Each NFL team’s most important game in 2019

There are two-plus months before the start of the NFL’s 100th season. But here’s a look at what may prove to be the key contest for each team.

Face it, the “most important game” could mean any number of things depending on the team. Is it revenge for a bitter loss this past season? A rematch from the recent postseason? Is it an opportunity to end a long losing streak against an opponent?

Is it the beginning of a stretch of crucial games for the team in 2019? Could it be an opportunity for a player to square off against its former employer? All could apply here and more.

So sit back and take in the reasoning behind this choices. It’s safe to say there’s more than a few divisional matchups listed here mentioned here and that’s certainly understandable. But there may also be a selection or two that require a little extra explanation.

Arizona Cardinals: Week 13 vs. Los Angeles Rams

For the third consecutive year, the Arizona Cardinals will kick off the season with a new head coach. The new man at the helm is former Texas Tech sideline leader Kliff Kingsbury. And barring an unexpected setback, there will also be a new signal-caller at the controls in 2018 Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray – the first overall selection in April’s draft.

When you finish dead last in the league in total yards, rushing, passing and points scored this past season, there’s a lot more that needs fixing than just your quarterback. The Cards are counting on their innovative head coach, his choice at quarterback and his system to jump start things. Understandably, it figures to take some time.

Hence, keep an eye on the first of two meetings with the reigning NFC champion Los Angeles Rams over the final five games. It will be a good gauge for the Cards, who have dropped four straight in this series by an unimaginable combined score of 130-25.

Next: Atlanta Falcons