The NFL schedule has finally been released.
We knew who each team’s opponents would be for the upcoming season, but last night finally gave us dates and details for all of the matchups.
As is always the case, there are plenty of juicy clashes to look forward to.
But what about when it comes to good old-fashioned “revenge” games?
Between roster changes and nasty rivalries – both traditional and emerging – there are certain matchups we look forward to more than others.
When it comes to storyline-filled “revenge” games, here are the top five for the 2024 season…
#5. Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions: Week 1, 8:20pm EST, NBC
Two legitimate Super Bowl contenders clash on the Sunday Night Football opener. But of course, the main storyline of this matchup – just like it was for their playoff meeting last season – is Matthew Stafford vs. Jared Goff.
The Stafford-Goff trade may be the best example in NFL history of a swap truly working out for both teams. The Rams have a Super Bowl ring to show for it, and the Lions may not be far behind if they keep their current pace up.
#4. Las Vegas Raiders @ New Orleans Saints: Week 17, 1pm EST, FOX
We have to wait until Week 17 to witness the Derek Carr bowl, but hopefully playoff implications will be on the line.
Carr is one of the most respected players in the entire league, but it’s no secret that his tenure with the Raiders ended extremely ugly … There’s not a bad bone in his body, but there’s no doubt he would love to stick it to his old team.
#3. Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos: Week 2, 4:25pm, CBS
Russell Wilson has no one to blame for his epic failure in Denver but himself. Just thinking about how much the Broncos traded for him and the massive contract they ended up giving him is mind-boggling. They deserve blame as well, but there have been very few players who have fallen off a cliff as fast as Wilson did.
Having said that, Mr. Unlimited is now in Pittsburgh and there’s nothing he would love more than to show the bubbly Sean Payton that he made a mistake giving up on him. (That’s assuming Wilson beats out Justin Fields for the starting job, which he’s certainly expected to do.)
#2. Los Angeles Chargers @ Baltimore Ravens: Week 12, 8:20pm, ESPN
Ah yes, the “Harbaugh Bowl” … Jim and John may be loving brothers, but both are competitive as hell – especially Jim. Fresh off winning the national championship with the Michigan Wolverines, Jim is headed back to the NFL and is on an absolute mission.
Jim clearly has a chip on his shoulder and wants to win a Super Bowl just like his brother so that he can sit more comfortably at the Harbaugh Thanksgiving table.
The best part about this matchup is that both Harbaugh teams should be very, very good – which means this clash, especially since it comes later in the season, should have a whole lot riding on it.
#1. Kansas City Chiefs @ San Francisco 49ers: Week 7, 4:25pm EST, FOX
The much-anticipated Super Bowl rematch between the two teams who are still most likely the best in the game. Words cannot express how much it must sting Kyle Shanahan and company to have come so close – not once but twice – to beating Andy Reid’s squad in the Super Bowl.
They may been on pace to meet each other in the Super Bowl once again this season, but for now, this Week 7 matchup will have to serve as proper revenge for the ultra-talented 49ers.
However, even if the Niners win by 30 points, they know damn well the only thing that matters is hoisting a Lombardi Trophy – something Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs have already done three times.
The Best of the Rest…
-Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings: Week 14 – (Kirk Cousins returns to the Minnesota to take on the franchise who vastly undervalued him and were happy to let him go.)
-Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants: Week 7 – (Saquon Barkley returns to the Meadowlands.)
-New York Jets @ San Francisco 49ers: Week 1 – (Aaron Rodgers returns to Monday Night Football to take on the team he grew up rooting for, aka the team that has owned him throughout his career: the 49ers.)
-Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs: Week 1 – (Will Lamar Jackson and the Ravens ever beat the Chiefs in a meaningful game?)
-Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers: Week 4 – (Aaron Jones returns to Lambeau.)
-Pittsburgh Steelers @ Atlanta Falcons: Week 1 – (The Artie Smith Bowl!!!)
What are your thoughts on the rankings?
What do you agree/disagree with?
Which revenge game are YOU most looking forward to???