NFL’s All-Time Greatest Teams: A Legacy of Grit, Glory, and Greatness

August 29, 2025 Kris Isaksen

From dynasties to dramatic underdogs, the NFL has seen its fair share of legendary franchises. This ranked list, based on fan votes, celebrates 32 of the greatest teams in football history, spotlighting their most iconic moments, championships, and stars. Let’s count down from the underdogs to the all-time elites, starting with No. 32.

32. Cleveland Browns: A Franchise Still Searching for Glory

Despite being one of the league’s oldest franchises, the Browns have never reached the Super Bowl. Their passionate fan base continues to support a team still waiting to reclaim its historic roots.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars: A Young Team with Untapped Potential

Entering the league in 1995, the Jaguars have seen flashes of success but no sustained playoff presence. Stars like Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew offered hope, but championship glory remains out of reach.

30. New York Jets: Iconic Upset, Lingering Drought

Joe Namath’s bold Super Bowl III guarantee is still one of the NFL’s most iconic moments. However, that win remains the Jets' only championship, as the team continues to search for consistency.

29. Houston Texans: Still Chasing Their First Deep Run

Founded in 2002, the Texans have built a loyal fan base despite minimal postseason success. J.J. Watt and Andre Johnson stand out as bright spots in a short yet turbulent history.

28. Arizona Cardinals: Historic Roots, Modern Challenges

As one of the oldest teams in the league, the Cardinals have struggled to build a winning tradition. Their 2008 Super Bowl run was thrilling, but they’ve yet to capture the title.

27. Carolina Panthers: Close Calls and Strong Contenders

The Panthers have made two Super Bowl appearances but fallen short both times. Known for players like Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly, the team has remained competitive throughout its relatively young history.

26. Tennessee Titans: Grit, Power, and a Yard Short

Their most memorable moment came in Super Bowl XXXIV, where they lost by a single yard. Gritty stars like Steve McNair and Eddie George made the Titans a force, even without a championship ring.

25. Cincinnati Bengals: Near Misses and Rising Stars

Despite three Super Bowl appearances, the Bengals have yet to secure a win. The recent rise of young talent has renewed hope for long-awaited postseason success.

24. Los Angeles Chargers: High-Octane Offense, Low Postseason Returns

The Chargers have fielded some of the league’s most exciting offenses, led by players like LaDainian Tomlinson. Still, playoff glory has remained just out of reach.

23. Atlanta Falcons: Heartbreak and Highs

The Falcons are best known for their devastating loss in Super Bowl LI after leading 28–3. Despite strong rosters over the years, a championship has eluded Atlanta.

22. Detroit Lions: Legendary Players, No Super Bowl Wins

Though they’ve never played in a Super Bowl, the Lions have produced generational talents like Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson. Their loyal fans remain hopeful for a turnaround.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: From Bottom to Brady

Long considered an NFL bottom-feeder, the Bucs shocked the world by winning Super Bowls in 2002 and 2021. The arrival of Tom Brady gave them a dramatic boost into the elite ranks.

20. Washington Commanders: Rich History, Recent Struggles

With three Super Bowl titles in the '80s and early '90s, Washington was once a dominant force. Recent decades have been rocky, but the franchise's legacy remains intact.

19. Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback Royalty

Boasting stars like Johnny Unitas and Peyton Manning, the Colts have captured two Super Bowls. Their quarterback lineage is one of the most impressive in NFL history.

18. Chicago Bears: Monsters of the Midway

The 1985 Bears fielded one of the most dominant defenses the NFL has ever seen. Legends like Walter Payton and Mike Ditka helped define a tough, no-nonsense football identity.

17. Las Vegas Raiders: Rebels with Rings

The Raiders have always played with attitude—and they have three Super Bowl titles to prove it. Known for hard hits and colorful characters, their place in NFL history is secure.

16. New Orleans Saints: A City United by Victory

The Saints delivered a magical moment with their 2009 Super Bowl win, bringing hope to post-Katrina New Orleans. Drew Brees and Sean Payton turned the franchise into perennial contenders.

15. Denver Broncos: Mile High Moments

Three Super Bowl wins, including two back-to-back in the late ’90s, cemented the Broncos as a powerhouse. John Elway and Von Miller headline a history of star-studded rosters.

14. Seattle Seahawks: The Legion of Boom Era

The Seahawks’ defense dominated the early 2010s, culminating in their first Super Bowl win in 2013. Russell Wilson’s rise turned Seattle into a consistent playoff threat.

13. New York Giants: Super Bowl Spoilers

Four-time champions, the Giants shocked the Patriots twice in the Super Bowl. With a mix of strong defense and clutch play, they’ve delivered some of the most memorable moments in NFL history.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Always the Bridesmaid

Despite never winning a Super Bowl, the Vikings have remained competitive for decades. Legends like Fran Tarkenton and Randy Moss made them one of the league’s most respected teams.

11. Los Angeles Rams: From Greatest Show to L.A. Glory

The Rams have thrived in both St. Louis and Los Angeles, with two Super Bowl wins and a reputation for electric offenses. Their ability to reinvent themselves across eras sets them apart.

10. Buffalo Bills: So Close, So Often

Their run of four consecutive Super Bowl losses in the ’90s is both historic and heartbreaking. Still, the Bills' toughness and talent have made them a beloved franchise.

9. Miami Dolphins: The Perfect Season

The 1972 Dolphins remain the NFL’s only undefeated Super Bowl-winning team. Dan Marino and Larry Csonka are just two of the iconic names in this franchise’s rich history.

8. Baltimore Ravens: Defense Wins Championships

Twice Super Bowl champs, the Ravens are built on a foundation of ferocious defense. Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and a hard-nosed identity define this always-dangerous team.

7. Kansas City Chiefs: A New Dynasty?

Led by Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, the Chiefs have become the NFL’s most exciting team in recent years. With multiple Super Bowl wins, they appear to be just getting started.

6. Philadelphia Eagles: Finally Flying High

After decades of near misses, the Eagles captured their first Super Bowl in 2017. Known for their relentless fan base and defensive strength, they continue to compete at the highest level.

5. Dallas Cowboys: America’s Team, Forever Flashy

Five-time champions, the Cowboys are as famous for their on-field dominance as their off-field branding. With stars like Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman, their '90s run was iconic.

4. Green Bay Packers: Tradition and Triumph

From Vince Lombardi to Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have one of the richest traditions in football. Four Super Bowl titles and a devoted small-town fan base make them truly unique.

3. San Francisco 49ers: West Coast Royalty

The 49ers won five Super Bowls behind innovative offenses and Hall of Fame talent. Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young led a dynasty that shaped modern football.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers: Six Rings of Steel

With six Super Bowl championships, the Steelers are known for their gritty style and legendary defenses. Their dominance in the 1970s and continued success make them an all-time powerhouse.

1. New England Patriots: The Dynasty Defined

No team has dominated the modern era like the Patriots. With six Super Bowl wins under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, they built the most successful dynasty in NFL history.