Week 1 ends with a delicious doubleheader Monday -- Darrelle Revis returns to the Jets and T.J. Houshmandzadeh debuts for Ravens -- and the Sunday night game is fairly epic as well, with Donovan McNabb making his first start for a once-hated divisional rival.
But enough about 2009. The regular season is finally here. All rejoice.
I'm listing these in order of how I see them, best game to the worst. All times are eastern.
The storyline: Brett Favre and his ankle try to withstand another Gregg Williams' blitz onslaught while a Super Bowl banner is raised in the Superdome. Other than that, nothing to see here.
Why to watch: This NFC title game rematch is filled with subplots, even with the Vikings sans Sidney Rice and the Saints without Darren Sharper. These teams provided a game for the ages last time. Can they duplicate?
The storyline: First Monday night game at the New Meadowlands features Rex Ryan against his old team, which passed him over for a head-coaching gig. Oh, and that Darrelle Revis guy is back.
Why to watch: Two of the best defenses in the NFL clash. Baltimore shows off its many offensive additions and New York's Super Bowl hype gets an immediate test.
The storyline: One of the NFL's best rivalries is renewed, with Donovan McNabb taking part for the first time. Mike Shanahan makes his coaching debut for Washington.
The storyline:Kevin Kolb tries to do what Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers already did -- make the hardcore hometown fans forget about a legend. And he does it against the league's second ranked defense from a year ago.
Why to watch: Massive big-play potential all over the field, and quite possibly a good 'ol shootout between two of the better young teams in the league. Will Kolb's first pick elicit chants for McNabb from the fans? Or a call for Michael Vick? Ah, Philly in September.
Why to watch: Division winners open the season with some questions considering the way they exited the postseason. Wes Welker makes a quasi-miraculous return from an ugly knee injury.
The storyline: Houston gets another chance to beat a team that has long had its number. There are ample potential playoff ramifications and an immediate test for the Texans' wobbly defense.
Why to watch: The Texans try to survive the first four weeks without defensive-playmaker Brian Cushing, who is suspended, and rediscover their pass rush. The Colts try to patch up an offensive line that had Peyton Manning getting knocked around some in the preseason.
The storyline: If the Raiders are to be the upstart operation I expect, no better time to display it. Dare I mention it as a possible tie-breaker game come December?
Why to watch: Vince Young is in control of the Titans' offense and Chris Johnson begins his quest for back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons. Jason Campbell makes his debut with the Raiders.
The storyline: Two AFC East rivals going in very different directions after their offseasons. If the Bills are going to be spoilers, might as well start here.
Why to watch: The Dolphins could quite possibly still win this game just running the Wildcat on every offensive snap. C.J. Spiller has the potential to be as explosive as anyone in the league.
The storyline:Dennis Dixon gets the first crack to fill in for Ben Roethlisberger during his suspension. Matt Ryan tries to shake off his sophomore slump.
Why to watch:Troy Polamalu is back for the Steelers after missing most of last season and the Falcons are healthy after an injury-filled 2009. Have a feeling breakout receiver Mike Wallace will give Atlanta's secondary all it can handle.
Why to watch:Jay Cutler and Mike Martz must show the preseason woes have been left behind. A slow start for the Bears will only intensify the pressure on coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo.
The storyline:Chargers aim to show Pro Bowlers Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill are expendable and the Chiefs open up their renovated stadium looking to become a factor in the AFC West.
Why to watch:Chargers' gamble on McNeill and Jackson will make every game interesting. Rookie RB Ryan Mathews takes over for L.T. Matt Cassel's second season in Kansas City could be his last without marked improvement.
The storyline: After winning a coin flip in the Commish's office, the Giants get the right to play the first game ever at the New Meadowlands. And they do so under immediate pressure after a brutal 2009.
Why to watch:Giants need to restore their pass rush and ability to cover the long ball. Panthers trying to replace Julius Peppers and QB Matt Moore makes his first Week 1 start.
The storyline: San Francisco begins what could be a return to glory against a division foe, while coach Pete Carroll tries to show his college success can translate to the NFL.
Why to watch: Seattle's roster continues to transform and the running game and offensive line, already under scrutiny, opens the season just days after position coach Alex Gibbs resigned. If the 49ers take care of business in the division, on the road, they could run away with NFC West title.
The storyline:Sam Bradford tries to eventually become the first true franchise QB since Kurt Warner left town; Cardinals try to replace a retired Warner with Derek Anderson following Matt Leinart's washout.
Why to watch: All about the QBs. Max Hall is now one hit away from getting on the field for Arizona. Bradford will try to hold up with few real weapons at his disposal and a less-than-stellar offensive line. Could be the first start in a memorable career.
The storyline: Tim Tebow gets unveiled in the season-opener, with the rookie likely to get some Wildcat/short-yardage looks. Two coaches who could find themselves on the hot seat get their chance to make a good impression to start 2010.
Why to watch: Tebow's hometown team passed on him -- perhaps sagely -- but some fans might be ready to tell them otherwise. Denver managed to provide one of the classic finishes of last season in its opener. Maybe the Broncos can do it again.
The storyline: Hey, everyone starts the season undefeated. And one of these two rebuilding teams still will be undefeated come Monday.
Why to watch: Can Jake Delhomme shake his Interception-itis in a new uniform? Is Josh Freeman ready to take the next step? Will Josh Cribbs have to win games single-handedly again this season?
