Who doesn’t love a good revenge game? Whether it’s a postseason rematch or a familiar face on the opposite sideline, these games tend to be packed with emotions and interesting storylines. The 2024 NFL schedule is full of such games, so let’s dive into next season’s juiciest matchups.
Top 7 Revenge Games on 2024 NFL Schedule
Kansas City Chiefs at San Francisco 49ers, Week 7
The game sells itself. In Week 7, Kansas City and San Francisco will square off in a rematch of Super Bowl LVIII, which the Chiefs won in overtime. Barring significant injuries, this game will pit two of the NFL‘s top teams against each other, and perhaps serve as a preview of a Chiefs-Niners Super Bowl threequel.
Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Chargers (Harbaugh Bowl), Week 12
Another Super Bowl rematch, but this one is a decade in the making.
Way back in 2013, John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens beat Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. The two brothers haven’t coached against each other since, as Jim eventually left San Francisco to coach at Michigan. Now, he’s back in the NFL and coaching the Los Angeles Chargers, who’ll host Baltimore in Week 12. Fortunately, this game will be a prime-time showdown on Monday Night Football.
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings, Week 14
The dynamic of this game would change if Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is starting at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. However, if Kirk Cousins is under center, this will be one of the top revenge games on the calendar.
But which side has the bigger axe to grind?
Cousins might be ticked off at the Minnesota Vikings for not meeting his pricetag and allowing him to leave for Atlanta. And Vikings fans might be annoyed that Cousins bailed on them to sign a massive contract with the Falcons. Either way, this game has a ton of intrigue.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos, Week 2
This game is kind of similar to the Falcons-Vikings matchup. Russell Wilson could have revenge on his mind after being released by the Denver Broncos, and Broncos fans could relish the opportunity to boo a quarterback who flamed out after just two seasons.
That said, we can’t rule out the possibility of Justin Fields starting for Pittsburgh by the time the Steelers visit Mile High. Obviously, that would put a dent in this game’s appeal. However, since it’s so early in the season, Wilson will likely be under center.
Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers, Week 17
The Detroit Lions should’ve beaten San Francisco in last season’s NFC Championship Game, but ultimately fell short. The Lions collapsed in embarrassing fashion, and the 49ers advanced to the Super Bowl.
But head coach Dan Campbell and Co. will get a chance to exact revenge in the same stadium where they saw their Super Bowl dreams vanish in Week 17. This should be hard-nosed, entertaining football.
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs, Week 1
This game will serve as the NFL’s season opener, and it should be a banger.
Baltimore lost to Kansas City in last season’s AFC Championship Game despite being the conference’s No. 1 seed. Will defending MVP Lamar Jackson score a huge win in a hostile environment, or will Patrick Mahomes once again prove that the path to the Super Bowl runs through Kansas City? We can’t wait to learn the answer.
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans, Week 5
This is all about Stefon Diggs.
The star receiver might want to exact revenge after the Buffalo Bills traded him to the Houston Texans during the offseason. But the Bills and their fans might believe Diggs ran himself out of town after causing too many off-field headaches.
Either way, you know Diggs will be fired up for this matchup. Plus, the game should feature two of the AFC’s best teams and quarterbacks. Good stuff.