NFL Most Underrated Rivalries in 2024: While the NFL promotes its marquee matchups like Cowboys-49ers and Chiefs-Bills, several under-the-radar rivalries deliver just as much intensity without the national spotlight. This 1,500+ word deep dive uncovers five underrated NFL rivalries that will significantly impact the 2024 season, featuring bitter division clashes, rising star duels, and revenge narratives that casual fans are overlooking.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans: The New AFC South Blood Feud
Why This Rivalry Ignited Overnight
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2023 Breakouts: Trevor Lawrence vs. C.J. Stroud (combined 8,741 passing yards)
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Division Implications: Texans won division by 1 game last year
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Front Office Chess: Texans GM Nick Caserio vs. Jaguars’ Trent Baalke
Key 2024 Matchup Dates:
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Week 4 (Thursday Night Football)
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Week 15 (Potential division-decider)
X-Factor:
Texans’ Will Anderson vs. Jaguars’ Travon Walker – the 2022 & 2023 No. 1 overall picks battling in the trenches
For AFC South analysis, visit NFL Newsz
2. Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers: The NFC North’s Suddenly Must-See Showdown
The Changing of the Guard
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Historic Context: Packers dominated series 105-73-7
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New Reality: Lions swept Packers in 2023 for first time since 1991
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QB Contrast: Jordan Love’s emergence vs. Jared Goff’s redemption arc
2024 Stakes:
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Both teams projected as playoff contenders
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Week 12 Thanksgiving matchup could decide division
Stat That Matters:
The home team has covered the spread in 9 of last 10 meetings
3. Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills: The AFC East’s Speed vs. Power Clash
Underrated Because:
National media focuses on Rodgers-Jets, but this rivalry features:
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Two top-5 offenses (Dolphins #1 in yards, Bills #2 in scoring)
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Defensive Philosophies: Miami’s blitz schemes vs. Buffalo’s coverage
2024 Game to Watch:
Week 11 (Monday Night Football) – potential snow game at Highmark Stadium
Player Duel:
Tyreek Hill (1,799 yards in 2023) vs. Rasul Douglas (4 INTs with Bills)
For AFC East breakdowns, visit NFL Newsz
4. Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams: The NFC West’s Forgotten Fireworks
Why It Delivers:
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Last 5 Meetings: Decided by average of 4.2 points
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Coaching Contrast: McVay’s system vs. Macdonald’s new Seahawks defense
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Emerging Stars: Puka Nacua vs. Devon Witherspoon
Historical Nugget:
Seahawks lead all-time series 27-25, but Rams have won 4 of last 5
2024 Twist:
First meeting features Geno Smith vs. Matthew Stafford in potential shootout
5. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens: The AFC North’s Best Quarterback Duel
Overlooked Because:
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Steelers-Ravens gets more hype
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But features better QB play (Burrow vs. Jackson)
By the Numbers:
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Last 3 Meetings: Decided by average of 3.3 points
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Playoff Implications: Both likely 2024 playoff teams
Injury Context:
First healthy Burrow-Jackson duel since 2021 playoffs
Why These Rivalries Matter More Than Ever in 2024
League-Wide Impacts:
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Four feature young franchise QBs (Stroud, Love, Tua, Burrow)
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Three could decide division winners
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All deliver unpredictable outcomes (7 of last 10 decided by ≤4 points)
Betting Value Alert:
Underrated rivalries offer better odds because:
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Books adjust slower to changing dynamics
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Public overvalues “name” rivalries
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Division games inherently tighter
How to Watch These Rivalries Like a Scout
Key Evaluation Points:
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Trench Battles: Which OL controls the game?
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Halftime Adjustments: McVay vs. Macdonald in Seahawks-Rams
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QB Body Language: Stroud vs. Lawrence in critical moments
Historical Perspective: Future Classic Rivalries?
Comparing to rivalry origins:
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Chiefs-Bills wasn’t notable before 2020
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Eagles-Cowboys grew in 1990s
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These could be next decade’s headline feuds
Read More: The Evolution of NFL Defensive Schemes in 2024: How Modern Offenses Are Forcing Radical Adjustments
Final Verdict: The NFL’s Best-Kept Secrets
These five underrated rivalries will:
✅ Produce better games than hyped matchups
✅ Decide playoff berths and seeding
✅ Feature emerging superstar duels
Smart fans will circle these dates rather than the usual prime-time suspects.
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