2021 NFL schedule release: Must-see (and not-so must-see) games

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Monday, May 17

We take a look at the matchups that will be hyped for months, and those that won't be hyped at all -- for the first 17-game season in NFL history.

For the first time since 1978 when the NFL went from 14 to 16 games, the league has expanded its season. So long, 8-8 finishes. Hello, Week 18.

There are a number of juicy matchups. In Week 4, Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit Foxborough to play against Bill Belichick's New England Patriots. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs host Aaron Rodgers (maybe) and the Green Bay Packers in Week 9.

There are also some real duds. The Thursday night option in Week 3 features the Houston Texans hosting the Carolina Panthers. Yikes!

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•	17-game provides pop ... and some added mediocrity

Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs vs. Aaron Rodgers' Packers will be a great matchup, if Rodgers stays in Green Bay.

Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports

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NFL news and notes

•	Tim Tebow at tight end? Four former NFL tight ends weigh in on Tebow's expected comeback with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
•	The New York Giants signed a former first-round pick, who could be playing a different position.
•	The Giants' first-round pick ran out of his cleats while doing position drills during rookie camp.
•	Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Micah Parsons eager to be a "Rambo player" in his new role with his new team.
•	After signing veteran Blake Bortles last week, the Green Bay Packers signed another quarterback after a tryout at this weekend's rookie minicamp.
•	Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the Cleveland Browns' second-round pick, insists that there is nothing wrong with his heart that will interfere with his NFL career.
•	The Denver Broncos released lineman Ja'Wuan James, who tore an Achilles tendon while working out away from team headquarters.
•	Former Austin Peay player Juantarius Bryant falls victim to Atlanta Falcons tryout hoax.