Colts to host 2007 NFL opener on Thursday, Sept 6th (1 Viewer)

[djcolts]

LINK

Colts: Mark Sept. 6 on your calendar

The Super Bowl champion Colts will be right at home in the RCA Dome to help the NFL usher in the 2007 regular season. They'll play on Thursday, Sept. 6, in a prime-time game on NBC.

"We've been told to start planning for it,'' team president Bill Polian said Monday.

While New England would seem an ideal opponent, Polian and coach Tony Dungy expect the Saints to come marching in. They think NBC will save the Patriots-Colts clash, a rematch of the AFC title game, for one of the important "sweeps'' periods in November.

The Colts were in Foxborough, Mass., on Nov. 5, 2006, and Nov. 7, 2005. The next game will be in Indy.

The NFL should announce the Colts' opening opponent next week at the owners' meetings in Phoenix. The full schedule will be released in April.

 

[JohnnyU]

I think the Colts / Saints would be a great matchup.

Question, have the bye weeks been announced officially? I've already converted all my MFL leagues to 2007, so are the bye weeks listed on the 2007 sites correct? I need to know this before I make my league schedules and would like to do it soon.

 

[Scooby]

I think the Colts / Saints would be a great matchup.Question, have the bye weeks been announced officially? I've already converted all my MFL leagues to 2007, so are the bye weeks listed on the 2007 sites correct? I need to know this before I make my league schedules and would like to do it soon.

I think they are last years, i dont think the actual NFL schedule comes out til april or something like that

 

[JohnnyU]

I think the Colts / Saints would be a great matchup.Question, have the bye weeks been announced officially? I've already converted all my MFL leagues to 2007, so are the bye weeks listed on the 2007 sites correct? I need to know this before I make my league schedules and would like to do it soon.

I think they are last years, i dont think the actual NFL schedule comes out til april or something like that

Thanks.

 

[BigRed]

I think the Colts / Saints would be a great matchup.

Yep - the SB that never was.

 

[D-BO]

Hopefully it's against Detroit

 

[The_Man]

Here are the Kickoff games the NFL has had since going to the "Super Bowl Champ opens the season on Thursday night" format:

2006 – Miami @ Pittsburgh

2005- Oakland @ New England

2004 – Indy @ New England

So, they've never had an inter-conference game. Maybe because Fox only gets to show the AFC Champion (aka, the Super Bowl Champion) twice during a season (when Indy hosts NFC teams), the NFL doesn’t want to take one of those games away from the network.

They've also never had a divisional game as the Kickoff game. So, assuming the Kickoff game can’t feature a divisional or an inter-conference game, here are the options for next year:

Denver, Kansas City, New England

My initial reaction is that they would host the Patriots. The NFL is insatiable for this matchup, and it’s the one they went with after the last time these two teams played in the AFC Championship. I’m not sure why they didn’t have Pittsburgh host Denver this year in the Kickoff game; maybe they don’t want it to be an automatic championship game rematch.

 

[djcolts]

Peter King in his MMQB speculates that Colts/Saints will be the Thurs opener, and Giants/Cowboys the Sunday night opener. He said it will be announced this afternoon.

 

[djcolts]

Here are the Kickoff games the NFL has had since going to the "Super Bowl Champ opens the season on Thursday night" format:2006 – Miami @ Pittsburgh2005- Oakland @ New England2004 – Indy @ New EnglandSo, they've never had an inter-conference game. Maybe because Fox only gets to show the AFC Champion (aka, the Super Bowl Champion) twice during a season (when Indy hosts NFC teams), the NFL doesn’t want to take one of those games away from the network.They've also never had a divisional game as the Kickoff game. So, assuming the Kickoff game can’t feature a divisional or an inter-conference game, here are the options for next yearenver, Kansas City, New EnglandMy initial reaction is that they would host the Patriots. The NFL is insatiable for this matchup, and it’s the one they went with after the last time these two teams played in the AFC Championship. I’m not sure why they didn’t have Pittsburgh host Denver this year in the Kickoff game; maybe they don’t want it to be an automatic championship game rematch.

Colts/Pats will get big ratings no matter when it is played, so they don't want to waste it as the opener. The other interdivision games (Denver or KC at Indy) are not really exciting opening matchups compared to Saints at Colts.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Here are the Kickoff games the NFL has had since going to the "Super Bowl Champ opens the season on Thursday night" format:2006 – Miami @ Pittsburgh2005- Oakland @ New England2004 – Indy @ New EnglandSo, they've never had an inter-conference game. Maybe because Fox only gets to show the AFC Champion (aka, the Super Bowl Champion) twice during a season (when Indy hosts NFC teams), the NFL doesn’t want to take one of those games away from the network.They've also never had a divisional game as the Kickoff game. So, assuming the Kickoff game can’t feature a divisional or an inter-conference game, here are the options for next yearenver, Kansas City, New EnglandMy initial reaction is that they would host the Patriots. The NFL is insatiable for this matchup, and it’s the one they went with after the last time these two teams played in the AFC Championship. I’m not sure why they didn’t have Pittsburgh host Denver this year in the Kickoff game; maybe they don’t want it to be an automatic championship game rematch.

Colts/Pats will get big ratings no matter when it is played, so they don't want to waste it as the opener. The other interdivision games (Denver or KC at Indy) are not really exciting opening matchups compared to Saints at Colts.

Plus Denver turns these down, like they did for in Pitt last year.

 

[The_Man]

Here are the Kickoff games the NFL has had since going to the "Super Bowl Champ opens the season on Thursday night" format:2006 – Miami @ Pittsburgh2005- Oakland @ New England2004 – Indy @ New EnglandSo, they've never had an inter-conference game. Maybe because Fox only gets to show the AFC Champion (aka, the Super Bowl Champion) twice during a season (when Indy hosts NFC teams), the NFL doesn’t want to take one of those games away from the network.They've also never had a divisional game as the Kickoff game. So, assuming the Kickoff game can’t feature a divisional or an inter-conference game, here are the options for next yearenver, Kansas City, New EnglandMy initial reaction is that they would host the Patriots. The NFL is insatiable for this matchup, and it’s the one they went with after the last time these two teams played in the AFC Championship. I’m not sure why they didn’t have Pittsburgh host Denver this year in the Kickoff game; maybe they don’t want it to be an automatic championship game rematch.

Colts/Pats will get big ratings no matter when it is played, so they don't want to waste it as the opener. The other interdivision games (Denver or KC at Indy) are not really exciting opening matchups compared to Saints at Colts.

I still think it's going to piss Fox off if one of the only two Colts games they get all year is taken away from them. I'll be surprised if the NFL does that to their "broadcast partner."

 

[djcolts]

Here are the Kickoff games the NFL has had since going to the "Super Bowl Champ opens the season on Thursday night" format:2006 – Miami @ Pittsburgh2005- Oakland @ New England2004 – Indy @ New EnglandSo, they've never had an inter-conference game. Maybe because Fox only gets to show the AFC Champion (aka, the Super Bowl Champion) twice during a season (when Indy hosts NFC teams), the NFL doesn’t want to take one of those games away from the network.They've also never had a divisional game as the Kickoff game. So, assuming the Kickoff game can’t feature a divisional or an inter-conference game, here are the options for next yearenver, Kansas City, New EnglandMy initial reaction is that they would host the Patriots. The NFL is insatiable for this matchup, and it’s the one they went with after the last time these two teams played in the AFC Championship. I’m not sure why they didn’t have Pittsburgh host Denver this year in the Kickoff game; maybe they don’t want it to be an automatic championship game rematch.

Colts/Pats will get big ratings no matter when it is played, so they don't want to waste it as the opener. The other interdivision games (Denver or KC at Indy) are not really exciting opening matchups compared to Saints at Colts.

Plus Denver turns these down, like they did for in Pitt last year.

That leaves KC at Indy? No way that is the opener. If the NFL can't buy out FOX, could they do an AFC South matchup (Titans at Colts)?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Here are the Kickoff games the NFL has had since going to the "Super Bowl Champ opens the season on Thursday night" format:2006 – Miami @ Pittsburgh2005- Oakland @ New England2004 – Indy @ New EnglandSo, they've never had an inter-conference game. Maybe because Fox only gets to show the AFC Champion (aka, the Super Bowl Champion) twice during a season (when Indy hosts NFC teams), the NFL doesn’t want to take one of those games away from the network.They've also never had a divisional game as the Kickoff game. So, assuming the Kickoff game can’t feature a divisional or an inter-conference game, here are the options for next yearenver, Kansas City, New EnglandMy initial reaction is that they would host the Patriots. The NFL is insatiable for this matchup, and it’s the one they went with after the last time these two teams played in the AFC Championship. I’m not sure why they didn’t have Pittsburgh host Denver this year in the Kickoff game; maybe they don’t want it to be an automatic championship game rematch.

Colts/Pats will get big ratings no matter when it is played, so they don't want to waste it as the opener. The other interdivision games (Denver or KC at Indy) are not really exciting opening matchups compared to Saints at Colts.

Plus Denver turns these down, like they did for in Pitt last year.

That leaves KC at Indy? No way that is the opener. If the NFL can't buy out FOX, could they do an AFC South matchup (Titans at Colts)?

why not? Miami Pitt last year

 

[JohnDoe]

Peter King in his MMQB speculates that Colts/Saints will be the Thurs opener, and Giants/Cowboys the Sunday night opener. He said it will be announced this afternoon.

He also said that the 2007 schedule will be announced April 5th on ESPN.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Peter King in his MMQB speculates that Colts/Saints will be the Thurs opener, and Giants/Cowboys the Sunday night opener. He said it will be announced this afternoon.

He also said that the 2007 schedule will be announced April 5th on ESPN.

I thought that the NFLN had a show for the unvieling of the schedule?

 

[cstu]

Indianapolis opponents:Home: Houston, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Denver, Kansas City, New England, New Orleans, Tampa Bay Away: Houston, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Oakland, San Diego, Baltimore, Atlanta, Carolina

If they want to give them a home game then the Pats or Saints seem most likely, although Denver or KC makes sense as far as the broadcasting/inter-conference issues.

 

[wadegarrett]

Peter King in his MMQB speculates that Colts/Saints will be the Thurs opener, and Giants/Cowboys the Sunday night opener. He said it will be announced this afternoon.

He also said that the 2007 schedule will be announced April 5th on ESPN.

I thought that the NFLN had a show for the unvieling of the schedule?

I think the NFLN realized that all 10 people that watched last year's show wouldn't be upset if it was moved to ESPN.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Peter King in his MMQB speculates that Colts/Saints will be the Thurs opener, and Giants/Cowboys the Sunday night opener. He said it will be announced this afternoon.

He also said that the 2007 schedule will be announced April 5th on ESPN.

I thought that the NFLN had a show for the unvieling of the schedule?

I think the NFLN realized that all 10 people that watched last year's show wouldn't be upset if it was moved to ESPN.

true.Im interested to see NFLN's draft coverage vs ESPNs this year too. I guys house I went to last year didnt have NFLN.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

What is so wrong with KC @ IND....screw the east coast people for once...make them all watch two midwestern cities with populations under 2.5 Mil.

I would love it....plus it is a playoff rematch....of a game that was competitive for 3 quarters.

 

[djcolts]

A person on the Colts.com forum said that he heard from NFL Network that it is Colts/Saints for the Thursday night opener. No link yet.

Edit: Someone on another Colts forum said Indy @ Atlanta will be an NFL Network Thanksgiving game. No link yet.

 

[identikit]

ESPN is reporting the Sept 6 game will be the Saints @ Colts

Id

 

[djcolts]

LINK

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the following games for the 2007 NFL schedule. The full schedule is announced later this spring.

Week 1

Thursday Night: Saints at Colts (NBC)

Sunday: Bears at Chargers (FOX)

Sunday Night: Giants at Cowboys (NBC)

Monday Night: Ravens at Bengals and Cardinals at 49ers (ESPN doubleheader)

Thanksgiving

Packers at Lions (FOX)

Jets at Cowboys (CBS)

Colts at Falcons (NFL Network)

 

[Kiddnets]

I think the last time I saw my JEts play on Thanksgiving was the early 80's! I was in my early teens - this will be fun!!!

 

[jchap31]

Great so the Saints start the year off by besting the Super Bowl Champs

 

[phthalatemagic]

Are the Lions a permanent fixture on T-day? What do you think it willl take for the NFL to consider moving them?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Are the Lions a permanent fixture on T-day? What do you think it willl take for the NFL to consider moving them?

Ford to never spend another dollar on NFL advertising. The Lions have a very bad yet powerful owner

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

I thought KC might get another Turkey Day game after the showing this past season...the NFL said they were very pleased with the setup.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I thought KC might get another Turkey Day game after the showing this past season...the NFL said they were very pleased with the setup.

I think the night game is going to rotate around every year.

 

[Capella]

What is so wrong with KC @ IND....screw the east coast people for once...make them all watch two midwestern cities with populations under 2.5 Mil.I would love it....plus it is a playoff rematch....of a game that was competitive for 3 quarters.

oooh, 3 quartersthe chiefs aren't on because .... well because nobody cares about the chiefs.

 

[Capella]

I thought KC might get another Turkey Day game after the showing this past season...the NFL said they were very pleased with the setup.

Why would KC get another game?Step away from being a homer for a second and try to be logical. KC is hardly a draw at all.

 

[Ghost Rider]

ARZ/SF is one of the two games on the first Monday night of the year? That is awful.

 

[bigmurd]

ARZ/SF is one of the two games on the first Monday night of the year? That is awful.

Why? I think it'll be a fun match-up of two teams with promise.

 

[massraider]

Are the Lions a permanent fixture on T-day? What do you think it willl take for the NFL to consider moving them?

Why move them?There's nothing wrong with tradition, plus I'm not sure how many teams were clamoring to be part of the Turkey Day tradition. Why volunteer for disruption of your regular weekly schedule, and the short week?Plus, once the triptophan kicks in, you sleep through the 2nd half anyway. Lions games seem like a good choice.

 

[Aaronstory]

Are the Lions a permanent fixture on T-day? What do you think it willl take for the NFL to consider moving them?

It's tradition. I would hate it if the Lions didn't play on Thanksgiving. (This from a Packer fan. And they own us on Turkey Day....)

 

[Aaronstory]

ARZ/SF is one of the two games on the first Monday night of the year? That is awful.

You hankerin' for a defensive showdown?

 

[phthalatemagic]

Are the Lions a permanent fixture on T-day? What do you think it willl take for the NFL to consider moving them?

Why move them?There's nothing wrong with tradition, plus I'm not sure how many teams were clamoring to be part of the Turkey Day tradition. Why volunteer for disruption of your regular weekly schedule, and the short week?Plus, once the triptophan kicks in, you sleep through the 2nd half anyway. Lions games seem like a good choice.

I like tradition, when it doesn't involve a traditionally ghastly football team.

 

[Raider Nation]

Week 1

Thursday Night: Saints at Colts (NBC)

Sunday: Bears at Chargers (FOX)

Sunday Night: Giants at Cowboys (NBC)

As a Benson owner, I don't mind getting the San Diego run D out of the way in week 1! This is kinda like 'Deal or no Deal' with the schedule coming out gradually. By process of elimination, one tough defense is scratched off the schedule. That increases the odds that week 14/15/16 will feature a Detroit or Green Bay or Kansas City.