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NFL rivalries: 10 that must come back

By Andrew Hammond

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Josh Mauga (90) defends during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Josh Mauga (90) defends during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) talks with Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) at Paul Brown Stadium. The Browns won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) talks with Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) at Paul Brown Stadium. The Browns won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Browns-Bengals 

“The Battle of Ohio” had been one of the NFL’s best during the late 80’s and early 90’s but it quickly went away as both teams struggled. However, this rivalry goes much deeper than just games in the 80’s. The Browns-Bengals beef goes back to one of the NFL’s most infamous moments when Browns owner Art Modell fired the coach and founder of the Cleveland Browns.

In 1968, Paul Brown bought his way into the AFL with the Cincinnati franchise. With the merger in 1970, Cincy and Cleveland were instant rivals and the bad blood off the field filtered it’s way to on the field. Now, you’ve got the former Cincinnati offensive coordinator coaching the Browns. Something I’m sure Paul Brown would be very confused by.

Rams-49ers 

Now that the Rams and 49ers are on the same coast again, hopefully the rivalry will return. The height of this No. Cal-So. Cal beef occurred in the 1980s with Montana and Rice running the league while the Rams struggled to stay behind in comparison. Both teams are in the middle of lean years which make time some time for this rivalry to return.

If either team returns to their top form, the game will have some type of importance on the NFL scene. With both Oakland and San Diego struggling to maintain their foothold in Cali, this could be the perfect time for these two teams to grab the spotlight again.

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