Rematches, reunions, and rivalries. These three aspects often create the most exciting matchups during the NFL regular season, regardless of how much a game is promoted on prime time or internationally.
Here are twelve games (excluding those involving the Giants and Jets) that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Patriots vs. Seahawks, Week 1
This Super Bowl rematch marks their fourth consecutive regular season showdown. The Seahawks have the edge, leading 2-1 in their last three encounters. In February, they exploited MVP runner-up Drake Maye’s weaknesses, forcing three turnovers. Kicker Jason Myers also came back strong, setting a Super Bowl record with 17 points.
Ravens vs. Steelers, Week 15
Bills at Broncos, Week 16
Josh Allen is moving to a new stadium, but it’s also where he faced significant disappointment in the playoffs last season, committing four turnovers and losing in the divisional round. That loss was marred by a controversial phone call. Bo Nix, meanwhile, will confront the Bills defense for the first time since his injury in that playoff game.
Rams vs. Seahawks, Week 16
These two Super Bowl contenders had three memorable battles last season—all decided by a mere seven points, including a dramatic NFC Championship Game that ended when time expired before a final play. Now, reigning MVP Matthew Stafford is supported by rookie quarterback Ty Simpson.
Chiefs vs. Bengals, Week 14
Unlike the more common matchups between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, the Mahomes versus Joe Burrow face-off isn’t annual. Burrow currently holds a 3-2 record over Mahomes, including 2-1 in the regular season. The Bengals are making moves, having traded for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence with championship aspirations. Mahomes is anticipated to return from his ACL injury just in time for Week 1.
Bears at Lions, Week 12
In just one season, Ben Johnson led the Bears to the NFC North title, leaving his former team, which was once a Super Bowl favorite, struggling to reach the playoffs. Will new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing revive the Lions’ offense to its previous glory?
Dolphins vs. Packers, Week 15
The revamped Dolphins were designed to mirror the Packers this offseason. They brought in general manager John-Eric Sullivan from Green Bay, hired Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as head coach, and made Malik Willis their starting quarterback.
Cowboys vs. Texans, Week 4
This Texas showdown promises an exciting clash between one of the NFL’s top offenses in the Cowboys, who ranked second in yards per game last season, and the league’s best defense, the Texans. The matchup between Derek Stingley Jr. and CeeDee Lamb is definitely one to watch.
Chiefs at Bills, Week 12
Maybe the Bills’ new home will finally help them shake off the playoff demons associated with their past losses to the Chiefs. Kicking off around Thanksgiving, this game will be part of the NFL’s thrilling quadrupleheader. It’s arguably the league’s top rivalry at this moment, with Allen winning five consecutive regular season games against Mahomes but losing four playoff matchups.
Raiders at 49ers, Week 9
The sons of Mike Shanahan and Gary Kubiak, Kyle Shanahan (49ers) and Clint Kubiak (Raiders), are set to face each other for the first time as head coaches. It presents a great opportunity to see Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, in action during the “Battle of the Bay” before the Raiders’ move.
Jaguars vs. Titans, Week 10
Following the Jaguars’ decision to hire Liam Cohen instead of Robert Saleh, the two have since had some heated exchanges, related to a controversial signal-stealing theory. Although they claim to have resolved their issues, this matchup will be their first of two contests this season.
Colts vs. Eagles, Week 14
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni finds himself up against both his former team and one of his mentees, Shane Steichen. Plus, if his rehabilitation goes smoothly, Daniel Jones could lead the Colts to Philadelphia—where he’s yet to win as a former Giants quarterback, having infamously fallen short just a few yards from the end zone.
