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The 2024 NFL schedule is not just a lineup of matchups. It’s a collection of chapters where every game is a story, and every play can become a historic moment. Commissioner Roger Goodell has crafted a season that’s a nod to the classics, a celebration of rivalries, and a testament to the sport’s enduring legacy. “We’re good at 17 games now… but I don’t think we need three preseason games. I’d rather replace a preseason game with a regular season game,” said Goodell recently on The Pat McAfee show, emphasizing quality over quantity. This year’s schedule is a testament to that philosophy, featuring 24 Super Bowl rematches that promise to reignite old flames and spark new ones.

The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers will revive their storied rivalry with three rematches, harking back to their iconic Super Bowl encounters in 1976, 1979, and 1996. It’s a rivalry that’s as much a part of NFL lore as the Lombardi Trophy itself. These two franchises dominated the 1970s, combining for eight Super Bowl wins between 1971 and 1995.

The Steelers’ victories in Super Bowl XIII (35-31) and Super Bowl X (21-17) over the Cowboys cemented their dynasty, with Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris etching their names in NFL folklore. However, the Cowboys gained a measure of revenge in Super Bowl XXX, with Larry Brown’s two interceptions helping Dallas to a 27-17 win over the Steelers and their first Super Bowl victory in 15 years.

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Meanwhile, in a clash of titans, the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams will forge a riveting Super Bowl narrative with rematch of 2 super bowls. The Patriots’ 20-17 victory over the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, sealed by Adam Vinatieri’s last-second field goal, ignited their dynasty. Yet, the Rams avenged in Super Bowl LIII with a defensive masterclass, limiting the Patriots to 13 points in a 13-3 win.

Patriots who hold the record for most super-bowl appearances have another storied rival. After being defeated by Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX, The Philadelphia Eagles etched their mark in Super Bowl LII, where Nick Foles’ remarkable 373-yard, three-touchdown performance outshone Tom Brady in a 41-33 thriller. Now they will embark on another faceoff in the Gillette Stadium in 2024 season. These encounters are not mere games; they’re chapters in the annals of NFL history, where each play can redefine legacies and immortalize players as legends. The Patriots, Rams, and Eagles, through these epic showdowns, have each shaped their unique narratives, captivating fans and enriching the sport’s lore.

The Baltimore Ravens facing the New York Giants in a rematch has a lot in common with Super Bowl XXXV, where Ray Lewis’ dominant defense restricted the Giants to just 7 points in a 34-7 defeat. This enables the Giants to seek redemption for that bitter loss more than twenty years ago after their recent successful campaign in 2007 and 2011, respectively.

Dallas CowboysPittsburgh Steelers3Super Bowl X (1976), XIII (1979), XXX (1996)
New York GiantsBaltimore Ravens1Super Bowl XXXV (2001)
Denver BroncosGreen Bay Packers1Super Bowl XXXII (1998)
Carolina PanthersDenver Broncos1Super Bowl 50 (2016)
Atlanta FalconsDenver Broncos1Super Bowl XXXIII (1999)
Seattle SeahawksDenver Broncos1Super Bowl XLVIII (2014)
Seattle SeahawksNew England Patriots1Super Bowl XLIX (2015)
Los Angeles RamsNew England Patriots2Super Bowl XXXVI (2002), LIII (2019)
Philadelphia EaglesNew England Patriots2Super Bowl XXXIX (2005), LII (2018)
Chicago BearsNew England Patriots1Super Bowl XX (1986)
San Francisco 49ersMiami Dolphins1Super Bowl XIX (1985)
San Francisco 49ersKansas City Chiefs2Super Bowl LIV (2020), LIV (2023)
Washington CommandersMiami Dolphins2Super Bowl VII (1973), XVII (1983)
Las Vegas RaidersMinnesota Vikings1Super Bowl XI (1977)
Tampa Bay BuccaneersLas Vegas Raiders1Super Bowl XXXVII (2003)
Tampa Bay BuccaneersKansas City Chiefs1Super Bowl LV (2021)
New York JetsIndianapolis Colts1Super Bowl III (1969)
Indianapolis ColtsChicago Bears1Super Bowl XLI (2007)

Denver Broncos vs Green Bay Packers, on the other hand, will remind us of Super Bowl XXXII when John Elway’s team won its first title by beating Brett Favre’s guys at 31-24. This is another meeting which will be remembered as an emblem of Aaron Rodgers’ legacy and the beginning of the new era for Broncos. It’s indicative of how NFL storyline keeps changing every time as far as history goes, while suggesting that every game has an ability to rewrite everything.

One of the most compelling rivalries in the NFL is between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs transcends the typical NFL rivalry; it’s a saga that has etched itself into the annals of football history. The 49ers’ quest for redemption against the Chiefs is not just about settling scores; it’s about reclaiming their place in the pantheon of NFL greatness.

The heartbreak of Super Bowl LIV, where the 49ers fell to the Chiefs in a stunning 31-20 defeat, still echoes in the halls of Levi’s Stadium. It was a game of inches and seconds, a battle that saw the 49ers leading until the Chiefs’ fourth-quarter surge changed the narrative.

Fast forward to 2024, and the 49ers are presented with a golden opportunity to rewrite the script. Week 7’s matchup at Levi’s Stadium isn’t just another game on the schedule; it’s a chance for the 49ers to showcase their resilience and fortitude and to prove wrong Mahomes “never underdogs” label after last year win against 49ers.

All these storied rivalries embody that unpredictable spirit fans love, dreaming of glory despite heartbreak. But not all the teams are getting a shot at redemption.

10 Franchises left yearning for Super Bowl redemption in the NFL Schedule 2024

Amidst the disregarded ranks stand perennial contenders such as the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills. The Bengals’ unforeseen ascents to the Super Bowl in 2021 and 2022, orchestrated by the youthful trio of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, have ignited a fervent desire to surmount obstacles and seize their inaugural Lombardi Trophy. In contrast, the Bills, despite flaunting one of the NFL’s most formidable offenses spearheaded by Josh Allen, have endured consecutive heartbreaking defeats in the grand finale and persist in their quest for the elusive Super Bowl championship. Other teams that don’t have a rematch are Chargers, Cardinals, New Orleans Saints. Cleveland Browns, Texans, Jaguars, Titans, and Lions.

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In the NFL, exclusion fuels a fire. The Bengals and Bills, snubbed last season, are hungry for a comeback. “It’s all about resilience,” says ESPN’s analyst, noting the Bengals’ strategic draft picks and free agency moves. The Bills, praised for their “exceptional play” despite setbacks, are determined to leverage their offensive line and star receiver duo. Both teams are crafting their 2024 narratives, turning past disappointments into a relentless drive for victory. As one coach put it, “Every game is a step towards that Lombardi Trophy.”

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The NFL’s 2024 schedule is a testament to the league’s global reach, with games set to unfold in international arenas. Fans around the world will witness the Packers and Eagles kick off their season in São Paulo, Brazil, marking the NFL’s first game in South America. It’s a testament to the game’s growing international fanbase and the league’s commitment to bringing the thrill of American football to new shores.

The 2024 NFL schedule is a masterpiece crafted by Commissioner Roger Goodell, showcasing a blend of historical rematches and contemporary showdowns. This intricate design forms a mosaic of football excellence that spans across time, featuring classic duels like Cowboys-Steelers and modern battles such as Chiefs-49ers. Each game is a thread in the NFL’s rich tapestry, with teams seeking vindication and creating indelible instances that birth legends and sustain timeless rivalries.