2024 NFL Rivalry Games: Must-Watch Matchups That Will Define the Season

The NFL’s Rivalry Games fiercest rivalries combine decades of bad blood with championship implications, creating the most anticipated games each season. This 2,500-word definitive guide breaks down the 10 hottest NFL rivalries heading into 2024, featuring:

✔ Historic grudge matches with 50+ years of history
✔ Newly intensified feuds between rising contenders
✔ QB vs QB showdowns that’ll shape MVP voting
✔ Game-by-game previews with key matchups to watch
✔ Ticket/ratings impact of these premium contests

Section 1: The NFL’s Most Historic Rivalries

1. Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers (205 Meetings Since 1921)

2024 Matchup: Week 18 at Lambeau Field (Potential NFC North decider)

Why It Matters in 2024:

• Caleb Williams’ first taste of football’s oldest rivalry

• Jordan Love looks to cement Packers’ QB supremacy

• All-time series: Packers lead 105-95-6

Key Matchup:
Bears O-line vs Rashan Gary (8 sacks in last 5 vs CHI)

2. Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles (128 Meetings Since 1960)

2024 Dates: Week 6 in Philly, Week 14 in Dallas

New Chapter:

• Saquon Barkley’s defection to Eagles adds fuel

• Both teams projected as NFC East favorites

• Last 10 meetings: 5-5 split

X-Factor:
Jalen Hurts vs Micah Parsons (3 sacks in 2023 matchups)

Section 2: Championship-Caliber Showdowns

3. Kansas City Chiefs vs Cincinnati Bengals (AFC’s New Marquee Rivalry)

2024 Date: Week 13 in Arrowhead

Recent History:

• 3 playoff meetings since 2021 (Bengals lead 2-1)

• Patrick Mahomes vs Joe Burrow = Manning vs Brady 2.0

Stakes:
Potential AFC Championship Game preview

4. San Francisco 49ers vs Detroit Lions (NFC Blood Feud Brewing)

2024 Date: Week 12 in Santa Clara

Bad Blood:

• 2023 NFC Championship Game trash talk

• Dan Campbell called out 49ers’ “fake tough guys”

Key Battle:
Penei Sewell vs Nick Bosa (3 sacks in last meeting)

Section 3: Quarterback Rivalries Taking Center Stage

5. Josh Allen vs Patrick Mahomes (5th Year of Epic Duels)

2024 Date: Week 11 in Buffalo Rivalry Games

By the Numbers:

• 4-3 Mahomes lead (including playoffs)

• Average combined points: 54.3 per game

2024 Twist:
Stefon Diggs now facing Bills after trade

6. Lamar Jackson vs Joe Burrow (AFC North Supremacy)

2024 Dates: Week 5 in Baltimore, Week 16 in Cincy

Stylistic Clash:

• Jackson’s rushing (5,258 career yards) vs Burrow’s precision

• Ravens added Derrick Henry to ground attack

Section 4: New Rivalries Igniting in 2024

7. Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts (Stroud vs Richardson Era Begins)

2024 Dates: Week 2 in Indy, Week 15 in Houston

Emerging Storylines:

• Two best young QBs in AFC South

• 2023 games decided by 3 points combined

8. New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins (AFC East Arms Race)

2024 Dates: Week 3 in Miami, Week 14 in East Rutherford

Added Firepower:

• Jets: Healthy Aaron Rodgers + Mike Williams

• Dolphins: Odell Beckham Jr. joins Hill/Waddle

Section 5: Underrated Rivalries With Playoff Implications

9. Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers (Most Physical Matchup)

2024 Dates: Week 1 in Cleveland, Week 12 in Pittsburgh

Tradition:

• 142 meetings since 1950

• 2023 games featured 21 combined sacks

10. Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders (Harbaugh vs Pierce)

2024 Dates: Week 1 in LA, Week 17 in Vegas

Coaching Contrast:

• Jim Harbaugh’s discipline vs Antonio Pierce’s swagger

• Last 5 meetings decided by average of 4.2 points

Section 6: Game-by-Game Predictions

Section 7: Historical Impact of Rivalry Games

Career-Defining Moments

• 2018 Saints-Rams NFC Title Game (No-call gate)

• 2007 Patriots-Giants (Perfect season ruined)

• 1994 49ers-Cowboys (Young overcomes Aikman)

2024 Potential:
Could Caleb Williams vs Jordan Love become the next great QB rivalry?

Section 8: Fantasy Football Implications

Start/Sit Advice for Rivalry Week

✅ Start: All WR1s in shootouts (Chiefs-Bills, Bengals-Ravens)
❌ Sit: RBs vs elite run defenses (Steelers vs Nick Chubb)

Rivalry Week DFS Picks

• Patrick Mahomes (vs Bengals)

• Ja’Marr Chase (vs Ravens)

• Saquon Barkley (vs Cowboys)

Read More: The Most Controversial NFL Rule Changes in 2024 (Ranked by Impact)

Final Verdict: The Games That Will Shape NFL History

These 10 heated rivalries will determine:
✅ Division champions in tight races
✅ MVP frontrunners in head-to-head battles
✅ Legacies for rising stars and veterans alike

For breaking NFL rivalry news and expert analysis, visit NFL NewsZ – your #1 source for game previews, betting insights, and behind-the-scenes coverage.