This is a guest post by Paul Swaney, President and Co-Founder of StadiumJourney.com.

The 2012 NFL Schedule has been released, and a multitude of football fans are circling dates on their calendars.  Stadium travelers look at the schedules in a search for efficiency, and the chance to see as many games as possible in a short period of time.

The sports travel website, Stadium Journey, went through the 2012 NFL schedule to find some of the best opportunities for weekend getaways based on the line-up of games.

Week 1: AFC Rivalry Week

Sunday, Sept. 9, Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets, MetLife Stadium

Monday, Sept. 10, Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens, M&T Bank Stadium

The weather should still be beautiful, so make the 188 mile trip from East Rutherford to Baltimore for two early divisional rivalry games.

Week 2: Southern Football

Sunday, Sept. 16, New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers, Bank of America Stadium

Monday, Sept. 17, Denver Broncos @ Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Dome

A chance to see the two hot stories of the NFL off season, as you can see the Sean Payton-less Saints, and Peyton Manning in Broncos gear on the road in Atlanta.

Week 3: Beltway Day

Sunday, Sept. 23, Cincinnati Bengals @ Washington Redskins, FedEx Field

Sunday, Sept. 23, New England Patriots @ Baltimore Ravens, M&T Bank Stadium

Two NFL stadiums in one day, and only 40 miles of driving in between venues.  It is the easiest possible one-day doubleheader in the 2012 season.

For the rest of the “15 Great Weekend Trip Ideas” list, please visit StadiumJourney.com.