The NFL season got underway on Wednesday night, and fans around the country rejoiced as football had finally returned.
The Cowboys 24-17 win over the Giants, though, was just the tip of the iceberg for what is expected to be an exciting first week of football. The Patriots are getting back to work with a Sunday matinee in Tennessee, but Tom Brady and company are more than prepared for their test against rookie Jake Locker and the Titans.
But while fans around New England are clearly pumped up to see the start of what is hopefully another trip to the Super Bowl, there is plenty more to get jazzed up for.
Peyton Manning is returning to action with the Denver Broncos after missing the entire 2011 season, following neck surgery. Manning and the Broncos will be playing host to the Steelers in Week 1 in a potential early-season playoff preview.
Back on Manning's old stomping grounds, the new king of Indianapolis will be leading the Colts onto the field. Andrew Luck is all set to make his NFL debut on Sunday, but he could be in for a world of hurt against a tough Bears defense led by Brian Urlacher.
All eyes won't be on Luck, though, as fans will turn their attention to one other rookie come Sunday. Robert Griffin III is set to begin a new era in Washington as the Redskins head to New Orleans to help the Saints embark on the post-Bountygate era with offensive line coach Aaron Kromer making his debut as the head man in Sean Payton's absence.
Then the race for the NFC title is getting an early start this season as Green Bay hosts the San Francisco 49ers, who were but minutes away from beating the Giants for a berth in the Super Bowl in January. Reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers will try to lead the Packers to a repeat of their 15-1 success in 2011, while Jim Harbaugh attempts to continue the strong play of his aggressive defense.
And, of course, what would an NFL kickoff weekend be without a little bit of Tebowmania? Tim Tebow, who is still technically the backup quarterback in New York — the starter tag still belongs to Mark Sanchez – will help guide New York's offense against a revamped Buffalo team. Newly-acquired $100 million defensive end Mario Williams will make his debut for the Bills on Sunday and look to help the Bills make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.
So while Patriots fans are jacked up to see Bill Belichick and New England take the field in Nashville, what other game are you most excited for this weekend?
Which Week 1 game besides the Patriots are you most excited for?
