NFL schedule kicks off with Peyton Manning vs. Steelers

New England's schedule strength ranks 32nd in the NFL thanks in part to a weakened AFC East division and a fortunate draw this year against the struggling NFC West. New England will play in four prime-time games, which was expected.

The 2012 NFL regular season schedules have been released on nfl.com, and despite the stink of Bountygate still stuck on the team, the Saints will play four primetime games this year (two Sunday nighters on NBC, one

With the release of the 2012 NFL schedule Tuesday, the world learned who the Colts — expected to take Luck with the No. 1 pick in the draft — and the Redskins — expected to take RG3 at No. 2 — will face in 2012.

The 2012 NFL schedule was released on Tuesday night, giving us the entire 256-game schedule for the 2012 season. Here are our immediate reactions and things to look forward to.

Cam Newton and the Panthers will likely be one of the more exciting teams in 2012 and face a quality schedule. Why only two primetime games?