Shove It, Score It, Settle It: 10 NFL Revenge Games to Watch in 2025
Quick List: 10 NFL Grudge Matches to Watch in 2025
Eagles at Packers (Week 10, MNF) – The Tush Push revenge game
Bears at Commanders (Week 6, MNF) – Hail Mary hangover rematch
Patriots at Titans (Week 7) – Mike Vrabel faces his former team
Seahawks at Vikings (Week 13) – Sam Darnold’s return to Minnesota
Packers at Steelers (Week 8) – Aaron Rodgers’ revenge game in Pittsburgh
Giants at Broncos (Week 7) – Russell Wilson’s Denver homecoming
Bears at Lions (Week 2) – Ben Johnson returns to Detroit
Steelers at Seahawks (Week 2) – DK Metcalf faces his old team
Steelers at Jets (Week 1) – Rodgers and Fields vs their former teams
Eagles at Chiefs (Week 2) – Super Bowl LIX rematch in Kansas City
When the Philadelphia Eagles travel to Green Bay for a Week 10 Monday Night Football matchup this fall, they’ll likely arrive bearing a unified team message for the Packers: shove it.
That’s because during the offseason, the powers that be in Green Bay sought out to ban what’s become the Eagles’ signature play over the last couple of years. The “Tush Push,” also known (in Philly, at least) as the “Brotherly Shove,” has emerged as a near-unstoppable force in the NFL, and the Packers had had enough.
So in February, the Green Bay huddled with other NFL owners to ask, “Is that a viable football play?”
For those who don’t know, the Tush Push is basically a quarterback sneak, but with a little added brutality from behind. Rather than just burrowing behind a pile of offensive linemen, this version of the sneak features one or more teammates — usually running backs and/or tight ends — lining up directly behind Eagles QB Jalen Hurts and physically pushing him forward.
A short-yardage play used to earn first downs and touchdowns, the Eagles boast an 87% conversion rate when using the Tush Push, which is 16% higher than any other NFL team. Against the Packers in last season’s NFL Wild Card game, the Eagles used this play just once — successfully, during a key fourth-quarter drive in what ended as a 22-10 victory.
Just a month later, the Packers would lead the charge to have this play banned league-wide, citing safety concerns and a desire for competitive fairness — an effort that fell short. A Philly victory, right?
Well yeah, but Philadelphia fans, players, and coaches aren’t exactly known for letting things go. And come Week 10 of this year, you can bet the cheese on your ribeye steak sando that the Eagles are going to find ways to use the Tush Push again — not because they need to, but because they can.
That simmering bitterness makes this year’s Eagles-Packers matchup one of the top revenge games to watch during the 2025 NFL season.
From playoff rematches to bad blood to players facing former teams, we’re counting down the 10 best grudge matchups on this year’s schedule — like the Packers-Eagles Monday Night Football game — while also highlighting the Fantasy Football implications that come with each of them.
10. Eagles at Packers (Week 10, MNF) – The Tush Push revenge game
As I pointed out above, the Eagles only ran the Tush Push once in last year’s playoff win over the Green Bay Packers. Just one time. That restraint probably won’t happen again.
With the Packers having tried (and failed) to ban the play this offseason, expect Philly to unleash it with petty precision — especially near the goal line, but perhaps even when it’s least expected. They may even come up with a new wrinkle or trick play based on the Tush Push just to keep the Packers guessing.
Fantasy Watch: For Fantasy Football managers … are any of you bold enough to bet that Jalen Hurts won’t score a rushing touchdown in this one? Maybe even two?
Short-yardage usage is his bread and butter, and with narrative fuel behind it, he might even call his own number more often than usual. Of course, you can also bet Saquon Barkley will get his touches and that Dallas Goedert may get in on some short-yardage action, too (remember to look for wrinkles), but this one feels like a Hurts revenge tour on legs.
Now, onto the rest of the revenge matchups...
9. Bears at Commanders (Week 6, MNF) – Hail Mary hangover rematch
The Bears didn’t just lose to the Washington Commanders last year. The game arguably broke Chicago’s season.
In a brutal Week 9 finish in 2024, Chicago’s secondary blew the coverage on a last-second Hail Mary heave from rookie QB Jayden Daniels, handing Washington an improbable walk-off victory that deflated the Bears locker room. After starting the season 4-3, the loss marked the start of a 10-game losing streak that led to the in-season firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus.
In contrast, the Commanders finished the season with a 12-5 record and went on to play in the NFC Championship game.
With a new coaching staff and second-year QB Caleb Williams under center, the Bears will return to the scene of the crime in 2025. They’ll do so not only hoping for payback, but also to win the second game of what could become the league’s newest quarterback rivalry between two players forever be linked in draft-day history.
Fantasy Watch: Both young quarterbacks can sling it and make plays with their legs, so expect plenty of fireworks — and possibly mistakes — as each tries to prove they’re the best QB from their draft class. If you’re in a 2-QB or Superflex league, both Williams and Daniels are playable.
Also, DJ Moore and Rome Odunze should benefit on the Bears side, while Terry McLaurin is always a deep threat to watch in big games. Also keep an eye on Deebo Samuel, also a dual threat to run or catch the ball.
8. Patriots at Titans (Week 7) – Mike Vrabel faces his former team
Mike Vrabel didn’t exactly leave Nashville with a fond farewell. After six seasons and a Coach of the Year award in 2021, the Titans fired Vrabel following the 2023 season, a move that raised eyebrows across the league.
Despite roster limitations and injury-plagued seasons, Vrabel was known as a gritty, no-excuses leader who squeezed maximum effort from his team. His firing left a bitter aftertaste not just for him, but for many Titans fans who respected his hard-nosed style and loyalty to the franchise.
Now in a new chapter with the New England Patriots — the team that drafted him as a player and shaped much of his football DNA — Vrabel gets a chance to face his old squad for the first time. And while he’ll probably say all the right things in press conferences, you can bet your novelty “Do Your Job” mug that this one means a little more.
Expect a fired-up Pats sideline, a laser-focused Vrabel, and maybe a few fourth-down gambles he saved just for this.
Fantasy Watch: This could be a low-scoring, physical affair with extra tension. Don’t expect a shootout, but do look for volume. The Patriots might lean heavily on their top running back — whether that’s Rhamondre Stevenson or Treveyon Henderson at this point is anyone’s guess — especially if Vrabel’s defensive game plan stifles the passing game.
For the Titans, a lot will depend on the development of rookie QB Cam Ward. While Tennessee’s running game will likely rely on split carries between Tyjae Spears and Tony Pallard, expect Ward to look for veteran WR Calvin Ridley make his job easier.
7. Seahawks at Vikings (Week 13) – Sam Darnold’s return to Minnesota
Sam Darnold played the hero in Minnesota last season. Following the injury of rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, Darnold led the Vikings to an 11–3 record, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and posting a stellar 66.2% completion rate.
Yet following the season, the Vikings still opted for youth over experience and let Darnold walk.
Now the ex-Viking is in Seattle, signed to a three-year, $100.5 million deal and firmly ensconced as the starter by coach Mike Macdonald. His mission for Week 13? Prove the Vikings made a mistake.
For the Vikings and McCarthy, this week is about closing the door on doubt. For Seattle, it’s personal redemption, and for Sam Darnold, a moment to show that he belongs.
Fantasy Watch: Darnold’s upside is tempting, but be cautious. While he put up big numbers in Minnesota, a new offensive scheme under coordinator Klint Kubiak and unfamiliar (but proven) weapons in Seattle like Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba mean projections could be volatile. Experts are labeling Darnold a possible fantasy bust, but if you're in a 2-QB or Superflex league, you might start him. Just treat him like a high-risk/high-reward player where the right matchups are key. This, unfortunately, isn’t expected to be a great matchup for the recent Pro Bowler.
6. Packers at Steelers (Week 8) – Aaron Rodgers’ revenge game in Pittsburgh
Aaron Rodgers may be done with Green Bay, but that doesn’t mean he’s done thinking about Green Bay.
In Week 8, the Packers travel to Pittsburgh to face their former franchise quarterback, now donning the black and gold of the Steelers. It’s the first time Rodgers will go head-to-head with his old team, and while the Packers are firmly in their post-Rodgers era, you can bet the future Hall of Famer still has a few notes pinned to his mental bulletin board.
From his draft-day fall in 2005 to any whisper of decline in the twilight of his career, Rodgers has always thrived on perceived slights. And though he’ll almost certainly enter Canton as a Packer, don’t expect him to let sentiment get in the way of a statement performance.
There may not be lingering bad blood between the two sides — just history, pride, and the kind of cool, calculated competitiveness that Rodgers has weaponized for two decades. Add in a packed home crowd at Acrisure Stadium, and this one’s got “revenge energy” written all over it.
Fantasy Watch: Rodgers may not be the fantasy juggernaut he once was, but he’s still a dangerous matchup play in two-QB or Superflex leagues — especially in a game with some enhanced motivation. With a strong supporting cast in Pittsburgh, including DK Metcalf, Rodgers could deliver a vintage stat line. If you’re someone who believes in the revenge game bump, this one’s circled.
5. Giants at Broncos (Week 7) – Russell Wilson’s Denver homecoming
Russell Wilson’s time in Denver didn’t just disappoint. It lingered like a thorn in a horse’s hoof.
After signing a marquee deal and basking in Broncos-themed hype with his viral “Broncos, let’s ride!” campaign, Wilson produced back-to-back losing seasons and left fans (and teammates) a little sour. He didn’t do much better last year with the Steelers despite being given the starting job over a younger Justin Fields.
Now in 2025, he’ll get his chance to face backlash from his Mile-High stint head-on when the New York Giants travel to Denver in Week 7. Despite his carefully crafted public persona, this has all the makings of a revenge game.
Wilson is a competitor, and turning perceived disrespect into fuel is part of the game — even if he’d never admit bitterness. Now under center wearing Giant blue, he’ll step into Empower Field to prove his time in the Broncos saddle was a fluke.
Denver, meanwhile, has moved forward with rookie QB Bo Nix, who led them to a 10–7 record and their first playoff berth since 2015. They're no doubt eager to show the Wilson Era was a blip and not a sign that the Broncos are struggling to enforce a winning culture.
Fantasy Watch: If Wilson stays the starter through the benching battles with Jaxson Dart or Jameis Winston, this is a high-reward stream for Superflex formats. He’s rediscovered chemistry in camp — especially with Malik Nabers — and a handful of big throws here could mean trouble for his old team. But tread carefully: fantasy managers who pick Wilson should be prepared for volatility.
4. Bears at Lions (Week 2) – Ben Johnson returns to Detroit
This one’s about returning fire, but with a twist. Detroit’s former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, was hired to be the quarterback whisperer and offensive savior in Chicago, and Week 2 will mark his first return to Ford Field as an NFC North rival head coach.
Johnson quickly became a legend in Motown, transforming the Lions into one of the league’s most explosive offenses. The team ranked top-five in scoring in each of his three seasons as coordinator, including No. 1 in 2024 with 33.2 points per game.
The Lions responded to Johnson’s exit by promoting from within, handing play-calling duties to John Morton. In the meantime, Chicago extended GM Ryan Poles and assembled a rebuild around Johnson, second-year QB Caleb Williams, and a wealth of new offensive talent.
This early-season rematch sets up a fascinating duel of systems and philosophies: Williams under the tutelage of Johnson versus the fresh identity the Lions built in his absence.
Fantasy Watch:
This is a marquee spot for both offense and quarterback upside. Williams should thrive in a creatively schemed attack with improved protection from new interior linemen like Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney, and Drew Dalman. Fantasy managers should gladly plug him in for his dual-threat potential, especially if the Bears lean on his legs in a creative scheme. Meanwhile, Detroit’s Jared Goff and his weapons remain elite options, so consider this game a potential shootout you’ll want your top pass-catchers and receivers (i.e., DJ Moore and Amon-Ra St. Brown) active for.
3. Steelers at Seahawks (Week 2) – DK Metcalf faces his old team
DK Metcalf might have said he felt like an outsider in Seattle, but when he steps onto the turf at Lumen Field in Week 2, he’ll be returning to one of the most familiar places of his career. He just won’t be there as a Seahawk, but a true outsider.
After five seasons, nearly 6,000 receiving yards, and a pretty lengthy highlight-reel, Metcalf requested a trade from Seattle this offseason — reportedly due to feeling disconnected from both the team and the culture. The front office granted his wish, dealing him to Pittsburgh.
The Steelers, in turn, instantly made him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league. Now, just two weeks into the 2025 season, he’ll face his old team in the stadium he once called home.
Whether he gets boos, cheers, or a mix of both, one thing’s for sure: he’ll want to make noise. Metcalf has never been shy about his confidence or his goals, and you can bet he’s had this date circled since the schedule dropped.
Fantasy Watch: Revenge games don’t always pan out, but this one could. Metcalf has a clear role in Pittsburgh’s offense, and if Aaron Rodgers is under center, this could be a high-target game for the Pro Bowl receiver. Expect at least one end-zone shot, a couple of sideline fades, and a ton of narrative heat. Regardless of the type of league you’re in, you’ll want Metcalf in your WR2 or flex spot.
2. Steelers at Jets (Week 1) – Rodgers and Fields vs their former teams
For both Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields, their Week 1 opener will be more than just a chance to shake off some rust. It’ll be a chance for each of them to make statements to their former teams.
Rodgers returns to MetLife Stadium in what he says may be the final season of his career. It’ll also be his first chance to face the New York Jets after a bumpy, injury-riddled stint. His time in green included a torn Achilles, locker-room dysfunction, and public frustration over the team’s direction.
Now wearing black and gold, Rodgers opens his potential farewell tour against the team that cut him loose. You can bet he’s got something special in mind for this one. But he won’t be the only QB with revenge on his mind.
On the other sideline, Justin Fields will be starting for the Jets against the team that benched him last season.
Fields filled in admirably for the Steelers while Russell Wilson recovered from injury, going 6–5 and flashing playmaking ability that surprised many. But the moment Wilson returned, Fields was relegated to the bench.
A free agent during the offseason, Fields signed with the Jets where he’s now battling for a long-term role as a franchise starter. Week 1 gives him a golden opportunity to show Pittsburgh — and everyone else — that they bet on the wrong guy.
Fantasy Watch: Narrative aside, this game has real fantasy juice. Fields’ dual-threat upside makes him a dangerous start in Superflex and 2-QB leagues — especially if the Jets lean into designed runs and let him play fast. Rodgers, meanwhile, could be a calculated risk: a low-end QB1 with DK Metcalf as his No. 1 weapon, facing a defense that knows Fields’ tendencies but may struggle with deep shots early in the year.
1. Eagles at Chiefs (Week 2) – Super Bowl LIX rematch in Kansas City
Week 2 delivers an almost cinematic narrative: the Philadelphia Eagles return to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs — just months after crushing them 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX.
Kansas City had been on the brink of history, chasing a three-peat. Instead, they were routed by one of the most dominant performances in modern championship history. Despite a regular-season record tied for the league best at 15–2, Mahomes and company looked flat on the biggest stage.
Needless to say, the Chiefs are coming off a bitter offseason reset. They've bolstered their offensive line, retained Travis Kelce, and prepared for Mahomes to shed the weight of last year’s disappointment. Expect Arrowhead to be rock-charged with vengeful energy. Meanwhile, the Eagles arrive as champions determined not to rest on past glory — fully aware how quickly halos fade in the NFL.
Fantasy Watch:
This one has shootout potential. Jalen Hurts showcased both passing and rushing prowess in the Super Bowl and should thrive in another high-tempo clash, especially with weapons like DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes may take fewer sacks this time with improved protection, making Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice must-start assets in tight-league formats.
Get Ready for a Season of Grudges (and Collectibles)
The 2025 NFL season is loaded with storylines that go beyond the scoreboard. From the Eagles’ Tush Push revenge tour in Green Bay to the Chiefs’ shot at redemption against Philly, these matchups carry the kind of emotion, history, and drama that make the NFL must-watch every week.
As fans, we live for these grudge games — the rivalries, the bad blood, the homecomings, and the playoff rematches. They’re the moments that define a season and give us storylines to talk about long after the final whistle.
And while you’re getting ready for kickoff, why not bring a piece of the game home with you? At Pristine Auction, you can find signed NFL jerseys, helmets, and memorabilia from the stars taking center stage in these very matchups. Whether you’re a collector or just want bragging rights in your fan cave, it’s the perfect way to gear up for a season packed with drama.
So draft your fantasy teams, circle the calendar for these grudge matches, and maybe snag some signed gear while you’re at it. Because in 2025, football isn’t just about who wins — it’s about the rivalries we’ll never forget.
