NFL Network on Tuesday announced its expanded 13-game, regular-season, prime-time "Thursday Night Football" schedule, which kicks off in Week 2 (Sept. 13) and features nine 2011 playoff teams, including six that won division crowns and both NFC Championship Game opponents (New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers). Game times for the contests are 8 p.m. ET.

Among the highlights of NFL Network's 2012 schedule:

• The opener features the 185th meeting between Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers -- the most-played rivalry in NFL history.

• No. 1 drafted quarterbacks face off in Week 3 -- the Giants' Eli Manning (two-time Super Bowl MVP) and Carolina's Cam Newton (2011 Offensive Rookie of the Year).

• Peyton Manning's first start as Broncos QB at Oakland's "Black Hole."

• Indianapolis and its new No. 1 overall draft pick at Jacksonville.

• New Orleans visits Atlanta in a meeting of clubs that have won the past three NFC South titles.

• Nine divisional matchups.

The critically acclaimed "Thursday Night Football" broadcast team returns, featuring Emmy-nominated game analyst Mike Mayock, play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler and sideline reporter Alex Flanagan.

NFL Network's 2012 "Thursday Night Football" schedule

Week 2: Thursday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. ET
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

Week 3: Thursday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. ET
New York Giants at Carolina Panthers

Week 4: Thursday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. ET
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens

Week 5: Thursday, Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. ET
Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams

Week 6: Thursday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. ET
Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans

Week 7: Thursday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. ET
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers

Week 8: Thursday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings

Week 9: Thursday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. ET
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers

Week 10: Thursday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ET
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 11: Thursday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. ET
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills

Week 13: Thursday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. ET
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons

Week 14: Thursday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. ET
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders

Week 15: Thursday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. ET
Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles