Breaking Down the NFL’s Biggest Rivalries & How to Approach Betting on Rivalry Games
Written by: Eddie Griffin
Published: Wed Sep 23, 2026, 11:28 am ET
Read Time: 17 minutes
NFL rivalries can add another dimension to games that already carry significant betting interest. Some are built on decades of divisional meetings and regional dislike. Others have developed through memorable playoff games, championship battles, or periods when two contenders repeatedly stood in each other's way.
But a rivalry isn't a betting strategy. The fact that two NFL teams dislike each other doesn't automatically mean the game will be close, low-scoring, physical, or unpredictable. Rivalry history can provide useful context, but current team quality, matchups, and other factors should still drive how you handicap an NFL game.
This guide looks at some of the biggest NFL rivalries, what can make rivalry games unique, and how bettors can account for rivalry context without giving it more weight than it deserves.
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What Are the Biggest NFL Rivalries?
There is no official ranking of the NFL's biggest rivalries, and sharing a division doesn't automatically make two teams major rivals. Some divisional matchups carry far more history, hostility, and significance than others.
The rivalries below stand out through some combination of longevity, memorable games, fan animosity, regional connections, high-stakes meetings, and continued relevance. Some have existed for generations and stand as some of the biggest rivalries in sports, while others became prominent much more recently.
Biggest NFL Rivalries
From historic divisional battles to rivalries forged through championship and playoff meetings, these matchups have become some of the NFL's most recognizable. Each has developed its own history and identity, and many continue to produce highly anticipated games whenever the teams meet.
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
Few NFL rivalries can match the history of Packers-Bears. The teams first met in 1921 and have spent generations competing for division titles, championships, and bragging rights in two of the league's most established football markets.
The rivalry between the Packers and Bears has survived countless changes to the NFL while remaining one of its most recognizable matchups. Even when one team has a clear advantage on the field, the history between Green Bay and Chicago gives their meetings additional significance.
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings didn't enter the NFL until 1961, but it didn't take long for Minnesota and Green Bay to develop one of the league's fiercest divisional rivalries.
Geography and repeated competition for division supremacy have helped fuel it, but fan hostility is an equally important part of the equation. Packers-Vikings may not have the longevity of Packers-Bears, but the dislike between the teams and fanbases gives it a distinct identity.
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions
Packers-Lions has roots stretching back to the early years of the NFL, with the franchises sharing a division since the 1930s. Decades of regular meetings have created familiarity and plenty of dislike between the fanbases.
Detroit's return to contention has added renewed importance to the matchup. With both franchises capable of competing for the NFC North, the rivalry combines extensive history with meaningful present-day stakes.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Steelers-Ravens is much younger than many of the rivalries on this list, but it didn't need a century to become one of the NFL's most intense.
Since Baltimore began play in 1996, the Steelers and Ravens have repeatedly battled for AFC North titles and playoff positioning. Years of physical games and periods when both teams ranked among the AFC's leading contenders turned divisional familiarity into genuine animosity.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Cowboys-Eagles combines decades of NFC East competition with two fanbases that don't need much encouragement to dislike each other.
Dallas' enormous national profile adds another layer. Cowboys games already attract significant attention, but trips to Philadelphia bring one of the NFL's most hostile divisional relationships into the equation. The rivalry can retain its intensity even when the standings don't give the matchup major postseason implications.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
The Cowboys and Commanders have been division opponents since the Cowboys entered the NFL in 1960. The rivalry became particularly significant during eras when both franchises regularly competed for championships.
The balance of power has changed many times since then, but the history hasn't disappeared. Generations of meetings and memorable games have kept Cowboys-Commanders among the NFL's traditional rivalries, with plenty of fan animosity along the way.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Chiefs-Raiders stretches back to the AFL and has survived the Raiders' moves from Oakland to Los Angeles, back to Oakland, and eventually to Las Vegas.
What hasn't changed is the relationship between the franchises. Decades of AFC West meetings between the Chiefs and Raiders have created one of the league's most enduring forms of divisional hostility. Competitive balance can fluctuate, but there is little ambiguity about how these teams and their fanbases view one another.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
The 49ers and Rams have shared a division across different eras and even different home cities. Their California connection provides another ingredient to a rivalry already built on decades of regular meetings.
Periods when both teams have been contenders have repeatedly raised the stakes. The modern era has produced meaningful divisional and postseason meetings, ensuring that 49ers-Rams remains relevant rather than merely historical.
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles
New York and Philadelphia don't need football to have a sports rivalry, but Giants-Eagles gives the two cities one of their longest-running battlegrounds.
The Giants and Eagles first played in 1933 and have spent generations as division opponents. Memorable finishes and important late-season games have helped the rivalry persist through changing players, coaches, and competitive cycles. The fan hostility hasn't hurt either.
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
Patriots-Jets hasn't always been competitive on the field, particularly during New England's long period of dominance. But competitiveness is only part of what has sustained the rivalry.
The broader Boston-New York sports dynamic provides a natural foundation for the rivalry between the Patriots and Jets, while decades of AFC East meetings have supplied plenty of football-specific history. Coaching moves, personnel connections, memorable games, and controversies have added even more fuel over the years.
Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers
Cowboys-49ers shows that teams don't have to share a division to become major rivals. Much of this rivalry was forged in the NFL playoffs, when the stakes were at their highest.
Dallas and San Francisco repeatedly met during championship runs, with their postseason battles in the 1970s and 1990s becoming important chapters in NFL history. Renewed playoff meetings in the 2020s gave another generation of fans a reason to care about the matchup.
New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons
Saints-Falcons doesn't always receive the national attention of Cowboys-Eagles or Packers-Bears, but that shouldn't be confused with a lack of intensity.
New Orleans and Atlanta have been division rivals for decades, and the regional connection has helped create genuine hostility between their fanbases. For Saints and Falcons supporters, beating the other team can carry significance regardless of where either sits in the standings.
Other Notable NFL Rivalries
Limiting any list to 12 leaves out meaningful rivalries. Some of the following matchups have extensive divisional histories, while others were built through memorable postseason meetings or periods of sustained contention.
| Rivalry | What Defines It |
| Steelers vs. Bengals | AFC North familiarity and significant modern-era animosity |
| Steelers vs. Browns | Generations of history and a strong regional connection |
| Broncos vs. Raiders | Longstanding AFC West hostility dating to the AFL |
| Bills vs. Dolphins | Decades of AFC East history and periods of intense competition |
| 49ers vs. Seahawks | NFC West rivalry fueled by an especially heated period in the 2010s |
| Cowboys vs. Giants | Longstanding NFC East rivalry between two high-profile franchises |
| Packers vs. Cowboys | Memorable postseason meetings spanning multiple generations |
| Chiefs vs. Bills | Modern AFC rivalry built through repeated high-stakes games |
| Steelers vs. Raiders | Historic AFC rivalry with famous postseason battles |
| Steelers vs. Cowboys | Rarely played rivalry highlighted by three Super Bowl meetings |
| Packers vs. 49ers | Extensive playoff history between successful NFC franchises |
| Chargers vs. Raiders | Longstanding AFC West hostility with memorable games across eras |
When Do the NFL's Biggest Rivals Face Off This Season?
The 2026 NFL season features plenty of opportunities for fans and bettors to enjoy some of the league's most recognizable rivalries. From longstanding divisional battles to matchups involving teams with extensive postseason histories, rivalry games are spread throughout the regular season.
Some of these games will receive national television or exclusive streaming coverage, while others will be part of the regular Sunday afternoon schedule on CBS or FOX. Several notable matchups are also scheduled for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the final weeks of the regular season.
2026 Schedule, Results, and Broadcast Information for NFL Rivalry Matchups
The table below includes all 2026 season matchups involving the rivalries highlighted in this guide, along with their scheduled dates, kickoff times, and U.S. broadcast information. All dates and times are listed in Eastern Time (ET).
September 2026
| Date | Week | Matchup | Kickoff (ET) | TV/Streaming | Results |
| Sept. 10 | 1 | San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams | 8:35 p.m. | Netflix | 49ers 27, Rams 7 |
| Sept. 13 | 1 | Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings | 4:25 p.m. | CBS | Vikings 39, Packers 22 |
| Sept. 13 | 1 | Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants | 8:20 p.m. | NBC | Giants 28, Cowboys 20 |
| Sept. 20 | 2 | Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers | 4:05 p.m. | CBS | Raiders 26, Chargers 14 |
| Sept. 20 | 2 | Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys | 4:25 p.m. | FOX | Cowboys 37, Commanders 20 |
| Sept. 27 | 3 | Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | — |
October 2026
| Date | Week | Matchup | Kickoff (ET) | TV/Streaming | Results |
| Oct. 1 | 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns | 8:15 p.m. | Prime Video | — |
| Oct. 4 | 4 | Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders | 4:25 p.m. | CBS | — |
| Oct. 5 | 4 | Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN | — |
| Oct. 11 | 5 | Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers | 4:25 p.m. | FOX | — |
| Oct. 11 | 5 | San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks | 4:25 p.m. | FOX | — |
| Oct. 18 | 6 | New York Jets at New England Patriots | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | — |
| Oct. 18 | 6 | Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers | 8:20 p.m. | NBC | — |
| Oct. 25 | 7 | Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions | 4:25 p.m. | FOX | — |
| Oct. 26 | 7 | Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN/ABC | — |
November 2026
| Date | Week | Matchup | Kickoff (ET) | TV/Streaming | Results |
| Nov. 1 | 8 | Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | — |
| Nov. 8 | 9 | New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles | 1:00 p.m. | FOX | — |
| Nov. 15 | 10 | Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers | 1:00 p.m. | FOX | — |
| Nov. 15 | 10 | San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys | 4:25 p.m. | FOX | — |
| Nov. 15 | 10 | Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals | 8:20 p.m. | NBC | — |
| Nov. 22 | 11 | Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills | 1:00 p.m. | FOX | — |
| Nov. 22 | 11 | Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos | 4:25 p.m. | CBS | — |
| Nov. 26 | 12 | Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys | 4:30 p.m. | FOX | — |
| Nov. 26 | 12 | Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills | 8:20 p.m. | NBC | — |
| Nov. 29 | 12 | Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers | 4:25 p.m. | FOX | — |
December 2026
| Date | Week | Matchup | Kickoff (ET) | TV/Streaming | Results |
| Dec. 13 | 14 | Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders | 4:05 p.m. | CBS | — |
| Dec. 13 | 14 | Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers | 4:25 p.m. | FOX | — |
| Dec. 20 | 15 | Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | — |
| Dec. 20 | 15 | Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders | 4:25 p.m. | CBS | — |
| Dec. 25 | 16 | Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears | 1:00 p.m. | Netflix | — |
| Dec. 27 | 16 | New England Patriots at New York Jets | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | — |
January 2027
| Date | Week | Matchup | Kickoff (ET) | TV/Streaming | Results |
| Jan. 3 | 17 | New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons | 1:00 p.m. | FOX | — |
| Jan. 3 | 17 | New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys | 1:00 p.m. | FOX | — |
| Jan. 3 | 17 | Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | — |
| Jan. 9–10 | 18 | Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers | TBD | TBD | — |
| Jan. 9–10 | 18 | Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens | TBD | TBD | — |
| Jan. 9–10 | 18 | Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders | TBD | TBD | — |
| Jan. 9–10 | 18 | Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs | TBD | TBD | — |
| Jan. 9–10 | 18 | Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants | TBD | TBD | — |
All kickoff times are Eastern Time (ET). Results will be updated throughout the 2026 NFL season. Dates, kickoff times, and broadcast assignments are subject to change. Week 18 scheduling and broadcast information will be finalized following Week 17.
What Makes NFL Rivalry Games Unique?
Rivalry games aren't governed by different rules, and bettors shouldn't assume they will automatically play out differently from other NFL matchups. However, several characteristics can give these games a different context.
Familiarity is one of the biggest. Division rivals meet twice during the regular season, so coaches and players can become highly familiar with an opponent's personnel, schemes, and tendencies. A second meeting also gives both teams a recent game to study. However, injuries, lineup changes, and tactical adjustments can make the rematch substantially different.
The NFL standings can add another dimension. Divisional games can affect division records and tiebreakers while also carrying implications for playoff positioning or qualification. Where a rivalry game falls on the NFL schedule can therefore be important, particularly when two teams meet late in the season with significant divisional or playoff stakes.
Emotion and history are part of the equation as well. Players, coaches, and fans can attach additional importance to certain games, especially after a recent controversy or painful loss. But emotion is difficult to quantify and shouldn't become a substitute for analyzing the matchup itself.
Not every rivalry game will contain all of these elements. A historic rivalry between struggling teams can have a very different betting context from a late-season meeting between division rivals fighting for a playoff spot.
How to Handicap NFL Rivalry Games
Handicapping a rivalry game should begin in much the same way as handicapping any other NFL game. Start with the current teams rather than the history between their logos.
Evaluate how the teams match up on offense, defense, and special teams. Consider injuries and personnel availability along with recent performance and coaching tendencies. Schedule position, rest, travel, and home-field advantage can also matter.
Previous meetings can be useful, particularly when division opponents are meeting for the second time in a season. Look at what worked in the first matchup and where each team struggled, then consider what has changed since. A different starting quarterback, injuries along the offensive line, or a tactical adjustment can make the previous result much less relevant.
Historical head-to-head records require more caution. Results from several years ago may involve different quarterbacks, coaches, schemes, and supporting personnel. The same caution should apply when evaluating betting trends and statistical splits involving rivalry games.
Knowing that one franchise has traditionally struggled against another can provide context, but it doesn't automatically explain what should happen in the next meeting.
The same applies to common rivalry narratives. Statements such as "throw out the records" or "rivalry games are always close" can sound persuasive because memorable close games are easy to recall. They aren't reasons to ignore current evidence.
Rivalry games may also affect how you work through your weekly NFL betting checklist relative to other games on the slate. A recent meeting may give you additional matchup information to review, while a late-season divisional game can place greater importance on standings, tiebreakers, and playoff implications.
Ultimately, determine whether the rivalry creates circumstances that actually matter to the matchup. Familiarity, a recent meeting, playoff stakes, or unusual scheduling circumstances can all be relevant. The rivalry label by itself isn't.
How Should You Approach Betting on NFL Rivalry Games?
The best approach is to treat the rivalry as context rather than a reason to place a bet.
Keep the Rivalry in Context
There is no need to automatically favor an underdog because "anything can happen in a rivalry game." The same goes for blindly betting an under because you expect a physical defensive battle or backing a favorite because one team has historically dominated the series.
Rivalry games can be particularly challenging when you have an emotional connection to one of the teams. If you are betting on your favorite team, make sure the rivalry isn't giving you another reason to see the matchup through the outcome you want rather than the evidence in front of you.
Instead, determine whether the circumstances associated with the rivalry strengthen or weaken the case you already have. A recent meeting can provide useful information about the matchup, while a late-season rivalry game may carry divisional or playoff implications. Those are tangible circumstances to evaluate rather than assumptions based on the rivalry itself.
This is one reason why it is important to know how to evaluate the NFL schedule and identify favorable betting spots. You may have bet on a rivalry matchup in Week 10 and come out a winner, but the rematch in Week 18 may profile as a spot to either avoid or bet differently than the first meeting because one team is locked into the postseason and resting starters while the other is trying to secure a playoff spot.
Choose the Right Betting Market
What you uncover while handicapping the game can help determine which betting markets deserve your attention. When betting NFL point spreads, familiarity between the teams or what happened in a previous meeting may affect how you evaluate the number. But the spread isn't necessarily the only way to bet on what your research uncovered.
NFL prop betting can provide more targeted opportunities involving particular aspects of the matchup. Depending on what stands out, that could mean focusing on prop bets rather than a wager on which team will cover.
The same principle applies to other available markets. Start with what your research tells you about the game, then determine whether there is a bet that reflects it. Don't choose the market first and search for a rivalry angle to justify it.
Don't Force a Rivalry Angle
Bettors should separate memorable history from relevant history. A famous playoff game from 20 years ago may explain why fans care about a rivalry, but it usually tells you very little about the current moneyline, point spread, total, or other betting opportunities.
When you place your wager can matter too, but rivalry status doesn't fundamentally change when to place your bets. Waiting may provide additional information about the matchup, while betting earlier may allow you to secure a number you prefer before it changes.
Most importantly, don't feel obligated to find a "rivalry angle." Sometimes the most useful conclusion is that the rivalry adds little to the handicap. If the current matchup doesn't provide a betting opportunity you like, the history between the teams isn't a reason to manufacture one.
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