Now that the NFL schedule has been set for all 32 teams, it’s time to take a closer look at the top “revenge games” on this year’s calendar as the upcoming season quickly approaches. This year’s offseason was a wild one, featuring a variety of trades & free agent signings that shook the NFL landscape to it’s very core. All of this activity means that plenty of players will be experiencing a homecoming of sorts, returning to face their old team on the road or at home. We’ve seen plenty of examples of great revenge games in recent memory, from Tom Brady winning at Foxborough in 2021 to Steve Smith dismantling the Panthers in Baltimore in 2014. It’s always fun to watch how these games unfold, so without further ado, let’s announce the list.
Von Miller @ LAR (NFL kickoff game)
We’ve got a revenge game right off the bat as the Bills will battle the Rams in primetime. It’s difficult to imagine Miller having any hard feelings towards the Rams after they made a midseason trade for him & proceeded to win the Super Bowl with him anchoring their defense. That said, these types of games are always personal & Miller must prove himself on a new team. A huge win over the Super Bowl champions would allow Miller to feel right at home in Buffalo.
Russell Wilson @ SEA (MNF Week 1)
The NFL schedulemakers absolutely nailed the timing of this game, as Russ’ trade from the Seahawks to the Broncos was one of the most talked about storylines of the 2022 offseason. Now we’ll get to watch Russ cook against his former team in primetime at his old home stadium. Russ might have some hard feelings towards his former team too, after they repeatedly failed to deliver him an effective offensive line & after they didn’t allow him to influence roster decisions. No doubt about it, this Monday Night Football game is an absolute must watch for football fans.
Chandler Jones vs. ARI (Week 2)
Jones will clearly be looking for revenge in this game against his former team, as he was unhappy with his Cardinals contract last offseason & desired an extension that he never received. Josh McDaniels, who was the offensive coordinator for the Patriots when Jones played there, wisely gave Jones a 3-year deal to help instill the Patriot Way culture in their new environment. That move could pay immediate dividends, and it starts in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals. I’m predicting at least three sacks and a forced fumble for Jones here in this all-important game.
Wentz vs. PHI, @ IND (Weeks 3 & 8)
Wentz gets to face both of his former teams in the Eagles & the Colts this coming season. We’ll begin by discussing the Eagles game, as this one doubles as a divisional contest as well. The spotlight will be on Wentz to perform well under pressure here, will he rise to the challenge? Clearly the Colts didn’t think Wentz rose to those expectations as often as possible, as the team’s owner ripped him for failure in several key areas while serving as the team’s starting QB in ’21. If that’s not motivation enough for Wentz to go out & deliver a big game, I’m not sure what is.
Bobby Wagner vs. SEA (Week 13)
Similar to the way in which Wentz gets two revenge games this year, Wagner will also receive two revenge games given the fact that he signed with a division rival of his former team. There was reportedly some miscommunication between Wagner & the ‘Hawks about his release. Wagner promised that “it won’t be a quiet game” in reference to facing off against the Seahawks. Add all of this up, and it’s clear that we should be in for a big game from the All-Pro linebacker.
Deshaun Watson vs. HOU (Week 13)
This one is obviously conditional, as Watson still faces a decision on his legal situation. Watson could play against the Texans in Week 13 should his legal situation allow him to do so. He would surely carve up their defense, as Watson’s tenure with the Texans was rocky at best. It’s also possible that the Browns (and perhaps the Texans) could be fighting for a playoff spot. Should both teams remain competitive to this point in the year, this game becomes must-see TV.