Rivalry Week Chaos: Ranking the Biggest NFL Upsets of 2025
The air crackles with anticipation. The roar of the crowd is deafening. It’s Rivalry Week in the NFL, where long-standing feuds ignite and underdogs rise to topple giants. In 2025, the gridiron gods delivered a series of stunning upsets that left fans breathless and bookmakers bewildered. Just like Super Bowl III where Joe Namath guaranteed a Jets victory over the heavily favored Colts, or when the 7-9 Seahawks stunned the defending Super Bowl champion Saints, this year’s Rivalry Week will be etched in NFL history. Let’s dive into the heart of the chaos and rank the most significant upsets of the week.
5. Steelers Stun Ravens in AFC North Showdown
The Baltimore Ravens, led by the seemingly unstoppable Lamar Jackson, entered their rivalry week clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers as heavy favorites. The Steelers, however, had other plans. Rookie quarterback, Chad Reuter, playing in his first rivalry game, displayed poise beyond his years, leading the Steelers offense on multiple scoring drives.
The Steelers’ defense, often overshadowed by the Ravens’ high-powered offense, proved to be the difference-maker. T.J. Watt, with a performance reminiscent of his Defensive Player of the Year campaign, wreaked havoc in the Ravens’ backfield, sacking Jackson thrice and forcing a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter. Despite Derrick Henry’s strong performance, rushing for 1,900 yards this season, the Ravens couldn’t overcome the Steelers’ relentless pressure. A late field goal sealed the victory for Pittsburgh, silencing the Baltimore crowd and sending shockwaves through the AFC North.
4. Bears Maul Lions, Ben Johnson Gets Revenge
The Detroit Lions, coming off a stellar 15-2 season, were riding high, but their former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, now head coach of the Chicago Bears, had a trick or two up his sleeve. The Bears, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, orchestrated a stunning upset, defeating the Lions 30-17.
Johnson’s intimate knowledge of the Lions’ offensive schemes proved invaluable, as the Bears’ defense consistently anticipated and disrupted Detroit’s plays. Williams, showcasing the talent that made him the No. 1 overall pick, threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another, outdueling Lions quarterback Jared Goff. This victory not only gave the Bears bragging rights in the NFC North but also served as a sweet revenge for Johnson against his former team.
3. Commanders Shock Buccaneers, Daniels Delivers
The Washington Commanders, led by rising star quarterback Jayden Daniels, traveled to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers. The Commanders, who finished the regular season with the third-worst run defense, were expected to struggle against the Buccaneers’ potent rushing attack. However, Daniels had other plans.
Daniels, displaying the poise and playmaking ability that has made him a prime-time darling, led the Commanders’ offense with precision and flair. He threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket. The Commanders’ defense, despite their regular-season struggles, rose to the occasion, limiting the Buccaneers’ rushing attack and forcing key turnovers. The Commanders’ victory not only solidified their position in the NFC playoff picture but also established Daniels as a force to be reckoned with in the league.
2. Jaguars Upset Texans, Stroud Silenced
The Houston Texans, led by C.J. Stroud, were the darlings of the AFC South, but the Jacksonville Jaguars, eager to reclaim their dominance in the division, delivered a stunning blow. The Jaguars, fueled by a dominant defensive performance, defeated the Texans 24-10, silencing Stroud and the high-powered Houston offense.
The Jaguars’ defensive line, led by Travon Walker, pressured Stroud relentlessly, sacking him five times and forcing two interceptions. The Jaguars’ offense, led by Trevor Lawrence, capitalized on the Texans’ turnovers, scoring two quick touchdowns in the second quarter to take a commanding lead. This victory not only reignited the Jaguars’ playoff hopes but also raised questions about the Texans’ ability to contend for the AFC crown.
1. Broncos Dethrone Chiefs, Mahomes Magic Fails
In the most shocking upset of Rivalry Week, the Denver Broncos, led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 28-21. Patrick Mahomes, despite his regular season dominance over Josh Allen, had no answers for the Broncos’ aggressive defense and Nix’s efficient offense.
The Broncos’ defense, reminiscent of the unit that propelled them to a Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl 32 against the Packers, harassed Mahomes throughout the game, sacking him four times and forcing two crucial turnovers. Nix, displaying the composure of a seasoned veteran, managed the game effectively, making key throws and avoiding costly mistakes. With the Chiefs driving for a potential game-tying score in the final minutes, Baron Browning intercepted Mahomes in the end zone, sealing the victory for the Broncos and sending the Mile High City into a frenzy. This monumental upset not only ended the Chiefs’ dominance in the AFC West but also established the Broncos as a legitimate contender in the conference.
Rivalry Week 2025 will be remembered for its unpredictable outcomes and stunning upsets. These games serve as a reminder that in the NFL, anything can happen on any given Sunday, and that the spirit of competition and the thrill of victory are what make the game so captivating.