There’s only one thing better than watching your favorite NFL team win: watching your least favorite team lose. NFL rivalries are legendary battles that ignite passions and keep us glued to our screens.
Let’s dive into the top clashes this season…
Ravens vs. Steelers
When the Ravens take on the Steelers, it’s as if the entire football world stops to witness. This iconic rivalry surpasses the ordinary clashes between teams, often headlining with fierce competition and defensive prowess.
Take their recent matchup in November, a typical defensive slugfest that concluded with a narrow 18-16 victory for the Steelers, echoing the gritty nature of their encounters.
Although the Ravens might consistently outperform in the season standings, Pittsburgh has dominated their face-offs, clinching victory in nine of the last ten games.
However, it’s the nail-biting scores—each game separated by a single margin—that fuel the intensity and unpredictability of this rivalry. The Steelers averaged 17 points against Baltimore’s 13.5 in their recent meetings, reinforcing this as a tough, low-scoring battle.
- Next game: December 21, 2024
Packers vs. Bears
The Packers vs. Bears rivalry, often heralded as the greatest in NFL history, remains as fierce as ever. Fans eagerly anticipate each clash, where tempers and tensions run high. Though Green Bay has dominated the past decade with ten consecutive wins, each encounter is a spectacle of drama and passion.
Iconic moments like the Packers’ thrilling 20-point comeback and Aaron Rodgers’ infamous “I Still Own You!” remark continue to fuel this age-old animosity.
The rivalry takes on a fresh dimension with emerging stars Jordan Love and Caleb Williams at the helm. Both of these players are quite good, and they’ve fascinated a lot of fans by the numbers they can put up against each other. The NFL props will be interesting for their next clash.
- Next game: January 05, 2025
Cowboys vs. Eagles
The Cowboys vs. Eagles rivalry stands as one of the NFL’s most enduring and intense, fueled by a deep-seated history and divisional matchups. Unlike many rivalries bolstered by geographical proximity, this one thrives on the competitive spirit and championship implications often hanging in the balance.
Over the years, games between these teams have frequently determined the NFC East division champion, adding an extra layer of tension and spectacle. A notable recent showdown was the controversial 28-23 Eagles victory, where a disputed call played a decisive role, leaving Cowboys fans in uproar.
Another memorable clash saw the Cowboys triumph in an exhilarating 40-34 shootout during week 16 of 2022, exemplifying the high-stakes drama that defines encounters between these rival powerhouses.
- Next game: December 29, 2024
Packers vs. Vikings
While the Packers vs. Bears is traditionally celebrated as the primary NFC North rivalry, the intensity between the Packers and Vikings often flies under the radar. Fans in the bordering states eagerly await these biannual clashes, knowing that each game is packed with unpredictability and fierce competition.
Over the last decade, this rivalry has been remarkably balanced, with both teams holding a 5-5 record against each other in their last ten encounters. Historically, the Packers have a slight edge over the Vikings, leading the all-time series 66-59-3.
The games are not just battles for victory; they embody the spirit and pride of each fanbase. With playoff implications frequently at play, these matchups are more than just games—they’re gritty showdowns loaded with regional pride.
- Next game: December 29, 2024
Eagles vs. Giants
Few rivalries are as charged with history and animosity as the one between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants. While the Eagles have enjoyed a run of dominance in recent years, leading the series 93-88-1, the tensions remain as fierce as ever.
The Eagles’ controversial decision at the end of the 2020 season, when head coach Doug Pederson pulled his starters to secure a draft position while denying the Giants a playoff berth, only deepened the divide. The Giants’ response was swift on the field, with a determined 13-7 victory in their next meeting.
Adding to the drama, star running back Saquon Barkley’s move to the Eagles penned a new chapter in this saga. His standout performance, rushing for 176 yards, reinforced the rivalry’s intensity, with Eagles fans savoring the moment with “Thank you, Giants” chants.
- Next game: January 05, 2025
49ers vs. Rams
When the 49ers meet the Rams, it’s more than just a game—it’s a clash of tradition, talent, and territorial pride. With only 350 miles separating these two Californian cities, the rivalry extends beyond the field into a regional contest between Northern and Southern California.
Both teams boast star-studded rosters, with standout players like Christian McCaffrey, Aaron Donald, Fred Warner, and Deebo Samuel lighting up the field. This isn’t just about player prowess; it’s also a strategic battle between two of the NFL’s finest coaches, Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, who continuously push the boundaries of competitive play.
Their 2021 NFC Championship meeting, which saw the Rams claim a narrow 20-17 victory, remains a defining moment, exemplifying the high stakes that characterize this storied rivalry.
- Next game: December 13, 2024
Tags: Legendary Battles, NFL, NFL Rivalries
