As players change teams from year to year, from time to time the stars line up and their new team will square against their former team, resulting in what is commonly referred to as a “revenge game”. Not everyone believes in this phenomenon, but you have to believe these players come into the game with a chip on their shoulder. And when there’s added motivation to perform… good fantasy days can occur. Let's take a peek at the best revenge games of 2024.
Russell Wilson, Steelers vs Denver Broncos. Right off the bat we get a banger of a revenge game, as Russell Wilson looks to avenge his sour departure from the Broncos in Week 2. The Broncos defense allowed the 6th highest completion percentage , 5th most passing touchdowns and allowed 7.7 air yards per attempt, 4th most in the NFL in 2023. The Steelers offense has completely changed since last season, so it’s anyone’s guess as to what team will show up. One thing is for sure; Russell Wilson will be out to prove Sean Payton wrong for benching him in the thick of a playoff battle last season.
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings. Kirk Cousins returns to Minneapolis in Week 14, where he spent six seasons as their starting quarterback. The Vikings defense was night and day different under Brian Flores in 2023, but still surrendered an eye popping 70.3% completion percentage (most in the NFL) and the most completions in the NFL (426). As polite as Kirk is, there shouldn’t be any bad blood here; but rest assured Cousins will look to have a solid performance as this game most likely has playoff implications for the Falcons.
Saquon Barkley Philadelphia Eagles, vs New York Giants. The Giants didn’t intend for this revenge slate to happen, but in true Giants fashion they fumbled the negotiation process and watched Saquon stay within the division, signing Philadelphia. The Giants probably get to avoid Saquon twice, as they face the Eagles in Week 7 and 18. The Eagles may elect to rest Saquon in Week 18 if playoff seeding is secure. The 2023 Giants were gashed for 4.7 yards per carry (3rd most in the NFL) 24 rushing touchdowns allowed (tied for 2nd most) and the 132.4 yards a game, 4th worst in the league. Cross your fingers you do not play against Saquon Week 7. Or, highlight this game if you own him!
Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers. Aaron Jones entered his 7th NFL season fresh off of five straight top 10 finishes at the running back position. Jones battled injury early and often, and it looked as if time was up for the Packers star. But then in true Undertaker fashion, Jones shot up from the dead to reel off three incredible end of the season games ( 21 carries/127 yards, 20/120, 22/111) and continue his hot streak in the playoffs, totalling 218 yards and three rushing touchdowns in two games. The Packers however, decided to go in a different direction and sign former Raiders star Josh Jacobs, resulting in Jones signing with the division rival Minnesota Vikings. Jones’ revenge slate is Week 4 and 17 but with an offense in flux without knowing who will be the Vikings quarterback, the Vikings offense as a whole could be dreadful. In 2023 the Packers allowed the 5th most yards per game (128.3), 5th most yards (2181) and faced the 7th most rush attempts (493). Jones could have some room to run if the offense can mesh early.
Gus Edwards, JK Dobbins Los Angeles Chargers vs Baltimore Ravens: Two long standing members of the Ravens backfield are teammates now under the new Jim Harbaugh regime in Los Angeles. Gus and J.K travel to Baltimore in Week 12 for the “Harbaugh Bowl” against the traditionally sound Ravens defense. The Ravens defense allowed six rushing scores in ALL of 2023, however, the Ravens surprisingly allowed the 9th most yards per carry (4.5 yards per carry). There are sure to be some growing pains in the first year back in the NFL for Jim Harbaugh, but you can bet he has this game circled on his calendar already. Long time Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman is now calling the plays in Los Angeles; Gus, J.K and Roman just might have the answers to find running room against the Ravens.
Calvin Ridley Tennessee Titans, vs Jacksonville Jaguars: Calvin Ridley makes the list again this season, after signing with another AFC South team, the Tennessee Titans after one year in Jacksonville. He only spent one season there, so how much beef can there be? These two teams have aspirations of winning the division and meet TWICE in the last five games ( Week 14 and 17 ) which could turn up the temperature. The Titans are definitely a team in transition in the post Derrick Henry world; Will Levis will more than likely be looking to solidify himself in his sophomore season. The Jaguars allowed the 7th most yards receiving (4076), 7th most receiving touchdowns (27) and saw the 4th most pass attempts in the league (617) last year.
Jerry Jeudy, Browns vs Denver Broncos: It feels like now or never for Jerry Jeudy, as he has a fresh start in Cleveland after four underwhelming seasons in Denver. The former 15th overall pick hasnt finished better wr22 in his career and he's only hauled in eight touchdowns since 2020. Week 13 sends Cleveland out west to face the aforementioned questionable Broncos defense. It’s yet to be seen if Jeudy plays on the outside, or in the slot; Amari Cooper is a lock on one side, but where in the formation will Jeudy find a home? A healthy Deshawn Watson would be helpful too. Either way, Jeudy will be looking to make a statement against his former team.
Gabe Davis, Jacksonville Jaguars vs Buffalo Bills. Gabe Davis will be facing a familiar foe in Week 3 when he heads back to Buffalo to face the Bills. The boom or bust wideout is no more than a best-ball add due to his unpredictable usage. But does that change under Press Taylor in Jacksonville? Taylor’s offense has finished top 10 in attempts and yards in his two seasons in Jacksonville. The Bills passing defense was stingy last year, finishing with the fifth most interceptions(18), fifth lowest yards per catch (10.1) and 6th fewest yards allowed (3342).
Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles. Not much to be said here as the odds of Ertz being healthy in Week 11 and 16 are almost zero. Nothing more than a nice homecoming story for the once elite Tight End.
BONUS! COACH REVENGE GAME!
Sean Payton, Broncos vs New Orleans Saints. Emotions will be flying high as Sean Payton heads back to the Bayou as an opposition coach for the first time. The Broncos had a roller coaster 2023, giving
up 70 points to Miami in the midst of a 1-5 start and then recovered to beat the Packers, Chiefs Bills and Browns. The Broncos underwent a lot of changes this year; they’ll have a new quarterback in Bo Nix or Jarrett Stidham heading into a tough road environment.
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