Dec 21, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
There are many story lines to monitor as the NFL approaches its third and final week of preseason games. But it’s about this time of the year when fans really start pining for Week 1 and actual meaningful games. Thankfully, there are plenty of things to throw into the water in order to drum up excitement.
Like rivalry uniforms.
The league unveiled the second batch of these efforts on Tuesday and, predictably, there are some hits and misses. All teams from the AFC South and NFC North will be wearing these special uniforms at some point this season when they play division games.
Per Pro Football Talk, the Colts will wear theirs in Week 3 against the Texans. The Packers will sport theirs in Week 5 against the Bears and both the Lions and Jaguaes will wear their looks in Week 9. The Titans and reveal theirs in person during Week 10 with the Texans donning theirs a week later. Minnesota in Week 15 and the Bears in Week 16 will close out the sartorial festivities.
Below are all the looks in one spot.
Ranking the NFL’s rivalry uniforms.
8. Minnesota Vikings
The fact that these are last is a testament to how solid every single effort is as there are none that stand out as a total whiff. Shoulder detailing is immaculate and the understated gold should provide a great accent color.
7. Indianapolis Colts
It looks like they fed alternate looks from the Lions and Duke football to come up with some sort of hybrid. Don’t sleep on the helmet though, that’s a vast improvement from the Colts’ usual dynamic.
6. Chicago Bears
A bit torn here because on one hand you have to respect the traditional look. On the other you wonder just how the heck we got to the point where the Indiana Bears could actually be a thing if that history is so important.
5. Detroit Lions
Uhh, the Panthers called and want to make an infringement claim. These still go pretty hard.
4. Houston Texans
It is so awkward whenever an alternate look is clearly superior to the one teams wear for most of the year and this is another example. I might pay $20 out of my own pocket for these to become the norm in Houston.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Are helmets having a moment? Just another beauty right here. All class from the folks down in Duval.
2. Tennessee Titans
Okay, so it’s a lot of blue. But, man, does this work. Is the NFL on to something? It feels like a less complicated version of a team’s uniform with script lettering might be a cheat code.
1. Green Bay Packers
These interlocking letters are a great touch. A flawless color combo actually makes the white helmet pop.