOX
The Bucs will look to end their regular season campaign with a home win against the Panthers. This could be the game where the Bucs seal the number one seed for the NFL playoffs.
