NFL

Top TEN games of the 2024 NFL season

Ranking the games that defined the 2024 NFL season.

Published by
Millie Lembke

With Super Bowl LIX ending in a dominant 40-22 victory for the Eagles over the Chiefs, the season's biggest game fell short of delivering the excitement fans had hoped for. 

Instead, here are our 10 best games of the 2024 NFL season - matchups that are well worth watching all over again.

Chiefs vs Ravens (27-20)

September 6

The season opener at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs unveiled their Super Bowl banners, kicked off in predictably thrilling fashion.

Dubbed the "Toe Game," Lamar Jackson's last-minute drive to tie the game was cut short when Isaiah Likely's toe narrowly crossed the sideline, sealing a dramatic win for Kansas City.

Vikings vs 49ers (23-17)

September 16

By just the second week of the season, this game offered an early glimpse into the unpredictable trajectories of both teams.

Sam Darnold surprisingly stepped up as the Vikings' quarterback, connecting with Justin Jefferson for a stunning 97-yard touchdown.

Meanwhile, the 49ers made it clear that without injured running back Christian McCaffrey, replicating the heights of last year's Super Bowl run would be unlikely.

Falcons vs Buccaneers (36-30)

October 4

While Kirk Cousins didn't quite live up to expectations in his new role with the Falcons this year, his game against the Buccaneers was a reminder that he still had plenty left in the tank.

Threading tight-window throws with precision, Cousins racked up a career-high 509 yards - just 45 short of the all-time quarterback record.

Going to overtime, he sealed the victory with a clutch game-winning touchdown pass to KhaDarel Hodge.

Bengals vs Ravens (28-41)

October 7

Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow's two clashes this season were undeniable MVP-calibre showdowns.

In their first meeting, Burrow lit up the scoreboard with five touchdowns on the road, only for Jackson to steal the spotlight by erasing three separate 10-point deficits to secure the win.

Their Week 9 rematch, worthy of its own spot on this list, saw Jackson rally once again - this time overcoming a 21-7 third-quarter deficit to lead the Ravens to another victory.

Jets vs Bills (20-23)

October 15

While the Jets' pre-season hype - fueled by hopes of Aaron Rodgers' first healthy season in New York - ultimately fell short, this game against the Bills offered a glimpse of what could have been.

On the final play of the first half, Rodgers delivered a vintage 52-yard Hail Mary caught by Allen Lazard.

However, the team's first game after firing head coach Robert Saleh didn't end in victory, as the Bills edged them out with a game-winning field goal.

Commanders vs Bears (18-15)

October 28

The "Hail Maryland" game cemented rookie Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels as the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year by just Week 8.

In a showdown of the rookies, first-overall pick Caleb Williams also put in a stellar quarterback performance for the Bears.

Daniels' defining moment came with a throw from his own 35-yard line, connecting with Noah Brown for the NFL's first successful Hail Mary in the final 10 seconds of a game in four years.

The play not only secured a dramatic victory but also earned 2024 NFL Moment of the Year honours at the NFL Honors ceremony.

Browns vs Ravens (29-24)

October 28

The unpredictability of divisional matchups was on full display in Jameis Winston's first start for the Cleveland Browns.

Stepping in for the injured Deshaun Watson, Winston outshined reigning MVP Lamar Jackson in a shocking upset.

In a clash between one of the league's best teams and one of its worst, Winston delivered a clutch game-winning touchdown pass to Cedric Tillman Jr. with just 59 seconds remaining, securing a result no one saw coming.

Packers vs Lions (14-24)

November 4

With their trick plays and fun celebrations, the Detroit Lions were one of the most entertaining teams to watch all season. 

Played in relentless rain, the Lions' first matchup against divisional rivals, the Green Bay Packers, was memorable not just for the action on the field but also for the viral moment when Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn struggled to see through his rain-soaked glasses.

On the field, a few costly mistakes by Jordan Love proved decisive, as the Lions secured a 10-point win and reinforced their position as the new kings of the NFC North.

Lions vs Commanders (31-45)

January 19

After a magical regular-season run, the Detroit Lions' dream came crashing down in the NFC Divisional Playoff round, as the top seed fell to the Washington Commanders in a stunning 35-31 upset.

Depending on your perspective, it was either devastation or celebration.

The Lions' collapse was fueled by a disastrous five-turnover performance, with Jared Goff faltering under pressure.

On the other side, rookie Jayden Daniels rose to the occasion, delivering a breakout performance that made this the most unpredictable game of the playoffs.

Bills vs Chiefs (29-32)

January 27

The playoffs didn't deliver many history-making moments, but the most nail-biting, playoff-style showdown came in classic fashion with yet another Bills vs. Chiefs clash in the AFC Championship.

With many believing this could finally be the Bills' year, the Chiefs reignited the spark fans expected to carry over to the Super Bowl, edging out Buffalo with a game-winning drive led by Patrick Mahomes in the final minutes.

Published by
Millie Lembke