185th Bears-Packers Game Kicks Off NFLN’s 13-Game Schedule in Week 2
Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning & Giants visit Rookie of Year Cam Newton & Panthers in Week 3
Peyton Manning’s first visit to Oakland’s “Black Hole” as Broncos QB
9 Division Matchups Highlighted
NFL Network today announced its expanded 13-game, regular-season primetime Thursday Night Football schedule which kicks off in Week 2 (Sept. 13) and features nine 2011 playoff teams, including six which won division crowns and both NFC Championship Game teams (Giants and 49ers). Game times for the contests are 8:00 PM ET.
Among the highlights of NFL Network’s 2012 schedule:
- Opener features 185th meeting between Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers – the most-played rivalry in NFL history.
- No. 1 drafted QBs face off in Week 3 – Giants’ Eli Manning (two-time Super Bowl MVP) and Carolina’s Cam Newton (2011 Offensive Rookie of the Year)
- Peyton Manning’s first start as Broncos QB at Oakland’s “Black Hole”
- Indianapolis and their new No. 1 overall draft pick at Jacksonville
- New Orleans visits Atlanta in a meeting of clubs which have won past three NFC South titles
- Nine divisional matchups
The critically acclaimed Thursday Night Football broadcast team returns featuring Emmy-nominated game analyst Mike Mayock, play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler and sideline reporter Alex Flanagan.