In the world of American football, rivalries are more than just games; they’re battles of legacy, pride, and passion. From the bone-crushing hits to the last-minute touchdowns, these matchups have shaped the very essence of the NFL.
Fans gather hearts race, and history is etched in the annals of sports. In this blog post, we delve into the gridiron history to explore the Top 10 Biggest NFL Rivalries of All Time.
These clashes have defined eras, showcased unforgettable moments, and ignited fervor that transcends the boundaries of the field.
10 Biggest NFL Rivalries of All Time
Unforgettable clashes, fierce rivalries – the NFL’s storied history is punctuated by matchups that transcend the field, shaping legacies, passions, and the essence of the game. Here are the 10 biggest NFL rivalries of all time.
1. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The rivalry between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers is a fierce and intense one within the AFC North division. The competitiveness of this rivalry can be attributed to the close proximity of the two cities and the history of hard-fought battles on the football field.
The games between these two teams are known for their physicality and emotional intensity. Throughout the years, the Steelers have generally had the upper hand in terms of performance, with numerous Super Bowl victories and playoff appearances.
On the other hand, the Bengals have had their moments of success but have often found themselves chasing the Steelers in terms of accomplishments.
Some of the best matches between these teams include:
- November 26, 2006: In a hard-fought game, the Bengals narrowly defeated the Steelers with a final score of 38-31.
- January 9, 2016: The Steelers edged out the Bengals in a thrilling AFC Wild Card game that featured dramatic lead changes and ended with a score of 18-16.
2. Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles is one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL. The NFC East divisional matchup has produced many memorable moments over the years, as both teams vie for supremacy within their division.
Both the Cowboys and the Eagles have had their periods of dominance, leading to a relatively balanced rivalry in terms of performance.
The intensity of the rivalry is fueled by the passionate fan bases of both teams and the geographical proximity of Dallas and Philadelphia.
Noteworthy matches between these teams include:
- November 18, 1979: The Eagles defeated the Cowboys 31-21 in a game that became known as the “Bounty Bowl” due to its rough nature and accusations of Eagles fans throwing snowballs at Cowboys players.
- January 11, 1981: The Cowboys narrowly won the NFC Championship Game against the Eagles with a score of 20-7, en route to winning the Super Bowl.
3. Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
The rivalry between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers is one of the oldest and most iconic rivalries in NFL history. This NFC North divisional rivalry dates back to the early days of professional football and has featured numerous legendary matchups.
The performance and competitiveness in this rivalry have swung back and forth over the years. Both teams have had periods of dominance and success, making it one of the most closely contested rivalries in the league.
Notable matches between these teams include:
- December 14, 1941: The Bears defeated the Packers 33-14 to win the Western Division title and advance to the NFL Championship Game.
- January 23, 2011: The Packers won the NFC Championship Game against the Bears in a classic matchup that went into overtime, with Green Bay winning 21-14. The Packers later went on to win Super Bowl XLV.
4. New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
The rivalry between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys is another intense NFC East divisional rivalry. These two teams have a history of battling for division titles and playoff spots, leading to a rivalry marked by competitiveness and drama.
The performance between these teams has been relatively even, with both the Giants and the Cowboys having successful stretches. The rivalry’s intensity is heightened by the fact that both teams represent major metropolitan areas on the East Coast.
Key matches between these teams include:
- January 2, 1994: The Cowboys narrowly defeated the Giants 16-13 in the NFC Divisional Playoff, en route to winning Super Bowl XXVIII.
- January 13, 2008: The Giants won the NFC Divisional Playoff against the Cowboys 21-17, eventually leading to their Super Bowl XLII victory over the New England Patriots.
5. Oakland Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The rivalry between the Oakland Raiders (now known as the Las Vegas Raiders) and the Kansas City Chiefs is one of the most intense and historic rivalries in the NFL. Both teams are part of the AFC West division, which adds to the significance of their matchups.
The rivalry dates back to the 1960s and has been characterized by competitive and hard-fought games. The performance and competitiveness between these teams have often been marked by close scores and dramatic moments.
The teams’ styles of play, passionate fan bases, and the implications on division standings have elevated the intensity of this rivalry. The matchups are often unpredictable, with each team having periods of dominance.
Some of the best matches in this rivalry include:
- January 4, 1970 – AFL Divisional Playoffs: This matchup, known as the “Christmas Day Massacre,” was a physically brutal game that ended with the Chiefs defeating the Raiders 17-7. The game featured intense hits and altercations between players.
- November 22, 1992: The Chiefs won in overtime against the Raiders with a thrilling score of 27-24. This game showcased the back-and-forth nature of the rivalry and the importance of clutch plays.
- December 16, 2000: The Raiders won 49-31 in a high-scoring affair. This game was significant as it marked the Raiders’ return to playoff contention after a period of struggle.
6. Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
The rivalry between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in NFL history. Both teams are part of the NFC North division, and their matchups often have implications for division standings and playoff berths.
The rivalry is characterized by the geographic proximity of the teams and the passionate fan bases.
The performance and competitiveness between these teams have varied over the years, with both teams having periods of success and dominance. The games are often close and hard-fought, with the outcome frequently uncertain until the final moments.
Some of the best matches in this rivalry include:
- January 9, 2005 – NFC Wild Card Playoffs: The Vikings lost to the Packers in a thrilling game that ended 31-17. Despite the outcome, the game was highly competitive and showcased the intensity of the rivalry.
- November 6, 2000: The Packers narrowly defeated the Vikings 26-20 in overtime. This game highlighted the competitive nature of the rivalry and the ability of both teams to make crucial plays.
- October 15, 2017: The Vikings emerged victorious with a 23-10 win over the Packers. This game showcased the defensive prowess of the Vikings and their ability to contain the Packers’ offense.
7. New England Patriots vs. New York Jets:
The rivalry between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets is a divisional rivalry within the AFC East. The games between these teams have been marked by a mix of competitiveness and drama, with memorable moments and controversies adding to the intensity.
The performance and competitiveness between these teams have been uneven at times, with the Patriots experiencing a period of dominance over the past couple of decades. However, the Jets have still managed to deliver surprises and upsets, making the matchups intriguing.
Some of the best matches in this rivalry include:
- January 16, 2011 – AFC Divisional Playoffs: The Jets defeated the Patriots 28-21 in a playoff game that showcased the Jets’ ability to upset a heavily favored Patriots team.
- November 12, 2018: The Patriots edged out the Jets with a 27-13 victory. While the score might not suggest it, the game was closely contested and highlighted the competitive nature of the rivalry.
- October 20, 2019: The Patriots narrowly won 33-0 in a game that showcased their defensive prowess. This match underscored the Patriots’ continued dominance over the Jets in recent years.
8. Washington Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The rivalry between the Washington Redskins (now known as the Washington Football Team) and the Philadelphia Eagles is one of the most storied matchups in the NFL’s NFC East division. These two teams have a history dating back to the early years of the NFL and have shared fierce competition on the field.
Both teams have had periods of dominance, making the rivalry highly competitive. The Redskins/Eagles rivalry has often been marked by close games and intense battles for divisional supremacy. The teams have frequently fought for playoff spots and division titles, adding to the intensity of the rivalry.
Some of the notable matches in this rivalry are:
- November 12, 1967: Eagles 49, Redskins 21 – This high-scoring game highlighted the offensive firepower of both teams.
- December 10, 1989: Eagles 42, Redskins 37 – A closely contested game with a combined 79 points showcasing the competitive nature of the rivalry.
- December 21, 2008: Eagles 3, Redskins 10 – In a defensive struggle, the Redskins edged out the Eagles in a game that had playoff implications.
9. Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
The rivalry between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers is one of the longest-standing rivalries in NFL history. These two teams, both members of the NFC North division, have faced each other since the early days of the league.
The Packers have historically held the upper hand in this rivalry, but the Lions have had their moments of success as well. The competition between these teams has been marked by the Packers’ consistency and the Lions’ occasional surges.
Some of the best matches in this rivalry include:
- November 22, 1962: Lions 26, Packers 14 – This Thanksgiving Day game marked the Lions’ first win over the Packers in a decade, rekindling the rivalry.
- December 31, 1994: Lions 24, Packers 27 – A wild card playoff game that went into overtime and is remembered for its dramatic finish.
- October 14, 2019: Lions 22, Packers 23 – In a recent example, the Packers pulled off a last-minute comeback, showcasing the competitiveness of the rivalry.
10. New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The rivalry between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles is another intense NFC East divisional rivalry. These two teams, both based in the northeastern United States, have consistently battled for divisional supremacy.
The rivalry has seen both teams achieve periods of success, leading to closely contested matchups. The teams often jostle for playoff positions, making their head-to-head games crucial for their postseason aspirations.
Some of the significant matches in this rivalry are:
- December 19, 2010: Eagles 38, Giants 31 – A high-scoring game with playoff implications, showcasing the offensive prowess of both teams.
- January 7, 2001: Giants 20, Eagles 10 – An NFC Divisional Playoff game where the Giants’ defense played a crucial role in securing the win.
- December 19, 2016: Eagles 24, Giants 19 – In a game with playoff implications, the Eagles held off a late Giants surge to secure the victory.
So, these are the most famous rivalries of American Football that fans will never forget. Aside from these 10 rivalries, others like Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills, etc are also very significant.
FAQs
What makes an NFL rivalry significant?
NFL rivalries gain significance through a combination of factors. Longevity, geographic proximity, frequent high-stakes matchups, and historical context all contribute to the intensity of a rivalry.
The teams’ successes and head-to-head competitiveness also play a crucial role in making a rivalry memorable.
How do these rivalries affect players and fans?
Rivalries elevate the competitive spirit among players, driving them to give their all on the field. For fans, these games are more than just entertainment – they are emotional roller coasters that connect them to the history and tradition of their teams.
Rivalries often lead to fierce debates, friendly banter, and a sense of unity among supporters.
Can rivalries change over time?
Absolutely. Rivalries can evolve based on shifts in team fortunes, changes in divisions, and even generational transitions. While traditional rivalries often endure, new ones can emerge due to changes in team dynamics or memorable playoff battles.
Do players feel the intensity of rivalries as much as fans do?
Yes, players feel the intensity of rivalries deeply. Many players grew up watching these matchups, and they understand the importance of these games to the fans and their team’s history.
The atmosphere on the field during a rivalry game is often more charged, and players strive to make their mark in these high-stakes contests.
Are there any recent additions to the list of historic NFL rivalries?
While the core rivalries have stood the test of time, the NFL landscape is always evolving. In recent years, matchups like the Seahawks vs. 49ers and the Buccaneers vs. Saints have gained prominence due to their competitive nature and playoff implications.
Wrapping Up
In the world of the NFL, rivalries are the heartbeat that keeps the game alive. From the legendary clashes between the Packers and Bears to the fierce divisional battles between teams like the Cowboys and Washington, these rivalries encapsulate the essence of sports.
They showcase the grit, determination, and unwavering commitment that defines the spirit of American football.
As fans gear up for each matchup, they know that they are not just witnessing a game; they are becoming part of a legacy that has shaped the course of NFL history.
The mentioned 10 are not the only significant rivalries of American Football. There are many rivalries that are sometimes more significant. But these 10 are the peoples’ favorite of all time. Hopefully, you have got my point. Thank you for your time.
