Thursday Night Lights: Ranking the Top 10 TNF Games of the Season

Paul Connor
Host · Writer
1) Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens (Week 10)
It doesn't get much better than a divisional clash between two of the league's elite signal callers. Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens host Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. This game, which will be the final regular-season meeting between the teams, should have significant playoff/tiebreaker implications.
10) Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints (Week 7)
Neither team is expected to be a playoff contender in 2024, but this game is about Denver head coach Sean Payton and his return to the Big Easy. Payton spent 15 highly successful years as New Orleans' head coach, guiding the Saints to the franchise's lone Super Bowl triumph in 2009 while posting a 152-89 (.631) regular season record. That's enough for me to tune in.
9) Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Week 13)
The second annual Black Friday game features AFC West combatants, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Kansas City Chiefs. What better way to reward yourself after a hard day of shopping than with a bit of pigskin?
8) San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (Week 6)
The Seahawks have lost five straight meetings against their NFC West rival. However, I'm curious about how Seattle performs in the Mike Macdonald era, particularly on defense. Remember, Macdonald forced 49ers QB Brock Purdy into four interceptions while serving as the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator last season.
7) Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams (Week 8)
Rams head coach Sean McVay welcomes his protege Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings to SoFi Stadium. O'Connell worked under McVay for two seasons, serving as LA's offensive coordinator before he was named Minnesota's head coach. On the field, fans will be treated to several talented wideouts, including the Vikings' Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and the Rams' Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, setting the stage for a potentially high-scoring affair.
6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons (Week 5)
This NFC South tilt comes early in the season, but it could be a statement win for the Bucs if they can knock off Kirk Cousins and the division-favorite Falcons.
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5) Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers (Week 15)
Might the NFC West come down to this one particular game? It's possible if the Rams take another step forward after last year's surprising postseason berth.
4) Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins (Week 2)
The TNF schedule kicks off as AFC East foes the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills battle it out. Rivalry aside, fans will be anxious to see how Josh Allen and company adjust to life without All-Pro wideout Stefon Diggs, who was dealt to the Houston Texans in the offseason. Miami's high-flying offense is also worth watching.
3) Houston Texans vs. New York Jets (Week 9)
C.J. Stroud and the Texans shocked many last season and are one of this year's preseason darlings, particularly after the addition of Stefon Diggs. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers will look to end Gang Green's 14-year playoff drought after his debut season in New York was wiped out by a torn Achilles. This contest will be critical to the AFC postseason picture if both teams perform to expectations.
2) Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions (Week 14)
This is a late-season meeting between two historic franchises that could have serious divisional ramifications. The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are expected to battle for NFC North supremacy.
1) Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens (Week 10)
It doesn't get much better than a divisional clash between two of the league's elite signal callers. Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens host Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. This game, which will be the final regular-season meeting between the teams, should have significant playoff/tiebreaker implications.
10) Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints (Week 7)
Neither team is expected to be a playoff contender in 2024, but this game is about Denver head coach Sean Payton and his return to the Big Easy. Payton spent 15 highly successful years as New Orleans' head coach, guiding the Saints to the franchise's lone Super Bowl triumph in 2009 while posting a 152-89 (.631) regular season record. That's enough for me to tune in.

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