NFL: Schedule tidbits, games to watch in 2009
By Charean Williams
McClatchy Newspapers
Schedule-makers validated the Dallas Cowboys' nickname, awarding America's Team six prime-time games. It's more than any other team, including the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, who have five prime-time appearances.
The Miami Dolphins have the toughest schedule, based on last year's records, with their opponents sporting a .594 winning percentage (152-104). But the Carolina Panthers have 12 games against teams with winning records last season, and their opponents were 151-104-1 (.592) in 2008.
The Chicago Bears have the easiest schedule, based on last year's records, with their opponents going 105-149-2 (.414) last season.
Here are 10 games to watch this season:
Sept. 13 — Chicago at Green Bay — Jay Cutler makes his Bears' debut in prime time.
Sept. 14 — Buffalo at New England — Tom Brady returns to the Patriots' lineup to face Terrell Owens in his first game in a Bills' uniform.
Sept. 27 — Indianapolis at Arizona — Peyton Manning vs. Kurt Warner.
Oct. 11 — New England at Denver — Rookie head coach Josh McDaniels will match wits with his mentor, Bill Belichick, for the first time.
Oct. 12 — NY Jets at Miami — Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington split starts against his former team last season.
Nov. 1 — NY Giants at Philadelphia — The Eagles went 2-1 vs. the Giants last season, including a 23-11 playoff victory.
Nov. 15 — New England at Indianapolis — The teams will meet for the 10th time in seven seasons, including three postseason games.
Nov. 29 — Pittsburgh at Baltimore — The Ravens were 0-3 against the Steelers last season.
Dec. 25 — San Diego at Tennessee — The Titans are 2-1 on Christmas Day in their history.
Dec. 27 — Denver at Philadelphia — Brian Dawkins returns to Philly.
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