The New York Giants continue to play second-citizen weeks after capturing another Vince Lombardi Trophy.

First, after winning Super Bowl XLVI over the New England Patriots, much of the discussion centered around Wes Welker, Dancin’ Rob Gronkowski, and Gisele Bundchen.

Once the Patriots talk died down, New York Knickerbocker sensation Jeremy Lin became the cat’s meow in the Big Apple.

Now, the Giants will open up the 2012 NFL season at home on Wednesday night, September 5.

Normally, the Super Bowl champion starts play on the season’s first Thursday night.

Due to the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night, September 6 in Charlotte, North Carolina, New York’s title defense will begin a day earlier to avoid conflict.

Believe it or not, some things are more important than the NFL.

Not many, but some.

Anyhow, potential New York opponents for the opener could be Washington (who did the honors in 2008), Dallas, Philadelphia, Green Bay, New Orleans, Tampa, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh.

My money is on Philadelphia. Green Bay is the obvious choice (it would be a meeting of the last two Super Bowl champs and the Discount Double Check playoff game) but I think FOX is going to try to prevent it.

New Orleans is also a strong candidate but they’ve opened twice on Thursdays already under the current format (Indy in ’07 and Green Bay last year).

The entire NFL schedule is expected to be released in April.