The top 30 NFL games of the 2020 season

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 29: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers and Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks have a conversation after the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 26-21 during their game at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 12: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass downfield in the second half during the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2020, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

1. Week 1 – Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

There was probably a creative way to leave this one off the list, but we at FanSided could not figure it out. Yes, it’s cliche to put the first contest of the year on a top 30 list like this, but it belongs.

The Texans inexplicably blew a gigantic lead to the Chiefs in last year’s playoffs — now they will have a shot at vengeance.

It will also be the first professional game played during a worldwide pandemic. For that reason alone, it will be a momentous showdown.

2. Week 1 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints

Tom Brady, I’d like to you mean your division foe signal-caller, Drew Brees.

How weird is that?

Not only will Brady and Brees do battle for the all-time passing touchdown record this season, but they will also play each on at least two occasions. That’s right, Brady can no longer abuse quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Brees and the Saints are a different beast, and they will prove it in Week 1.

3. Week 2 – Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans

Two playoff-minded teams in Baltimore and Houston square off in Texas during Week 2. It’s Lamar Jackson’s first trip to Houston and there he will duel Deshaun Watson. If things go pear-shaped in Kansas City for the Texans in Week 1, they will be desperate to avoid an 0-2 start. The Texans first two contests are versus the Chiefs and Ravens — the AFC’s version of Murderer’s Row.