Fansided

NFL schedule release: 10 best games of 2017

By John Buhler

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Sammie Coates (14) catches a pass in front of Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins (24) during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Sammie Coates (14) catches a pass in front of Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins (24) during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers

So we’ve got two teams that have massive fan bases that travel well and actually resonate nationally going head-to-head for the first time in four years? It’s painfully obvious that the Green Bay Packers at the Pittsburgh Steelers will have all the ratings when they play this fall.

Barring something truly unforeseen, Green Bay and Pittsburgh should be at least viable when they meet on the gridiron. When was the last time that the Packers and the Steelers were bad simultaneously? Pre-internet days? Exactly.

These two perennial powers have 10 of the 51 Lombardi Trophies between them, Green Bay with four and Pittsburgh with a league-best six. Back in 2010, Green Bay and Pittsburgh played for it all. Aaron Rodgers would win the only Super Bowl he’s ever played in. Ben Roethlisberger dropped his third appearance in the event.

With Roethlisberger in the twilight of his NFL career, this could be the last time that he will face the Packers in his professional career. Outside of this game, it would have to be in an upcoming Super Bowl. It wouldn’t be totally shocking for this game to need a rematch in Minneapolis in Super Bowl LII.

As with the Dallas Cowboys at the Oakland Raiders, the Packers and Steelers have two high-powered offenses and defenses that leave a lot to be desired. We could get a barn-burner or a snow game in Pittsburgh. Maybe we get a barn-burner AND a snow game in Pittsburgh. Wouldn’t that be amazing?

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