How Have NFL Coaches Fared in Rematch Games Ahead of Wild Card Weekend?
The NFL playoffs kick off this week in a Super Wild Card Weekend, but there is something special about nearly every game being played. They’re all rematches – with the exception of San Francisco vs. Dallas.
That’s right, five of the six games have already happened this season and this is the “run it back” edition. That doesn’t make these games any less interesting. In fact, it makes them more interesting. Who can scheme up something new? Who will be able to catch the other off guard?
Coming up with a new gameplan falls on the coaches, so let's see how each coach fares in these types of matchups. Before we dive in, we’re going to excuse Zac Taylor, Rich Bissaica, Nick Sirianni, Kliff Kingsbury and Mike McCarthy. These coaches either are first time playoff coaches or are new to the playoffs with their team.
Wild Card Coaches Records in Rematches
- Bill Belichick (13-8)
- Mike Tomlin (7-6)
- Andy Reid (3-3)
- Bruce Arians (2-0)
- Sean McVay (2-0)
- Sean McDermott (0-1)
Patriots vs. Bills (-4)
Belichick’s record is outstanding considering a good chunk of those wins came against a divisional opponent (who he’d already seen twice that season) or Peyton Manning. He’s going up against McDermott, who lost his lone rematch to the Chiefs last year. Buffalo won the last meeting between these two teams and is currently a 4-point favorite over New England.
Steelers vs. Chiefs (-13)
Tomlin and Reid are two of the best coaches in the league, but the odds say Reid is going to get the upper hand this week. Kansas City blew out the Steelers in their first matchup and are 13-point favorites against the Steelers this week. Pittsburgh is still rolling with Ben Roethlisberger, which might be their downfall this week.
Eagles vs. Buccaneers (-8.5)/Cardinals vs. Rams (-4)
Arians and McVay are the only two coaches in the NFC that have been to the playoffs before with their current teams. Arians won both of his rematches last season en route to a Super Bowl, while McVay beat the Saints in 2018 and the Seahawks in 2020. Both coaches are also home favorites, which is yet another advantage on top of their experience.