During the 2022-23 NFL season, the Sunday Night Football games did not disappoint, with thrillers like Kansas City vs. Tampa Bay or Baltimore vs. Cincinnati, fans patiently waited for this season to come around. That being said, this year’s Sunday Night Football games could eclipse the great highs and lows fans experienced during the 2022 season. Here I will preview what many consider to be the top 5 matchups that will occur on Sunday nights this year.
- 10/1/23 Kansas City Vs. New York Jets
This highly anticipated matchup between the reigning champions in the Kansas City Chiefs and the young but very talented squad of the New York Jets has all the elements to become an instant classic. To start the quarterbacks on show are both legends of the game. On one sidline will stand Patrick Mahomes, a 2x NFL MVP, 2x Super Bowl champ, and 2x Super Bowl MVP. Not to mention he garners the potential to become the greatest to ever play, all at the age of 27.
On the other sideline stands Aaron Rodgers, a 4x NFL MVP winner, and 1x Super Bowl champ and 1x Super Bowl MVP winner, at the age of 39. However, the talent does not stop there, on the Kansas City side, All-Pro Tight End (TE) Travis Kelce racks up the yards and touchdowns for the Chiefs as Wide Reciver (WR) Garrett Wilson does the same on the New York team. Both defenses hold a plethora of young talent and experience that make them elite in their own right. The game is being played in New York so expect a colder playing environment and possibly some rain. However, I do not see this affecting the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes as I see them picking up a 27-10 win on the road as they look to repeat the highs of last season.
- 10/8/23 Dallas Vs. San Francisco
A classic NFC matchup that has blessed NFL fans alike with the feature of players such as Joe Montanna, Jerry Rice, Dez Bryant, Tony Romo, Ronnie Lot, Terrell Owens, Emmit Smith, Micheal Irvin, DeMarcus Ware, and of course the showmen himself, Deion Sanders (Primetime).
This year should be no exception to the great games we have witnessed in the past. With two very talented squads, the 49ers who arguably have the most talent in the league, this could very well be a preview of a playoff game. Previously, these teams met in the 2022-23 playoffs and the 49ers got the best of the Cowboys and I expect this year to be no different. No matter the weather, or atmosphere in the stadium the 49ers are winning this game. My prediction? 40-27.
- 11/5/23 Buffalo Vs. Cincinnati
A rematch of the highly anticipated regular season game in the 2022 season that never got past the 1st quarter after tragedy struck. After a collision with Cincinnati WR Tee Higgins Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin collapsed to the ground, suffering from cardiac arrest. After what felt like hours to most, the player was taken to the University of Cincinnati hospital, and his life was saved by the medical team there, as well as the medical team of the Buffalo Bills, who later would receive numerous awards for the quick thinking that saved a life. The game that night was obviously suspended but the two would later face off again that season in the playoffs with Cincinnati getting the better of Buffalo on that occasion. In a world where Patrick Mahomes does not exist the two opposing Quaterbackss (QBs) are just a matter of preference for the first and second best in the league. Josh Allen’s rushing ability, combined with his size, arm strength, and athleticism to be able to make plays from inside and outside of the pocket create a fantastic viewing experience. On the other hand Joe Burrow, possibly the most liked QB in the NFL for his style and swag, is one of the most precise passers in this league. 
This combined with his winning mentality that he inherited from the LSU championship-winning team as well as his football IQ in and out of the pocket make him a true gunslinger with the ability to throw on the run and scramble for the sticks when need be. This, combined with the rest of the talent on the offensive side of the ball such as Diggs for Buffalo and Chase for Cincinnati should make this game a thriller for all SNF viewers. I see Cincinnati keeping it close for the first half, but Buffalo will pull away by the end of the third with the score being 31-14 Buffalo on top.
- 12/3/23 Kansas Vs. Green Bay
Another SNF matchup that includes the Chiefs is one guaranteed to excite. Regardless of support on the offensive side of the ball, you can always count on the reigning MVP, Super Bowl Champ, and Super Bowl MVP to entertain. That being said, Green Bay have a new look to them this season after 17 years with Rodgers under center. It is now Jordan Love’s turn to command “the Pack” and lead them to the Super Bowl title that has eluded them for some time now. With a very young squad in the skill positions Green Bay could be easily overlooked, however after an impressive pre-season showing and week 1 win against Chicago, this team is serious and can challenge for the NFC North title as well as make a deep playoff run if all goes well. However, I can only see the Chiefs being too much to handle on the night for the inexperienced Green Bay offense and still developing defense, give me 41-17, Kansas City. 
- 12/10/23 Philadelphia Vs. Dallas
A true rivalry in the NFL and a divisional one at that, which could have huge playoff implications in the NFC. Last season these teams split with Philly winning the first meeting 26-17 and Dallas taking the second 40-34. Albeit in neither game we got to see the two starting QBs face off as both suffered injuries at different points last season. 
Assuming both stay healthy this will be the first time we see these two NFC East powerhouses face off with a developed Jalen Hurts lining up behind Jason Kelce, and a fully matured Dak Prescott attempting to deliver the city of Dallas another Super Bowl Championship. It has all of the makings to be a great game and that is exactly what I expect. I predict Philly to win this one 35-33 with a Devonta Smith touchdown to win it.
