25 NFL games you need to watch in the 2016 season

The NFL season kicks off with a Super Bowl rematch. Cam Newton will try to conquer the Denver defense on the road, while the Broncos will kick off a new era at quarterback that's still to be determined.

Last season's Week 1 matchup between the Giants and Cowboys will be remembered for years. This year's matchup also features plenty of intrigue, including the arrival of Ezekiel Elliott, New York's defensive additions and Dallas' lack thereof.

Playing at Arizona is a tough enough test, but the Patriots will do it on Sunday Night Football without Tom Brady. Jimmy Garoppolo could have his hands full in Week 1.

There couldn't be more bad blood between the Bengals and Steelers after last year's playoffs. Cincinnati will be without instigator Vontaze Burfict in Week 2 due to a suspension, but this matchup will still be interesting.

The Saints beat New York 52-49 in a memorable midseason game last year, so this rematch is worth circling on your calendar. The Giants have made several defensive additions this offseason, but it remains to be seen if they'll mesh by Week 2.

The Vikings denied Green Bay the NFC North title last season, and if they're to do it again, beating the Packers at home will be key. The game also marks the official opening of Minnesota's new U.S. Bank Stadium.

A battle that could have huge playoff implications in the NFC should also be an interesting defensive showdown. The matchup between Adrian Peterson and Luke Kuechly could be key.

The matchup between Kansas City and Pittsburgh on Sunday Night Football should be big between two 2015 playoff teams. The Chiefs won the matchup last season, though the Steelers were without Ben Roethlisberger.

This matchup sounds lopsided, and it also marks the return of Tom Brady from his four-game suspension. It's the perfect recipe for an extra motivated Brady to put up huge numbers.

The matchup between Cincinnati and New England could have playoff implications. It will be a tough for the Bengals on the road.

The AFC South is wide open this season, and most expect Indianapolis and Houston to show improvement in 2016. This Sunday Night Football matchup could go a long way in determining the division winner.

Brock Osweiler's return to Denver makes for an intriguing story line, and it's on national television, no less. We'll have some idea of whether Denver made the right decision in letting him walk by Week 7.

Andrew Luck's comeback vs. Kansas City in the 2013 AFC Wild Card Round is one of the most memorable playoff games of recent memory, so K.C.'s return to Indy is quite notable for fans. Both teams have a good shot at making the playoffs this season.

Arizona was blown out by the Panthers in the NFC Conference Championship, 49-15, and faces a rematch in Week 8. The Cardinals could have more motivation after last season's debacle.

Pittsburgh and Baltimore usually play heated defensive battles, and no less is expected of their matchup in Week 9. Baltimore only won five games last season but beat the Steelers twice.

A rematch of Super Bowl XLIX, Seattle and New England remain among the favorites to get back to the big game this season. This will be a Sunday Night Football game with plenty of viewers.

Two division winners from 2015 square off in a defensive matchup. This one could certainly have playoff implications for both sides.

The only thing better than a Thanksgiving Day game in Dallas is a visit from a heated rival. Washington claimed the NFC East last season, making for an intriguing Thanksgiving game.

Kansas City's 29-13 dominance in Denver last season helped it to an 11-game winning streak. The visit this year could have huge implications in the AFC West.

Seattle nearly completed a comeback in a 31-24 Divisional Round loss to Carolina last year. The matchup of Cam Newton vs. Russell Wilson is as interesting as any in the 2016 season.

The Seahawks and Packers avoided playing in the NFC playoffs last season, but that might not be the case this season. They remain among the favorites to win the NFC.

Denver upset the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game last year. Of course, the Broncos don't have Peyton Manning anymore, and their shaky quarterback situation could make this matchup much different this season.

The battle for the NFC West could be determined in Week 16. The teams split their games in 2015, though Arizona didn't exactly make a full Week 17 effort.

Jacksonville's coaching staff has an ultimatum to make the playoffs this season, and we'll certainly know by Week 17 whether they have a shot. Blake Bortles vs. Andrew Luck should make an interesting battle of young quarterbacks, in any case.

Can Adam Gase lead the Dolphins to the playoffs in his first season? If Miami isn't in position to win the AFC East with this matchup against the Pats, Dolphins fans hope the game could determine a Wild Card spot for them.