2021 NFL schedule release: Picks and predictions for every game

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 20: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs up field before the start of the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 20, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Cardinals 17-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

4 of 22

Jan 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) and quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) celebrate after a touchdown play during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 4

Thursday Night Football

56. Final. 27. 52. 20

Sunday afternoon

15. Final. 22. 31. 25

87. 29. 123. Final. 27

27. 53. 31. 60. Final

30. Final. 24. 35. 22

16. Final. 14. 10. 41

7. 50. 16. 57. Final

Final. 20. 46. 19. 59

23. 55. 25. 49. Final

58. 27. 44. Final/OT. 30

54. Final. 37. 124. 19

45. Final. 27. 26. 16

31. 32. 41. 51. Final

30. 36. 31. 42. Final

Sunday Night Football

47. Final. 31. 48. 20

Monday Night Football

Final. 29. 28. 34. 13

Game of the Week: Buccaneers at Patriots

The return of Tom Brady.

This might not only be the game of the week, but one of the best games all year. Whether the Patriots are a contender remains an unknown, although after their frenzied free agency, they should be one of the league’s more improved clubs. With Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, Cam Newton (or Mac Jones) has a couple of short-range weapons to utilize, while Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor give him some deep-ball threats.

Meanwhile, Brady is 44 years old and coming off his record seventh title. The Buccaneers are one of the older teams in the sport but decided to retain almost all of their pieces from last season, essentially betting the group can repeat. If they can, they become the first team to do so since the 2003-04 Patriots with Brady at the helm. If Tampa Bay does so, it’ll largely be because Brady continues to fight off Father Time, and tight end Rob Gronkowski continues to be a threat in the red zone.

Of course, winning this game means more than just the standings for Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Brady. It’s about bragging rights, something firmly in the latter’s control after last season’s ending.

Home/NFL Schedule