Times like these, I'm glad to be a football fan. Not because the draft is tomorrow. Not because the season is only a few months away. Not even because cheerleader tryouts are starting, and I get an inside peek at the contestants.
It's because football fans never stop trash talking each other. Plain and simple.
After much deliberation, I think I have finally found a way to make everyone happy. For the record, this doesn't include the rivalries of yesteryear. This includes the rivalries that still fume in the pits of one's stomach. It includes those rivalries that make one cringe at the very mutter of the opposition's name.
No my friends, this includes the rivalries that caused the most buzz during this competition. So with that being said, here is the Top 10 Best Rivalries of the NFL.
#10 Cleveland Browns-Baltimore Ravens
#9 Jacksonville Jaguars-Carolina Panthers
#8 Cincinnati Bengals-Cleveland Browns
#7 New England Patriots-Indianapolis Colts
#6 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams-San Francisco 49ers
Now that the bottom 10 are in, let's take a look at the Top 5, and why they're there.
#5 Green Bay Packers-Chicago Bears
This rivalry is self explanatory. It may not have as much hype as the college football rivalries, but it still has enough wick to light a candle under any Packers/Bears fan. Since 1921, Green Bay has had to lock horns with the Monsters of Midway, and every time has either been a classic or a blowout. Still people boast with pride of how great their team is to this day.
Originally known as the Staleys, the Chicago franchised took the first meeting 20-0 from Green Bay on November 27, 1921. Since that time, the two teams have battled for more than just bragging rights. The eventual champion of the league usually emerged from these two titans of terror.
In 1925, the Bears fell to Green Bay for the first time 14-10 on September 27, 1925 in their fourth meeting of the regular season. Seven years later, the Packers fell short of their fourth straight championship when NFL did not count ties.
Fast forward three decades with some change, and the Bears-Packers rivalry still has the fire that it had since their initial meeting. This is why they are the #5 ranked best rivalry.
#4 St. Louis Rams-Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks played the Rams only once while in the AFC, and even that game left people breathless. After the 37-34 shootout in Seattle, many wondered if these two titans would meet up once more. Their prayers and thoughts were answered one year later.
On May 22, 2001, the Seahawks returned to the NFC when they filled the last spot in the NFC West. Little did anyone know, this would start something major in that division. Every single time these two teams meet, playoff implications are right around the corner. Since the turn of the century, and the Patriots' dominance over the NFL, the Rams and 'Hawks have been to the Super Bowl.
In any event, the division winner seems to always be between these two juggernauts, and no one is complaining whatsoever about that...unless you're the 49ers. Still this series that has flip flopped between the AFC and NFC still holds a fire everytime the two teams collide during the regular season.
The only question left is: What will happen if these two meet in the playoffs?
#3 NFC East
There was much criticism in regards to why there were several rivalries not in this list that came from the Beasts of the NFC East. So to make it a fair deal, I decided to include the entire division because all four teams know how to duel.
Like the dangerous elbows of Rasheed Wallace, and the frame of Bill Laimbeer, the NFC East has managed to do what no other division has done: Have all four members of this division make it to the Super Bowl. Out of the four, three of them have won it, and the lone goose egg of the bunch has come pretty close.
Filled with smashmouth players (Terrell Owens, Michael Strahan, Clinton Portis, and Donovan McNabb) and decades of animosity, the NFC East has managed to have at least two teams in the postseason every year. Not to mention that three of its residents have also done what no other team has done in history: Beat the same team on different occasions to become Super Bowl Champions (Buffalo).
Whether it's Dallas-Philly, Washington-NY Giants, Dallas-NY Giants, Philly-Washington, and every other division combination you can think of, the NFC East has supplied all of us with enough old school football with new school feeling to keep us guessing.
#2 New England Patriots-The Other 31 NFL Teams
Since the marriage of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the Patriots have found nothing but success in their present and future. Much to the chagrin of the other 31 teams in the league, the Patriots have broken the curse that hung over them back in the 80s and during the "Era of Tuna." Unfortunately, they're not making many friends.
Being the first of the Boston teams to find success in this decade came with a heavy price. Outwitting the favored St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI was the start of something bigger than anyone anticipated for New England. Since that time, almost every team has fell at the hands of Darth Belichick and his "unstoppable" Storm Patriot Troopers.
But in every feel good story, there has to be a villain to keep it interesting. In this case, New England has 31 villains. From division rivals Buffalo and NY Jets to NFC East powerhouses NY Giants and Dallas, all the way to the lowly Houston Texans, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins, New England has done anything and everything to make sure that every team in the NFL has a bigger reason to hate their guts on Opening Day.
And you're wondering why they're ranked #2? That's because the #1 best rivalry goes to...
#1 Denver Broncos-Oakland Raiders
It's been a long while since either of these teams has had something to be proud of. In this case, this honor is bigger than those Super Bowls. Why you ask? Because in between those Super Bowl wins came crappy seasons. And in between those crappy seasons (and in all cases during) came the Broncos and Raiders.
Denver and Oakland have arguably the biggest fan rivalry in all of professional football. Even if these two teams are battling for draft picks, fans are still beating the holy hell out of each other. Whether it's in a bar in Fort Collins or a tavern in Altadena, when these two teams meet, it's an all out war. And trust me and believe me when I say this: None of those wars are pretty.
Whether they are fighting in Los Angeles, Oakland, Denver, or even Aurora, the Oakland/Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos leave everyone, even those who aren't fans of either team, in a frenzy and bloodthirsty.
That's what makes them unique. That is what makes them fierce and tough. That is what makes them psychotic. That is what makes them #1.
And depending on who you're rooting for will determine which #1 finger you get. And that is what makes their games so damn good.
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3 months ago
Duke/UNC?
I cringe whenever I see someone wearing a UNC shirt.
from 3 months ago
This is NFL. Not NCAA. That's not till Sunday, Andrew.
from 3 months ago
Wow. I guess that is what 'Gridway' means, huh? My bad.
3 months ago
Could you have picked a better picture for this article? I know for a fact that there are better pictures than this one that is better for the Broncos. And for the record there is only one reason for this rivalry and that is due to the Raiders have an attitude problem As a Bronco fan I can certainly tell you that there is nothing on this end is causing this attitude. OKAY maybe just a little bit. And that is only because the Raider are trying to hard to win and they really suck. This is not just an observation of mine but a proven fact by their track record. Sorry Raiders fans but you really need to face up to that you are right there with the San Francisco 49'rs. Basically you have no hope what so ever!
from 3 months ago
Sit down, Nadene, your medication is on it's way.
I find it funny, when you think Oakland has no hope, whatsoever, when we have more wins than you, more Super Bowl victories, more Hall of Famers, and a better head-to-head record than you.
About the only thing you have, is a career passing leader, with Elway, and for all that yardage, he lost 3 super bowls, and was lucky enough to have Terrell Davis bail him out in the end.
I've grown up with this rivalry, being in the Dakotas, you have your die-hard bronco fans, and your die-hard Raider fans. The major difference? It seems the denver supporters are about 10 times less devoted to their club. Maybe it's because, so many times to the playoffs, they got knocked out in the first round.
Last item, and don't forget to mention it....what's the second most popular NFL club in Denver?
Oakland Raiders....right under the nose.
3 months ago
Thanks for not overrating the Packers/Bears rivalry like the rest of the country, Ron. Great article and I can't wait to see your next rivalry article!
from 3 months ago
Well the rivalry isn't what it used to be...but it's such a classic rivalry it's hard to not consider it one of the best ones.
3 months ago
As a foreigner i've just learned a lot ! So, I give you my pick of the day !!
3 months ago
No Viking's-Packer's?
from 3 months ago
For me, a Packer fan, I'd rather see the Vikes lose than the Bears any day...Still Packers-Bears is simply classic, but I don't think there is the animosity that there used to be...a little respect, but mostly we just think they're kinda stupid, and they think the same of us. They're both great clubs with awesome amounts of history and tradition.
3 months ago
Wow, just wow.
Carolina and Jacksonville? Based on? Oh, because they came in the league together? So? They have played all of FOUR times in their history? Yet they have one of the top ten rivalries in football? Please. How the heck can you expect this to be taken seriously when you list this in your top ten? These two can't even be considered rivals, let alone among the best in the NFL.
The Rams and Seahawks HAVE met in the playoffs.
The hottest new rivalry in the league now is probably the Jets and Patriots. That, along with Pittsburgh and Cleveland belong on this list before that stupid Carolina/Jacksonville bit.
3 months ago
All the teams from the AFC East and AFC West have been to the Super Bowl too, not just the NFC East. The AFC North might have been too. The only team I'm not sure of is Cleveland.
3 months ago
Nice pick on the NFC East that division is viscous...
3 months ago
"Whether it's Dallas-Philly, Washington-NY Giants, Dallas-NY Giants, Philly-Washington, and every other division combination you can think of, the NFC East has supplied all of us with enough old school football with new school feeling to keep us guessing." - Sounds like a West Coaster :-P No mention of Redskins & Cowboys in the top all time list? There's plenty of history, as these teams have played each other since 1960, after the Cowboys founder held "Hail to the Redskins" ransom so he start his team. And more recently, amazing things have happened when they've met in the regular season. In '05 the 'skins did nothing all game until the final four minutes, when, down 13, Brunell hooked up with Moss twice to win it. And then there was the wild finish in '06 in FedEx. TO had his 4 Touchdowns last season, but I'd like to forget about that, and the 'skins winning in FedEx by 21 (rest in peace Sean Taylor) help me do just hat. There's a lot more then can be described in a comment, so read here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboys-Redskins_rivalry. I'm not saying this has to be #1, but it hast to be on your top 10 list...if not, at least on your NFC East match up list.
from 3 months ago
I put the whole NFC East because of the rivalries in that division. All that good fury on the field? Perfect. So what exactly is your beef? The Cowboys-Redskins are in it. Just as a whole division.
3 months ago
Finally tampa n green bay play this year. But nothing is like the old black n blue division games.
3 months ago
Finally tampa n green bay play this year. But nothing is like the old black n blue division games.
3 months ago
Jaguars-Panthers and Rams-Seahawks seem to be here as gimmicks. And no mention of Browns-Steelers? Broncos-Chiefs?
3 months ago
what about spain vs italy n the 80's. good stuff ? hu? thank god for all american football rivalries.
3 months ago
49ers Cowboys? it is a bit of yesteryear but I have the day scheduled and the shit talking already going for when we play the Cowboys finally this year... it has died a bit but there is plenty of hatred still
3 months ago
I want to see browns/broncos. tampa/lions. buff/giants. before i go out.
3 months ago
49ers/cowboys are a old one . but thats what makes it good
3 months ago
I would like to see 49ers/Cowboys or Steelers/Raiders. Two historic rivalries.
3 months ago
How about Chargers-Raiders? You can't go to one of their games without seeing someone get stabbed.
from 3 months ago
i agree with Josh. The Chargers-Raiders rivalry is more intense than the broncos-raiders one. also there is no way that this is the #1 nfl rivalry, a battle between 2 teams that wont even compete for their division this year.
3 months ago
i really hope you're kidding to say broncos raiders are 1 and that seattle and st. louis are 4
If you're thinking old school there has to be Giants- Packers or Giants- Bears because these teams met numerous times in NFL title games
3 months ago
LOL! I'll be honest in saying that I did not see the "New England Patriots - the other 31 NFL teams" coming! That was great, and pretty true if you ask me. As a Pats fan, I would've like to have seen NE vs NYG this season. I think that would've officially kicked off a Giants/Pats Rivalry. Just my opinion of course.
3 months ago
how about Bills-Dolphins? I think those are pretty intense.
Also, I have to agree, I dont get the logic behind Jacksonville and Carolina. Browns/Steelers or Vikes/Packers should have been there before that one.
3 months ago
This is all very subjective.....but a good read nonetheless
3 months ago
Well you have the Cleveland Browns on their 2 times,I think you could of put the Miami Dolphins vs the Buffalo Bills,or perhaps even put the San Francisco 49ers vs the Dallas Cowboys those 4 teams had some very good battles in the 90's against one another.
3 months ago
Ravens vs. Steelers vs. Browns ... a vicious circle ... and now that Marv is in Cincy , 'tis nasty eh?
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