The NFL’s centennial season will commence with the longest rivalry in league history between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers.

The Bears and Packers have been fighting it out since 1921 when the Bears shared Wrigley Field with the Cubs.  At the time, the Bears were known as the Chicago Staleys, and the Packers were the Green Bay Acme Packers.

Nearly 100 years later, the 199th meeting between the two historic teams awaits with the Packers holding the edge at 97-95-6 (ties). 

The marquee games slated for noon include the Kansas City Chiefs at the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Atlanta Falcons at the Minnesota Vikings.  At just 23 years old, Patrick Mahomes is lighting up the NFL as the youngest MVP since Dan Marino in 1984. 

The Jaguars now have former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles under center, and will look for their defense to return to form to be able to limit the Chiefs offense.  The Falcons at the Vikings should make for an entertaining game with both teams possessing talent across the board, especially on offense with Pro Bowl receivers Julio Jones, Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.

The Washington Redskins at the Philadelphia Eagles will showcase the return of a graduate from one of UNI’s rivals.  North Dakota State alumnus Carson Wentz is healthy after two injury-riddled seasons, and will lead the Eagles as the highest selected FCS player in history.

The NFC champion L.A. Rams will start off on the road against the Panthers led by Cam Newton and 1,500-yard rusher Christian McCaffrey.  Watching the Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald try to break through double teams and wreak havoc on the Panthers will be a sight to see.

In recent years, the Tennessee Titans at the Cleveland Browns wouldn’t be on the radar, but the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. makes the Browns a must-watch.  Baker Mayfield throwing to two Pro Bowl receivers in Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry will make for one of the most entertaining passing games in the NFL.

“America’s Game of the Week” on Fox will feature the New York Giants at the Dallas Cowboys, who will have Ezekiel Elliot in the backfield after a six-year, 90 million dollar deal was reached.

The first Sunday night game of the season is a marquee matchup between the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Tom Brady is entering his 20th season at 42 years old, but will not have one of his top targets in Rob Gronkowski this season due to retirement.  The Steelers look to move on with JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner replacing Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell as the top offensive weapons. 

Monday Night Football is entering its 50th season with games showcasing Drew Brees, Antonio Brown, J.J. Watt, Von Miller and others.  The first matchup features Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkns and company marching into New Orleans to face off against the Saints.  In the nightcap, the former entertaining Monday Night Football commentator Jon Gruden will lead the Raiders against the Broncos in Oakland.