Games we want to see during NFL's opening weekend

The NFL schedule will be released Thursday in a three-hour prime-time special on NFL Network beginning at 8 p.m. ET, with select games announced Wednesday and Thursday morning.

ESPN will also cover the schedule release with a two-hour special on ESPN2. 

Here's a look at some games that would be great for Week 1's prime-time slate.

Thursday night: Dolphins at Chiefs

The only thing we know for certain about the season is Kansas City will host the Thursday night kickoff after winning Super Bowl LVII. The Chiefs' schedule is loaded with great potential games, including home games against the Bengals, Bills and Eagles. 

But sign us up for the return of the Cheetah (Tyreek Hill) to Kansas City, where he starred for the Chiefs for six seasons from 2016-21. Facing Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense will be a tough assignment for new Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio — not that the Dolphins are short on defensive talent — but a healthy Tua Tagovailoa with Miami's weapons could lead to a shootout in Week 1.

Sunday night: Eagles at Seahawks

The Eagles appear like the clear favorite in the NFC, and they would have a chance to prove it early against the Seahawks, who are capable of making noise of their own. As much as San Francisco is viewed as the NFC West favorite, don't count Seattle out. The team overperformed expectations last year and has more clarity at QB heading into the season.

Philadelphia and Seattle also had what look like two of the best draft classes this year and could show off the new weapons in prime time. Let's see Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the field for the first time. Give us Tariq Woolen and Witherspoon versus A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith; James Bradberry and Darius Slay versus DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. What will QBs Jalen Hurts and Geno Smith do for an encore to their breakthrough 2022 seasons? Hopefully we'll find out in prime time. 

Monday night: Jets at Giants | Ravens at Chargers*

Three Monday night doubleheaders are scheduled for this season, but it's unclear when those will take place. Last year, for instance, the lone doubleheader was in Week 2. But if there is a Week 1 Monday night doubleheader this season, these two games on opposite coasts would be the perfect way to cap the week of football.

As longtime NFL writer Gary Myers noted, the first Monday of the regular season is on Sept. 11 — the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks — and putting a spotlight on New York and honoring the city with a locals-only game would be a great way to start. Plus, who doesn't want to see Aaron Rodgers in prime time in his first game with the Jets?

As for a potential second game on Monday night, a nightcap between Lamar Jackson and the Ravens versus Justin Herbert and the Chargers would be a must-watch. Jackson recently got a massive contract, and Herbert should get one of his own before the season begins.

Both teams added promising young receivers in the draft — Zay Flowers was selected by Baltimore while Los Angeles chose Quentin Johnston. We'd also get our first look at new offensive coordinators Kellen Moore (Chargers) and Todd Monken (Ravens).

Baltimore and Los Angeles have plenty of things to be excited about heading into the season, but as long as one leaves Week 1 unhappy, the NFL's schedule-makers will have done their job right.