The NFL has a rich history filled with intense rivalries that add excitement to the game. The competitive spirit and physical nature of football fuel these rivalries. Over the past century, as the league has grown, teams and their fans have created both new rivalries and strengthened old ones. This ongoing tradition keeps the competition alive and makes every game even more thrilling for everyone involved. Here is a look at some of the biggest team rivalries in the NFL.
5. New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
The rivalry between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets has fascinated football fans for many years, partly due to their close locations. Their games often reflect the larger Boston vs. New York rivalry, similar to the famous Yankees-Red Sox feud.
Until 2011, the Jets had the upper hand in their matchups, but then Tom Brady and the Patriots took over, highlighting the competitive spirit that characterized their early encounters. In 1985, the Jets even gave the Patriots their first playoff loss.
The late 1990s and early 2000s were especially dramatic. After Bill Parcells left the Patriots in 1996, the Jets pursued him but ended up hiring Bill Belichick as head coach, with Parcells acting as an advisor. Later, Parcells became the head coach, and Belichick was his defensive coordinator. Their shared history fueled one of the biggest team rivalries in the NFL.
Belichick’s move to New England in 2000 marked the beginning of the Patriots’ dominance, intensifying their rivalry. Between 1993 and 2008, the competition thrived, with many players and coaches switching between the two teams.
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4. New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The rivalry between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles is one of the fiercest in the NFL, driven by a long-standing tension between the two cities. Since they both joined the same conference in 1933, they have faced each other 185 times, with the Eagles slightly leading the series and holding a 3-2 playoff record. This is undoubtedly one of the biggest team rivalries in the NFL, with both teams and fanbases eagerly awaiting every game.
This rivalry has produced memorable moments, such as Chuck Bednarik’s famous hit on Frank Gifford in 1960, which forced Gifford into a two-year retirement. Another unforgettable event was the “Miracle at the Meadowlands” in 1978 when a last-second fumble allowed Herm Edwards to score a game-winning touchdown. In 2010, the Eagles staged an amazing comeback, scoring four touchdowns in the last eight minutes, capped by DeSean Jackson’s game-winning punt return, leading to a 38-31 victory.
3. Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers
The rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers began in the 1980s and includes nine playoff games, making it one of the most important in NFL history. Notably, it is the only non-divisional rivalry on this list, with the 49ers often facing the Cowboys or Packers in the playoffs.
After a successful 1970s, the Cowboys began to falter while the 49ers drafted Joe Montana and hired coach Bill Walsh. This shift allowed the 49ers to dominate the NFC in the 1980s, culminating in the 1981 NFC Championship, marked by Dwight Clark’s legendary “The Catch,” which helped the 49ers secure their first Super Bowl victory.
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The rivalry reignited in the 1990s as the Cowboys returned to form, winning three Super Bowls, while the 49ers added another in 1994. This period featured standout quarterbacks Steve Young for the 49ers and Troy Aikman for the Cowboys, with both teams dominating the league. After years of both teams struggling, the rivalry surged again, highlighted by the 49ers eliminating the Cowboys from the playoffs in close games in 2021 and 2022.
2. Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Among the top NFL rivalries of the 21st century, the rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers is particularly intense. This fierce competition is driven by their battles for dominance in the AFC North, especially with the Bengals and Browns often lagging behind.
Historically, the Steelers lead the series 35-25 and have a 3-1 record in the playoffs. Their four playoff games since 2001 have created memorable moments, including Hines Ward’s hit on Ed Reed and Antonio Brown’s spectacular catch, along with intense games filled with trash talk.
A key aspect of this rivalry has been the competition between Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger and Baltimore’s Terrell Suggs, who famously sacked him 17 times. After a Ravens win in 2011, Suggs declared, “Big Ben is a great quarterback, but his a** belongs to me.“
The rivalry peaked during the 2008 season, featuring close games, including a dramatic overtime win for the Steelers and a controversial late touchdown in the regular season, leading to a tough AFC Championship Game victory for Pittsburgh.
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1. Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
The rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears is one of the most iconic in NFL history. This fierce competition started in 1919 and has evolved over more than a century, making it a fundamental part of professional football. Both teams are the oldest in the league and have the most championships, totaling 22 NFL titles and five Super Bowl wins. It’s no surprise that this is regarded as one of the biggest team rivalries in the NFL.
The Packers and Bears have faced each other a record 208 times, with the Packers holding a slight edge in wins. Despite this, they’ve only met in the playoffs twice—once in 1940 and again in 2010. Their rivalry deepened in 1921 as founding members of the American Professional Football Association and solidified in 1933 when they joined the same conference.
Since 1992, the Packers have dominated, winning 50 of 65 games, with memorable moments during Aaron Rodgers‘ tenure. Despite this recent tilt, the rivalry’s history and intensity remain strong, shaped by legends like George Halas, Mike Ditka, Vince Lombardi, and Curly Lambeau, as well as Hall of Famers Bart Starr, Brett Favre, Walter Payton, and Dick Butkus. The Bears-Packers rivalry continues to be a defining part of NFL history.
The NFL rivalries are a key part of the league’s history and excitement. Each rivalry brings its own story of competition and unforgettable moments that keep fans interested. These matchups will continue to grow and change, making sure the thrill of the NFL stays strong for years to come.
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