I hate to be the one to say it, but we’ve exhausted revenge game storylines.

Now, hear me out. It’s not that good revenge plotlines don’t exist. It’s just gone too far. 

Kliff Kingsbury’s return to Arizona as the Commanders’ OC wasn’t a riveting story arc. Similarly, Justin Tucker facing the Chiefs in the ’24 season opener after his spat with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce ahead of the 2023 AFC Championship Game was nothing. It’s like we’ve taken a movie concept and strung it out past one blockbuster in a cash grab to make a series.

Well, I’m taking it back to the basics.

Man on Fire is one of (if not the) best revenge movies of the last 20 years. The flick features Denzel Washington in his (second) prime and yet another unforgettable monologue by Christopher Walken. Anyway, it espouses the elements of vengeance worth finding in NFL games now that we’ve got the schedule.

Plus, using a nickname from the film, I came up with a rating system for this year’s contests, where some players might have that extra motivation to win.

Quarterback Revenge Games in 2025

Week 1 - Justin Fields vs Steelers

The former Bear and Steeler had a “measured” response when discussing his benching only six weeks into the season. 

“It was, of course, different for me and a space where I wasn't necessarily comfortable."

I understand Justin Fields’ tactics here. But he’s missing a key figure by his side when the mics are hot.

 

I’d need an anger translator to keep me safe from the repercussions of my thoughts if I were in that position.

Fields had a winning record through Week 6 for the first time in his career. Plus, he hit career highs in every efficiency metric while simultaneously falling to an all-time-low sack rate (9.1%).

His reward? A clipboard.

Well, I guess, to be fair, HC Mike Tomlin did let Fields get in some cardio from time to time. But even when it was clear that Russ was more of a liability than an asset, Fields still sat.

No, Fields won’t be showing up with a high-end pass-catching group. But his offensive line should be healthy, and the Steelers gave up the seventh-most rushing yards per game to QBs. Fields might not harbor any vengeance in front of the camera. But on the Field, he could become a man on fire.

Number of Creasy Bears: 4.5 out of 5

Week 5 – Jameis Winston at Saints

I never thought a Saint could hurt someone’s soul. But then again, there’s no one quite like Jameis Winston.

 

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Winston sits behind Russell Wilson at a minimum. Let’s assume first-rounder Jaxson Dart makes things interesting. It’d take a lot to get the W-eating QB out on the field. But observe the Giants’ first month of matchups.

  • Week 1 at WAS
  • Week 2 at DAL
  • Week 3 vs KC
  • Week 4 vs LAC

Who’s to say, after (potentially) four L’s, Brian Daboll doesn’t pull the plug on the Wilson Experience? And why throw the kid into the starter spot in the raucous Superdome? It’s a long shot, but it is a situation worth monitoring. Because if Winston gets a shot to show out against the Saints, Malik Nabers will have over 200 (prayer) yards by halftime.

Number of Creasy Bears: 2 out of 5 (this jumps to a five if they bench Wilson)

Week 7 – Russell Wilson at Broncos

Melvin Gordon was all of us in the moment.

 

Oh, wait. Let me explain.

I’m not saying Russell Wilson will be exacting revenge on Denver. He got his bag and finessed his way into two more starting jobs. Week 7 will be the rare reverse vengeance.

HC Sean Payton is known for his petty nature. Coincidentally, Denver’s defense had the highest sack rate (10.4%) last season and returned the majority of its starters.

I’m not saying they’ll run up the score on the G-Men. But more sacks than completed passes for Mr. Unlimited? I’d put some money on that. 

Number of Creasy Bears: 3 out of 5

Running Back Revenge Games in 2025

Week 10 - Najee Harris vs. Steelers

When you can’t complain about your workload, take aim at your work environment instead.

 

And Najee Harris can’t criticize the Steelers for his usage. He accrued 300+ touches in all but one season since joining the team in ‘21. But if he’s insinuating Pittsburgh’s facilities were holding him back, I’m willing to give the 27-year-old rusher another look in drafts.

Of the 12 RBs with 250 or more carries, Harris tied for the fewest adjusted yards before contact (0.62). Only Derrick Henry saw stacked boxes at a higher rate (47.5%). The Chargers have a better offensive line, and let’s see how Omarion Hampton acclimates to the NFL. With extra motivation in Week 10, Harris rumbling into the end zone against black and gold shouldn’t be a shocking result to anyone. 

Number of Creasy Bears: 3 out of 5

Week 8 – Javonte Williams at Broncos

Associating Javonte Williams’ return to Denver with anything other than mutual respect might be a stretch. But let’s walk down Narrative Street for a second.

On the one hand, the journeyman RB posted below-average metrics in forced missed tackle rate and adjusted yards after contact. Granted, Williams tore his ACL in ’22. But most were ready to turn the page.

However, GM George Paton and HC Sean Payton were interested in retaining Williams during the NFL Combine. So, while Williams can reflect on his time at Empower Field with fondness, the desire to prove the organization wrong might take over in Week 8. 

Number of Creasy Bears: 1 out of 5

Wide Receiver Revenge Games

Weeks 6 and 15 – Stefon Diggs vs. Bills

I’m sure images and reposts of this iconic tweet will start recirculating a few weeks before the Patriots face Buffalo for their first interdivisional matchup.

Luckily, we’ve seen Stefon Diggs face Josh Allen since the trade. Buoyed by an in-game injury from Nico Collins, Diggs assumed his WR1 role despite C.J. Stroud seeing pressure on 32.4% of his dropbacks. Surprisingly, the situation isn’t that much different in New England.

Yes, the Patriots spent along the offensive line in free agency and the draft. But how quickly Drake Maye’s protection gels isn’t certain. Also, there’s not much support behind Diggs, who is still rehabbing from his torn ACL. Either way, the bitterness might be the boost he needs to show us he’s still got some juice after faltering in ’24. 

Number of Creasy Bears: 4 out of 5

Week 11 – Cooper Kupp at Rams

A couple of quotes caught my eye during Cooper Kupp’s exodus from the Rams.

“I'm sure they have their reasons for why they want to do things, whatever it is. Not a ton of clarity in that regard.” – Kupp

“I think the one thing that I do know, he knows, is how much I appreciate him, how much I love him, and how grateful I am for the time that we had, even if he's probably not my biggest fan right now." – HC Sean McVay

Even Kupp’s statement relayed the former Triple Crown winner’s frustration with the move. But his involvement was down to three targets per game on 80%+ of the routes over his final three contests. It wasn’t the Kupp-Nacua show anymore. Kupp had fallen into being a backup singer. And a homecoming in LA might not be as glamorous as he wants it to be.

Kupp’s strength as an interior runner overlaps with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who showcased his WR1 ceiling during DK Metcalf’s absences last year. Sure, OC Klint Kubiak can cook up a QB-friendly game plan. But going from Matthew Stafford to Sam Darnold is a tough proposition for a receiver relying on precision and timing. Nevertheless, a rematch against the squad that abandoned him should force Kupp to set up a few breakfast club sessions to get them ready for Week 11.

Number of Creasy Bears: 3 out of 5

Other Games To Note: Brandin Cooks vs. Patriots (Week 6) and vs. Rams (Week 9), Demarcus Robinson vs Rams (Weeks 5 and 10), Mack Hollins vs. Bills (Weeks 6 and 15), Week 12 – Tyler Lockett vs. Seahawks, Week 5 – DeAndre Hopkins vs Texans