The National Football League (NFL) is more than just a sports league; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The NFL has captivated millions for over a century with its athleticism, strategy, and drama blend. But nothing stirs the emotions of fans quite like a good rivalry. NFL rivalries are steeped in history, often fueled by decades of close games, playoff showdowns, and sometimes even a dash of hate. These matchups are about more than just the games: pride, legacy, and regional bragging rights.
Today, let’s explore the top five most intense NFL rivalries of all time. These rivalries have been chosen for the frequency of their matchups and the sheer intensity and passion they evoke among fans, players, and coaches alike.
1. Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears rivalry is not just the oldest in the NFL; it’s also one of the most storied. Dating back to 1921, this rivalry has seen over 200 games, making it the most-played rivalry in NFL history. The Packers and Bears have clashed numerous times on the gridiron, with the stakes often high for both franchises.
The rivalry began when the Bears, then known as the Decatur Staleys, defeated the Packers 20-0. Since then, the two teams have traded blows in a series of fiercely contested games. What makes this rivalry particularly intense is the contrast in their identities. With its small-town charm and community-owned team, Green Bay contrasts sharply with the big-city Bears, rooted in Chicago’s working-class ethos.
More recently, in 2018, the Bears defeated the Packers 24-17 to clinch the NFC North title, symbolising the resurgence of the rivalry in the modern era. Just as AFL fans pour over collingwood vs. carlton stats to relive and analyse the highs and lows of that rivalry, Packers and Bears fans meticulously track every detail of their encounters, comparing past performances and debating who holds the upper hand in this storied series.
2. Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
The rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins) is one of the most bitter in the NFL. It dates back to 1960 when the Cowboys entered the league. The Cowboys were seen as the flashy newcomers from Texas, while the Redskins were one of the established teams of the NFL, steeped in tradition.
The rivalry intensified in the 1970s when both teams became powerhouses in the NFC. Both franchises boasted strong defences, charismatic leaders, and passionate fan bases. The games between these teams often have playoff implications, fueling an already fiery relationship.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens is one of the more recent additions to the NFL’s pantheon of intense rivalries, but it has quickly become one of the fiercest. The Ravens were established in 1996, following the relocation of the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore, and they immediately found a rival in the Steelers, a team with a rich history and a blue-collar fan base.
This rivalry is defined by its physicality and defensive prowess. Both teams have built their identities on hard-hitting defences, and their matchups are often slugfests where every yard is contested with ferocity.
One of the defining moments of this rivalry occurred in the 2008 AFC Championship game when the Steelers defeated the Ravens 23-14, earning a trip to Super Bowl XLIII. The game was a brutal, hard-fought battle that exemplified the physical nature of the rivalry.
4. New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
The New England Patriots and New York Jets rivalry has been marked by hatred and drama. The rivalry dates back to the AFL days in the 1960s but reached new heights in the 2000s as both teams became perennial playoff contenders. The rivalry is fueled by the geographic proximity of the two teams and the stark contrast in their histories.
The Jets have often been seen as the underdogs, with their last Super Bowl win coming in 1969, while the Patriots, under the leadership of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, have become one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.
One of the most infamous moments in this rivalry occurred in 2006 when Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was accused of illegally videotaping the Jets’ defensive signals. This scandal came to be known as “Spygate.” The incident added a layer of bitterness to an already heated rivalry.
5. San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys
The San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys rivalry is among the most iconic in NFL history. It dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, when both teams were at the height of their powers. The Cowboys were known as “America’s Team,” with their star-studded lineup and flashy style, while the 49ers were the epitome of West Coast cool, led by the calm and collected Joe Montana.
This rivalry has been defined by its high stakes, with many of their matchups occurring in the playoffs, often with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. The games between these two teams have featured some of the greatest players in NFL history, including Montana, Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin.
Perhaps the most famous moment in this rivalry came in the 1981 NFC Championship Game, known as “The Catch.” With less than a minute remaining, Joe Montana threw a high pass to Dwight Clark in the back of the end zone, who made a leaping grab to secure a 28-27 victory and send the 49ers to Super Bowl XVI. This play is one of the most iconic in NFL history and is often seen as the moment that launched the 49ers’ dynasty.
Final Words
NFL rivalries are the lifeblood of the league, providing some of the most memorable and intense moments in sports history. The five rivalries discussed in this article—the Packers vs. Bears, Cowboys vs. Commanders, Steelers vs. Ravens, Patriots vs. Jets, and 49ers vs. Cowboys—are among the most intense, each with its unique history, memorable moments, and cultural impact.
These rivalries transcend the game of football, becoming a part of the identity of the teams and their fans. Whether it’s the historic battles between the Packers and Bears, the regional pride on the line in Cowboys-Commanders games, the defensive slugfests between the Steelers and Ravens, the bitter hatred in Patriots-Jets matchups, or the high-stakes showdowns between the 49ers and Cowboys, these rivalries have left an indelible mark on the NFL.
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Explanation: player statistics (a/b c)
a - games played this season
b - goals scored
c - team position (d - defender, m - midfielder, f - forward, g - goalkeeper).
