Happy holidays football fans! The 2010 NFL schedule has finally been released. For those of you who want to get knee-deep in who’s heading where in 2010, click HERE.

Matt Bowen and the rest of us here at the NFP will be rolling out some more in-depth analysis on the 2010 schedule in the next 24 hours, but here’s a sampler of five games that caught my eye on first glimpse.

Sunday, October 3, 2010 4:15pm eastern

Donovan McNabb at Philadelphia Eagles

I could have said “Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles,” but let’s be real. This game is all about the six-time Pro Bowler and most prolific quarterback in Eagles history returning home to play the team that traded him this offseason.

How will the fans respond? How will McNabb play? Expect Lincoln Financial Field to be rocking.

Monday, December 6, 2010 8:30pm eastern

New York Jets at New England Patriots

Has New England’s death-grip on the AFC East come to an end?

After winning the East in seven of the past nine years, the Patriots watched the upstart Jets claim a wildcard berth and advance to the AFC Championship in 2009.

The Jets and Pats split their season series last year, but you can feel it in the air that a new world order may be coming in the AFC.

Monday night in December for the Jets and Patriots makes about as much sense as hot dogs on the Fourth of July.

Sunday, October 24, 2010 8:20pm eastern

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers

How many years does Brett Favre have left in the tank? I’d bet the farm that the future Hall of Famer will be back for at least one more run at another Super Bowl title. Since that’s the case (in my eyes, at least), Favre’s 2010 date with the Packers at Lambeau will once again be must-see television.

Favre got the better of his former team in 2009, winning 30-23 on October 5 and 38-26 on November 1. But remember, the Pack won seven of their final eight games en route to a playoff berth.

Green Bay will be ready this year. So will the viewing audience.

Thursday, November 25, 2010 4:15pm eastern

New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys

When was the last time the NFL pitted two legitimate Super Bowl contenders against one another on Thanksgiving? That’s the case on November 25 as the defending champs travel to Big D to take on the Cowboys at JerryWorld.

Tony Romo and company went to the Big Easy in Week 15 last season and handed Drew Brees and the Who Dats a 24-17 loss—their first of the season. New Orleans went on to drop two more games before running the table in the playoffs, ending their historical season with a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Miami to claim their first Super Bowl championship.

Stuff your faces early and then sit back to watch some fireworks as the NFL comes up big on Turkey Day.

Sunday, December 5, 2010 8:20pm eastern

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

December football in Baltimore between the Steelers and the Ravens is everything that is right with the NFL.

Cold weather. Division-rivalry. Hostile environment. Great defense.

What more could you ask for on a cold, December night?

Hit me up on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh