The 2015 NFL schedule was released roughly 48 hours ago and fans around the country are reacting to what their teams got. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who hold the first overall pick in the draft, also have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL. Historic franchises such as the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers drew much tougher roads as they have two of the toughest schedules in 2015. Nevertheless, as a source of ultimate entertainment and drama, the NFL has delivered once again. Let us look at some of the most intriguing matchups and weekends that 2015 will provide us. Football isn't quite back, but at least we can all figure out what free weekend we will have this fall. 

The Rematches 

Seahawks at Packers - Week 2 

Seattle took down Green Bay twice last season, and for the Packers, it happened to be their first and last games of the season. Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch led a spirited fourth quarter comeback in the NFC Championship Game that was highlighted by an onside kick with just a minute remaining. The Packers feel as if they let one slip away as they were just minutes away from a Super Bowl birth. The Seahawks know plenty about sour tastes, however, as they came one play away from winning a title last season. This game will be a hard-hitting, good old-fashioned revenge match at Lambeau Field. 

Patriots at Giants - Week 10 

The only quarterback who seems to have Brady's number in the NFL is Eli Manning. As strange as that sounds, Peyton's younger brother has beaten Brady in two Super Bowls. This game will be the first time these teams have met since the big game in 2012. Former Wolverine Mario Manningham made a heroic late-game catch to help secure the Giants' title. Brady got his fourth ring a few months back, but fans would be foolish to believe he doesn't have this game circled on his schedule. 

The Grudge Matches 

Eagles at Jets - Week 3 

Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez both get to play against their former teams. The only question is will they actually play? Sam Bradford seems to have the starting gig lined up, but Chip Kelly may be inclined to mix things up in New York. Todd Bowles and his beefed up defense will take on Bradford, Murray, and Kelly's fast-paced offense in a game with no shortage of story-lines. 

Ravens at Broncos - Week 1 

Flacco's bomb to Jacoby Jones from 2012? Peyton Manning torching the Ravens for seven touchdowns in the opening game of 2013? There is plenty of bad blood between these two AFC heavyweights. While many writers are already anticipating a Patriots-Colts rematch in the AFC championship game, these two teams haven't gone anywhere. Flacco and Manning will put it all on the line to get their seasons off to the right start. 

Eagles at Cowboys - Week 9 

As if these teams don't already hate each other, the NFL's leading rusher last season jumped from Dallas to Philly this off-season. DeMarco Murray will visit his former stadium and most likely hear a steady wave of "boos" as he walks out. These teams have fought it out for the division crown the past two seasons, so there will likely be plenty on the line in this mid-season showdown. 

Other Interesting Games 

Patriots at Cowboys - Week 5 

Arguably the two most-hated franchises in football will face off. The Romo vs. Brady hype will dominate the media for several days before this game; there is no doubt about that. However, the defending champs will get a great test of whether or not their defense can still be elite in 2015 as they will face Dez Bryant and the NFL's toughest Offensive Line down in Texas. 

Colts at Panthers - Week 8

Two of the best young QB's in the NFL finally get to meet as Andrew Luck and Cam Newton will square off in Charlotte. Luck and the Colts are loaded and ready to make a Super Bowl run, but Newton might have a chip on his shoulder against the guy who broke his rookie passing record in 2011. 

Best Weeks? 

While perusing the schedule over a cup of coffee, this writer found two weekends that jump out at him. They are loaded with great games and curious matchups. 

Week 7 will feature a bevy of exciting games. We get started with Seahawks vs. 49ers on Thursday Night, a matchup that never fails to entertain. The Saints and Colts will square off in another recent Super Bowl matchup (from 2010) while a handful of AFC teams trying to take the next step in their conference face off. The Steelers will visit the Chiefs, and the Texans will visit the Dolphins during that week. It all caps off with the Ravens visiting the Cardinals in what should be a great defensive slugfest. 

Week 13 could very well be the best in this 2015 NFL season. Regardless of what team he/she roots for, it is a football fans' heaven toward the end of the year. The Jets and Giants will face off in the Battle of the Big Apple while the Saints take on the Panthers in an NFC South rivalry game. The week caps off with Broncos-Chargers and Redskins-Cowboys as well as Colts-Steelers and yet another Super Bowl rematch (from 2005) when the Patriots host the Eagles. 

The draft is a week away. OTA's are another month or so, and the pre-season gets going in early August. Football isn't too far away, everybody, and now we have the framework of what should be another great NFL season.