In today’s pass happy NFL, a game is only as good as the two starting quarterbacks participating in it. Think back to all of the memorable games over the last decade or so. Sure, there are probably some defensive struggles mixed in here and there; but, for the most part, it’s the epic quarterback duels that stick in our minds.
Well, in 2020 the NFL schedule makers have blessed us with more than few mouth-watering matchups. At the top of the list is the new divisional rivalry between the league’s greatest quarterback, Tom Brady, and its most prolific quarterback, Drew Brees. But for this list, I’ve left out divisional matchups and focused on those that we don’t see twice a year.
Let’s kick things off with a battle of two unproven passers whose careers will be forever linked…
10. Joe Burrow v. Tua Tagovailoa, Week 13
Unless something goes horribly wrong, the first two quarterbacks taken in the 2020 NFL draft should be in the starting lineup by the time we hit Week 13 in what could be the first game in a long-time rivalry. It’s a new matchup for NFL fans, but it will be the third year in a row Burrow and Tua face off. The series is tied at one apiece. We’ll get the rubber match in December.
9. Philip Rivers v. Ben Roethlisberger, Week 16
This is probably the last time we’ll see these draft classmates go head-to-head in what could be a matchup of two AFC contenders. Fortunately for us, these two vets aren’t afraid the throw the ball downfield, so this should be an exciting one — even if there are a few interceptions thrown in there.
8. Russell Wilson v. Dak Prescott, Week 3
These might be the two most under-appreciated quarterbacks in the league. We know Wilson is elite, but his coaching staff doesn’t call plays as if that were the case. And Prescott inched closer to that level with a tremendous 2019 campaign. I wouldn’t be surprised if these two are battling for the MVP award by the end of the season, and this September game could decide that race.
7. Tom Brady v. Aaron Rodgers, Week 6
The last time we saw Brady and Rodgers face off, in November 2018, it was kind of a dud. Rodgers did not play well and got no help from his supporting cast. Hopefully that will change in what could be the last matchup between these two greats. Based on reputation alone, this matchup should probably be higher, but it’s been a few years since both of theses guys were at the top of their games.
6. Lamar Jackson v. Deshaun Watson, Week 2
As excited as I am to watch this one, I already feel bad for Watson. On one side, we’ll see a team that has done everything in its power to support its young quarterback. On the other, you have the Texans, who traded away Watson’s best receiver for a washed up running back. But if anyone is capable of overcoming a weak supporting cast, it’s Watson.
5. Deshaun Watson v. Patrick Mahomes, Week 1
When Watson and Mahomes faced off last year in Kansas City, the former was the best player on the field. The latter has more weapons to work with so this could end up being a mismatch, but watching Watson trying to keep his team in the game should make for a great watch in Week 1.
4. Patrick Mahomes v. Tom Brady, Week 12
This will be the third matchup between Brady and Mahomes, with the Pats QB holding a 2-1 advantage. But it will be the first time Brady has the weapons to match what the Chiefs have to offer. Mahomes is clearly the better quarterback at this point, but the Bucs receivers should help level the playing field for the old man.
3. Drew Brees v. Aaron Rodgers, Week 3
It’s been nearly six years since Brees and Rodgers last played against one another. In that game, the two future hall of famers combined for 728 passing yards and averaged 10.3 per attempt. And that wasn’t even the best matchup between these two! That came in the 2011 season opener when the Packers outscored the Saints 42-34. I don’t know if these two still have it in them to produce a scoreline like that, but it will be fun watching them try.
2. Lamar Jackson v. Patrick Mahomes, Week 3
This will be the third installment in this budding rivalry. Both players have an MVP trophy, but Jackson has yet to beat Mahomes. He came close in 2018 and almost pulled off a late comeback last season. Both of those games were in Kansas City. This time, they’ll play in Baltimore. If Lamar is going to turn this into a great rivalry, he needs to protect his home field.
1. Patrick Mahomes v. Drew Brees, Week 15
Barring a rematch in the Super Bowl — which is very possible — this could be the first and only matchup between Brees and Mahomes in their careers. The Saints quarterback is going to end his career with just about every passing record there is, and Mahomes is on track to challenge them all. With Andy Reid and Sean Payton calling the shots, this one is going to live up to the hype.
[protected-iframe id=”69f8f4abbe9c7118c53370e493c5bcdf-58289342-1665738″ info=”https://omny.fm/shows/the-counter/playlists/podcast/embed?style=cover” width=”100%” height=”500″ frameborder=”0″]