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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FOXBORO, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 22: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the New England Patriots reacts before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2017, in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

11. Week 7 – San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots

Jimmy returns home. In the fall of 2017, the New England Patriots abandoned their transitional plan of handing the franchise over to Garoppolo in favor of [what would turn out to be] two-and-a-half more seasons of Brady. That strategy translated to two Super Bowl appearances and one Lombardi trophy in 2018 for New England.

Garoppolo visited and lost a Super Bowl of his own last season and hopes to visit Tampa Bay again this February for Super Bowl LV.

The 49ers lead the all-time series versus the Patriots with an 8-5 win-loss record. The teams last met in 2016 when New England downed San Francisco 30-17 at the 49ers house.

12. Week 8 – Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers

Last season, the Packers swept the Vikings — something that had not occurred since Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer’s rookie campaign of 2014. Historically, Aaron Rodgers has shredded the Vikings, but with Zimmer’s arrival and emphasis on defense, Rodgers’ effectiveness has been lassoed.

This matchup ensues in the middle of the regular season. Green Bay and Minnesota generally undertake their second showdown of the year in December but not in 2020. Everything is off-kilter.

The two teams are favored somewhat evenly by sportsbooks to win the NFC North.