As the 2024 NFL season approaches, excitement is building around the matchups that will shape playoff narratives and determine championship contenders. Fans eagerly anticipate thrilling games that highlight the league’s star players, intense rivalries, and potential upsets.

These key matchups impact standings and fuel discussions about playoff prospects, making them essential viewing for any football enthusiast. From historic rivalries to emerging superstar showdowns, the 2024 season promises to deliver unforgettable moments. Whether you’ve found the cheapest Super Bowl tickets and are anxiously awaiting the lineup or you’re just a fan of the game, each matchup carries significance for teams and fans alike.

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  Redemption Arc: Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs

It’s hard for any team to face the Chiefs during one of their most historic and win-filled eras, but the possibility of a win might be most important to the Bills, who have lost to Kansas City in their last three postseason matchups.

This enduring rivalry has lasted since the AFC’s first season in 1960 — back when the Chiefs were still the Dallas Texans — despite rare meetings due to their different divisions. With Chiefs wins in 2020, 2021, and 2023, these newer wounds are still fresh for the Bills despite greater success in regular season matchups. Their 2021 match-up was even a large factor in the NFL changing overtime rules for postseason games to allow both teams one possession in overtime, showing just how passionately these fans take their games.

Plus, longtime QBs Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have gone head to head enough times to have their own rivalry forming, adding a new layer of intrigue to an already-heated matchup.

• NFC North Showdown: Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

The rivalry between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers is one of the most storied in NFL history, making their matchups highly anticipated events each season. In 2024, this NFC North showdown is unlikely to be a playoff appetizer, as the Vikings are having a banner year, but this game is still a must-watch for fans of either franchise.

The Bears, with a young and talented roster led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, aim to build momentum and capitalize on their recent improvements. Their aggressive defense and potent rushing attack could make them formidable opponents for the Packers.

On the other side, the Packers, under head coach Matt LaFleur, continue to showcase their legacy as one of the league’s elite franchises. With an experienced quarterback and a deep roster, they will look to maintain their legacy of division-wise excellence. This matchup features high-stakes football and the passionate fan bases that make the NFC North one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL.

• AFC East Rivalry: Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins

Speaking of the Bills, the rivalry between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins is a classic AFC East clash that never fails to deliver excitement.

As both teams have made significant strides in recent years, their matchups have become pivotal in determining playoff positioning. The Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, boast a good offense and defense that can dominate any opponent, although their defensive line has struggled with injuries this year, and their receiving line has been having trouble.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins may not see Tua Tagovailoa back at the helm following his concussion in week two, but they have time to get more comfortable on offense as backup QB Tyler Huntley acclimates into the offense.

With plenty up in the air — and plenty for the Dolphins to prove — this rivalry’s history adds to the intensity and ensures a thrilling contest for fans and players alike.

• Family Faceoff: Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles Chargers

The upcoming matchup between the Ravens and the Chargers will be the first-time coaches (and brothers!) Jim and John Harbaugh face-off since 2013’s Super Bowl XLVII. Happening just three days before Thanksgiving, you know it’s going to give the Harbaugh family something to talk about over turkey and mashed potatoes!

While John is still coaching the team that won him that 2013 Super Bowl, Jim has a new team and a new quarterback looking to make a name for themselves in their conference.

This matchup represents a clash of veteran coaching and a battle of old versus new, where John’s nearly two decades with the Ravens will be pit against a clean slate for brother Jim, making it a unique look into the dynamic nuances of NFL coaching.

Get Ready for Thrilling NFL Action

As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, these anticipated matchups promise to deliver excitement and intensity. From classic rivalries to redemption battles, each game carries significant implications for playoff aspirations and bragging rights alike.

Fans should prepare for unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and the potential for dramatic twists. With so much at stake, every matchup is a chance to witness history in the making on the road to the Super Bowl.

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