The NFL delivers must-watch games every week, but there are those that stand out from the rest. These powerhouse teams collide in a matchup packed with playoff implications, star performances, and strategic battles. Did the elite defense hold up against a high-powered offense? Did the quarterbacks step up in crunch time?
These matchups highlighted battle in the trenches, a star-studded receiving corps, and a coaching chess match that could decide everything. With momentum and bragging rights on the line, these games promise drama until the final whistle.
So, let’s dive into the top 5 biggest matchups of the 2024-25 season to get a better recap of the past season.
Chiefs 27, Ravens 20 (Week 1, September 6, 2024)
The Kansas City Chiefs opened the 2024-25 NFL season with a 27-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium. Patrick Mahomes led the way, finishing 18-of-26 for 279 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Despite three dropped passes, he controlled the game and kept the Chiefs’ offense ahead.
Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal was the game’s standout performer, making key plays on defense. He recorded two run stops, one for no gain, and delivered pressure on the Ravens’ passing game, helping limit Baltimore’s offense.
Though Lamar Jackson and the Ravens had moments of brilliance, Kansas City’s defense held strong in the final moments. This win reinforced the Chiefs’ dominance as they aimed for another Super Bowl run.
For fans that tracked the Odds football at that time, the game had provided insight into how both teams could perform in their other games within the season.
Ravens 35, Bengals 34 (Week 9, November 7, 2024)
Faced with a 21-7 third-quarter deficit, Lamar Jackson led the Baltimore Ravens to a stunning 35-34 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson threw three fourth-quarter touchdown passes, including a game-winning 5-yard toss to Rashod Bateman with under two minutes left.
Despite Ja’Marr Chase’s 264-yard, three-touchdown performance, the Ravens’ defense made the decisive stop on a Bengals two-point conversion attempt, securing the win.
Jackson finished with 290 yards and four touchdowns, while Joe Burrow threw for 428 yards and four scores. Baltimore dominated the fourth quarter, gaining 231 of their 389 total yards. Baltimore improved to 7-3 with the win, strengthening their hold on the AFC playoff race. Cincinnati (4-6) faced an uphill battle.
This high-stakes showdown was a testament to Jackson’s leadership and clutch play, thus keeping the Ravens among the top contenders.
Lions 34, Packers 31 (Week 14, December 5, 2024)
The Green Bay Packers suffered a heartbreaking 34-31 loss to the Detroit Lions on a last-second 35-yard field goal by Jake Bates. Despite Josh Jacobs’ three rushing touchdowns, the Packers couldn’t hold off Jared Goff and the surging Lions, who extended their winning streak to 11 games.
Goff led the Lions’ offense, completing 32 passes and exposing Green Bay’s defense with screens and dig routes. Jordan Love struggled early but found his rhythm in the second half, finishing with 206 passing yards, one touchdown, and a 111.7 passer rating.
A critical moment came when David Montgomery converted a gutsy fourth-down call, setting up the game-winning kick. The Lions’ efficiency on fourth downs (4-for-5) proved to be the difference.
As the Packers (9-4) fell behind in the NFC North race, many anticipated the upcoming games, hoping to see how the team would have bounced back in the playoff hunt. NFL Matchups on FanDuel conveys the same tension, with fans eagerly keeping up with the fate of their favorite teams and future games.
Ravens 41, Bengals 38 (Week 5, October 6, 2024)
The Baltimore Ravens secured a 41-38 overtime victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5, thanks to Justin Tucker’s 24-yard game-winning field goal.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with Lamar Jackson leading the Ravens to victory despite Joe Burrow’s career-high five touchdown passes. Derrick Henry’s 51-yard run in overtime set up the final score after the Bengals missed a 53-yard field goal on their first possession.
Ja’Marr Chase was unstoppable, catching 10 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns, earning Player of the Game honors. He consistently made big plays, including 96 yards after the catch.
Lions 31, Vikings 29 (Week 7, October 2o, 2024)
The Detroit Lions handed the Minnesota Vikings their first loss of the 2024-25 season, securing a 31-29 victory with Jake Bates’ 44-yard field goal in the final seconds.
Jared Goff led the way, completing 22-of-25 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns, while Sam Darnold threw for 259 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Both quarterbacks made clutch plays in a back-and-forth battle.
Lions safety Brian Branch earned Player of the Game honors, recording an interception, a pass breakup, and a key run stop despite allowing three catches.
NFL’s Biggest Battles: Defining Moments of 2024-25
Last season’s top matchups delivered thrilling finishes, MVP-worthy performances, and playoff-shifting moments. From Mahomes’ dominance to Jackson’s comebacks and Goff’s clutch drives, every game shaped the race for the Super Bowl. With the new season approaching, these battles prove one thing—only the toughest teams will survive when it matters most.
