NFL’s Biggest Rivalries, The NFL’s most intense rivalries combine decades of bad blood, recent playoff drama, and bitter divisional battles that transcend generations. As we approach the 2024 season, these matchups promise fireworks, fights, and franchise-altering moments. Our comprehensive guide ranks the 10 most explosive NFL rivalries entering 2024 based on:
✔ Historical significance and longevity
✔ Recent playoff collisions
✔ Player/coach animosity
✔ Fanbase hatred levels
✔ 2024 matchup implications
Featuring exclusive insights from NFL NewsZ and Pro Football Reference’s rivalry database, this is the definitive breakdown of football’s most combustible matchups.
1. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills (AFC’s New Blood Feud)
Why It’s White-Hot in 2024:
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3 playoff meetings since 2020 (Chiefs lead 2-1)
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13 Seconds Game (2021) still haunts Buffalo
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Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes QB rivalry intensifies
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2024 Meeting: Week 11 (Arrowhead Stadium)
Key Stat:
Mahomes has 5-1 record vs. Allen (including playoffs)
Fan Fuel:
Bills Mafia still burns “Burrowhead” signs from 2022
(For full Chiefs-Bills analysis, visit NFL NewsZ)
2. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys (NFC East Hate Classic)
2024 Stakes:
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Both teams projected as NFC contenders
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Saquon Barkley’s defection to Philly adds spice
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Dak Prescott’s contract year pressure
Historical Context:
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128 total meetings since 1960
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Eagles lead 74-54 all-time
Must-See Moment:
Micah Parsons vs. Lane Johnson trash talk wars
3. San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (NFC West Grudge Match)
New Chapter in 2024:
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Seahawks now led by Mike Macdonald (ex-Ravens DC)
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49ers seeking revenge for 2023 upset loss
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Deebo Samuel still hates Seattle (“They dirty”)
Recent History:
49ers have won 4 straight but all games decided by ≤10 points
10 Most Heated NFL Rivalries Ranked
| Rank | Rivalry | Why It Matters in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chiefs vs. Bills | AFC supremacy battle |
| 2 | Eagles vs. Cowboys | Barkley adds new fuel |
| 3 | 49ers vs. Seahawks | Coaching change sparks new era |
| 4 | Bengals vs. Ravens | Burrow vs. Jackson health duel |
| 5 | Jets vs. Patriots | Rodgers vs. Belichick-less Pats |
| 6 | Lions vs. Packers | NFC North power shift |
| 7 | Dolphins vs. Bills | Tua’s prove-it year |
| 8 | Steelers vs. Browns | Watt vs. Garrett rematches |
| 9 | Raiders vs. Broncos | Payton vs. Pierce coaching clash |
| 10 | Giants vs. Commanders | Draft QB rivals in same division |
(For complete rivalry histories, see Pro Football Reference)
Rivalry Spotlight: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens
2024 Subplots:
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Lamar Jackson (2-3 vs. Burrow since 2020)
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Tee Higgins franchise tag drama
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Week 2 Thursday Night showdown
Key Stat:
Burrow averages 302 pass YPG vs. Ravens (most vs any opponent)
Fan Warfare:
Baltimore fans still angry about 2022 playoff “injury gate”
Emerging Rivalry to Watch: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Why It’s Heating Up:
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C.J. Stroud vs. Trevor Lawrence QB showdowns
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Both teams won divisions in last 2 years
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2024 Week 12 matchup could decide AFC South
X-Factor:
Texans adding Stefon Diggs intensifies passing game duel
Most One-Sided Active Rivalry: Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills
Brutal Reality:
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Bills have won 7 of last 8 meetings
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Dolphins last playoff win vs. Buffalo: 1998
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2024 Games: Week 2 & Week 18 (potential division decider)
Coaching Rivalry Renewed: Sean Payton vs. Antonio Pierce
Backstory:
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Payton (Broncos) called Pierce’s Raiders “dirty” in 2023
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Pierce responded: “We play old-school football”
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2024 Matchups: Week 1 & Week 12
Why Rivalries Matter More Than Ever
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Schedule Changes: More divisional games in December
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Social Media: Players feud openly on X/Twitter
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Player Movement: Free agency adds betrayal angles
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Gambling Growth: Rivalry games draw biggest bets
2024’s Can’t-Miss Rivalry Games
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Week 1: Raiders @ Broncos (Payton vs. Pierce)
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Week 2: Bengals @ Chiefs (Burrow-Mahomes IV)
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Week 11: Bills @ Chiefs (“13 Seconds” rematch)
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Week 14: 49ers @ Cowboys (NFC Championship preview)
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Week 18: Jets @ Patriots (likely Rodgers’ last Foxboro visit)
(For the full 2024 schedule breakdown, bookmark NFL NewsZ)
Read More: NFL’s Biggest Comeback Candidates for 2024: 10 Players Primed to Bounce Back Strong
Final Verdict: The NFL’s Lifeblood
These rivalries – some spanning 60+ years, others just emerging – remain the NFL’s most compelling theater. In 2024, old grudges will be settled and new ones born as franchises clash for supremacy.
For ongoing rivalry coverage and game previews, make NFL NewsZ your daily football destination.
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