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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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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 4: Quarterback Phil Simms
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JANUARY 4: Quarterback Phil Simms /

East Coast-West Coast Rivalries 

Bird and Jordan. Biggie and Tupac.

The East Coast-West Coast rivalry has spread from music to sports to even taste in food. The NFL is no different, from the 49ers-Giants rivalry in the 1980s to the Raiders-Jets rivalry of the 60’s. That’s missing now with the advent of predetermined schedules and divisions assigned to certain teams.

With the league expanding to 32 teams in 2001, the schedules are more balanced but you miss out on seeing games involving teams from the west coast battle with teams from the east coast. You can only hope to get lucky and see a east/west matchup in the playoffs and possibly, see those two teams on the schedule for next season.

Bills-Dolphins

The soft sunshine of Miami against the gritty and blue collar and cold drop back of Buffalo, NY. The rivalry was never as balanced due to the dominance of the Miami Dolphins in the 1970’s. For the entire decade of the 70’s, the Bills were 0-20 against the Miami Dolphins. The Rivalry picked up with the rivalry with Dan Marino and Jim Kelly battling out for AFC East supremacy in the late 80’s and early 90’s.

The rivalry has dipped as both teams have struggled to return to their peak of the early 90s. What makes this rivalry so awesome is there’s two ways of life and two mindsets when it comes to their respective cities. At their best, the stark contrast of Buffalo and Miami would give the rivalry the juice it needs.

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