Top 10 Greatest NFL Rivalries of All Time: Legendary Battles That Shaped Football History
NFL rivalries are more than just games — they’re battles filled with history, pride, and passion. These clashes bring out the best and worst in players and fans alike, with decades of unforgettable moments shaping the league’s identity. Here’s a countdown of the 10 greatest NFL rivalries ever, starting with Denver vs. Las Vegas and ending with the legendary Chicago vs. Green Bay showdown.
10. Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Raiders lead 73-54-2)
The Broncos-Raiders rivalry began in the old AFL days and quickly became one of the NFL’s most heated matchups. The rivalry truly ignited in 1977 when Denver ended the Raiders’ 17-game winning streak with a 30-7 victory. From Aqib Talib snatching Michael Crabtree’s chain to fierce playoff clashes, these teams have delivered decades of drama.
9. Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Steelers lead 81-63-1)
Known as “The Turnpike Rivalry”, this battle between two blue-collar cities has been going strong since 1950. The Steelers have dominated since the Browns’ 1999 NFL return, but the matchup has produced unforgettable moments like Cleveland’s 51-0 win in 1989 and Pittsburgh’s crushing 43-0 revenge in 1999. Fans on both sides treat every meeting like a war.
8. New England Patriots vs. New York Jets (Patriots lead 74-55-1)
Fueled by geography and drama, this rivalry is an extension of the larger Boston vs. New York sports feud. The Jets once led the series, but Tom Brady and Bill Belichick flipped the script, making the Patriots dominant since the early 2000s. Coaching controversies — like Bill Parcells’ move to the Jets and Belichick’s shocking resignation — only added fuel to the fire.
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7. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Steelers lead 70-39)
The Steelers-Bengals rivalry began in 1970 and is defined by hard-hitting football and bad blood. While Pittsburgh dominated during the Ben Roethlisberger era, Cincinnati’s recent rise under Joe Burrow has reignited the feud. The 2015 Wild Card game, filled with brutal hits, penalties, and chaos, remains one of the rivalry’s most infamous moments.
6. Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders (Cowboys lead 78-48-2)
This rivalry predates the Cowboys’ NFL entry in 1960, when Washington tried to block their expansion bid. The battles between these NFC East rivals peaked from the 1970s to 1990s, combining for eight Super Bowl wins in that span. Off-field drama, fan hostility, and decades of unforgettable matchups make Cowboys vs. Washington one of the league’s most storied feuds.
5. New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Eagles lead 94-89-2)
Dating back to 1933, the Giants-Eagles rivalry has produced some of the NFL’s wildest moments. From Chuck Bednarik’s crushing hit on Frank Gifford to the legendary “Miracle at the Meadowlands” in 1978 and DeSean Jackson’s stunning punt return in 2010, these teams never disappoint. With over 185 meetings, this rivalry remains one of football’s fiercest.
4. Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers (49ers lead 20-19-1)
The Cowboys-49ers rivalry peaked in the 1980s and 1990s and is defined by classic playoff showdowns. It began with “The Catch” in the 1981 NFC Championship, where Dwight Clark’s legendary grab lifted the 49ers to glory. In the 1990s, both teams dominated, combining for four Super Bowl wins in a four-year span. The rivalry has recently been reignited with San Francisco’s postseason victories in 2021 and 2022.
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3. Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Steelers lead 35-25)
Since the Ravens entered the league in 1996, this rivalry has been the NFL’s most physical and intense. Known for defensive dominance and bone-crushing hits, Steelers-Ravens games often feel like wars of attrition. Iconic moments like Troy Polamalu’s pick-six in the 2008 AFC Championship and Terrell Suggs’ trash talk against Big Ben have cemented this matchup’s legendary status.
2. Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Cowboys lead 73-56)
The Cowboys-Eagles rivalry is fueled by deep hatred between the teams, cities, and fan bases. One of the NFL’s most televised matchups, it’s been showcased 16 times on Sunday Night Football. From the infamous “Bounty Bowls” of 1989 to Michael Irvin’s tragic career-ending injury in 1999 — cheered by Eagles fans — this rivalry has always delivered high drama and unforgettable storylines.
1. Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers (Packers lead 107-95-6)
The greatest rivalry in NFL history began in 1921 and remains the league’s most iconic. With over 208 meetings, these two historic franchises have combined for 22 NFL titles, 5 Super Bowls, and 70 Hall of Famers. Green Bay has dominated since the Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers era, but every Bears-Packers clash still feels like a battle for football supremacy. This century-old feud defines the NFL like no other.
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