The NFL's Greatest Franchise Rankings: Overall
The time has finally come. A winner will be crowned.
We have checked the calculations. We have consulted supercomputers. Our supercomputers have supercomputers. And we have an answer to this question: Which NFL franchise is the best of all time?
This was a fun project and has inspired all kinds of arguments. The final conclusion will likely inspire more.
As a reminder, we created four categories to determine the best ever: Success, Fans, Star Power and Futures.
Each of those four categories had a total of 100 points. The final tally is out of 400 points. The final score of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for example, is 209 out of that possible 400 after scoring 70 points in Success, 61 points in Fans, 34 points in Star Power and 44 points in Futures.
That put their final ranking as the 20th-best franchise of all time.
So that's how we came to this conclusion. It was quite a challenge, but in the end I think we came to a solid finding.
Enjoy, and maybe in 10 years we'll do this again.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars
1 of 32
Success: 38
Fans: 28
Star Power: 23
Futures: 51
Average score: 35
The Jaguars could have possibly been ranked higher in Star Power because of quarterback Blake Bortles. He's developed into a fairly significant name.
The Jaguars received a slightly higher fan rating because their fans are slightly more dedicated. Plus, they have a nice pool.
Where I could be wrong: ranking them high in Futures. Bortles has not looked as good this year as expected. This series has been careful to try to not incorporate too much from this season, since this season is a snapshot, but it's fair to note that Bortles and that Jaguars offense have been disappointing.
31. Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Success: 51
Fans: 25
Star Power: 30
Futures: 40
Average score: 36.5
I've been accused of being a Falcons hater. Not true. Some of my best friends are Falcons. In ways, the future is bright because of players such as Julio Jones, and the defense has a chance to be better than expected. The franchise, however, is hurt by bandwagon fans and a lack of overall Star Power.
Where I could be wrong: Futures. Jones has the chance to be, literally, one of the best receivers of all time. The Falcons front office might also be better than I think.
30. Houston Texans
3 of 32
Success: 30
Fans: 70
Star Power: 20
Futures: 31
Average score: 37.75
I always believed running back Lamar Miller was a terrific addition, and he's proving it.
The reason fans get such a high rating is the team hasn't exactly, um, won a lot. And still, the fans pack that stadium. Texans fans are vastly underrated.
Where I could be wrong: Futures. Maybe quarterback Brock Osweiler isn't as terrible as he looks. Maybe he finds that connection with DeAndre Hopkins. If that happens, then the future is much brighter. I could also rank the team higher in Star Power because of the human sun that is J.J. Watt.
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29. Los Angeles Rams
4 of 32
Success: 40
Fans: 20
Star Power: 53
Futures: 41
Average score: 38.5
Part of what this team will become is still an unknown. The Star Power index is high because of running back Todd Gurley. The Success ranking is lower because, you know, the Rams haven't been all that successful.
Where I could be wrong: The Futures might be higher because of Gurley and quarterback Jared Goff. We just don't know.
Also, maybe Rams fans will actually catch on to this team and become more than the historical front-runners they normally are.
28. San Diego Chargers
5 of 32
Success: 48
Fans: 40
Star Power: 36
Futures: 30
Average score: 38.5
One of the main points in talking Chargers is what they will do post-Philip Rivers—and that moment will likely come soon. This is the main thing that affected their Futures ranking.
Chargers fans get decent marks because the atmosphere is still electric despite the losing by the team. And as I've pointed out, the team has, by far, the best team song in football.
Where I could be wrong: undervaluing defensive end Joey Bosa. Even after the Chargers screwed up his negotiations, forcing him to report late, and despite some early-season injuries that limited his playing time, he has already shown outstanding potential. And I don't just mean the potential to be good. I'm talking generational kind of potential.
27. Arizona Cardinals
6 of 32
Success: 63
Fans: 30
Star Power: 33
Futures: 50
Average score: 44
The Cardinals get a high Success ranking because the team did play in a Super Bowl several years ago. Not to mention decades ago this franchise was one of the best in football.
The team's future ranking is high despite potentially losing two key components soon in quarterback Carson Palmer and future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald.
Where I could be wrong: This team is slowly developing a cache of young stars, from running back David Johnson to defensive back Tyrann Mathieu and several others. In fact, they may already have enough stars to earn a higher Star Power ranking.
26. New York Jets
7 of 32
Success: 42
Fans: 67
Star Power: 45
Futures: 37
Average score: 47.75
The good news for the Jets is they have a solid, mostly young defense that can be effective for the next several years.
The bad news, the really bad news, is that in several key positions on offense, the Jets are aged. Receiver Brandon Marshall is 32 and running back Matt Forte is 30.
Where I could be wrong: If quarterback Geno Smith is somehow good. That is like saying if Denzel Washington was a terrible actor, but you get what I mean. But if he is, this would impact the team's Futures rankings, obviously. But the chances he's good are slim, as are the chances of any of their current quarterbacks being good.
25. Detroit Lions
8 of 32
Success: 35
Fans: 57
Star Power: 57
Futures: 43
Average score: 48
It's particularly important to note just how dedicated Lions fans have been despite some of the more brutal moments, and seasons, in recent history. Lions and Cleveland Browns fans are brothers in arms. Yet despite the misery, Lions fans still show up in good numbers. They deserve a great deal of credit, which is why their Fans ranking is fairly healthy.
Where I could be wrong: nowhere. Got this one right. (Smugly pats himself on the back.)
24. Cincinnati Bengals
9 of 32
Success: 45
Fans: 60
Star Power: 22
Futures: 68
Average score: 48.75
We all know how good A.J. Green is. He has already staked a position as one of the great young pass-catchers in the league. It will likely stay this way, giving the Bengals a positive anchor at a key position. The Bengals also have some nice young talent on defense, especially along the defensive line.
Where I could be wrong: possibly on Star Power. It's hard to remember that quarterback Andy Dalton is just 28 years old. His game has been steadily improving. There is potential for Dalton to become a genuine star. No, I'm not saying he's going to be Tom Brady. But he could end up better than we all know. More of a star than we know.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
10 of 32
Success: 65
Fans: 35
Star Power: 58
Futures: 45
Average score: 50.75
One of the best things happening with the Eagles is occurring off the field. The front office is stable and smart, and the franchise—unlike during the Chip Kelly era—knows what the hell it's doing. That is Philadelphia's greatest advantage and why its Futures rating is decent.
Where I could be wrong: possibly overrating quarterback Carson Wentz. While he's shown the normal rookie growing pains, he appears to be special. At the least, a franchise quarterback. He looks legit. More than legit, but there's a reason so few franchise quarterbacks exist.
22. Miami Dolphins
11 of 32
Success: 86
Fans: 28
Star Power: 60
Futures: 31
Average score: 51.25
The key is Ryan Tannehill. The Futures ranking is low because I'm not a fan. Speaking of fans, they are some of the biggest front-runners in sports. They could easily be ranked last.
Where I could be wrong: in two big spots. First, Success. I mean, it could be argued the only modern team in league history with a perfect record should be ranked No. 1 in that department. Not to mention, the Dolphins went to three straight Super Bowls in the 1970s, winning two.
Second, Futures. Maybe I'm wrong on Tannehill. Maybe he's a lot better than I think.
21. Tennessee Titans
12 of 32
Success: 50
Fans: 52
Star Power: 31
Futures: 75
Average score: 52
Quarterback Marcus Mariota is the key and why this team's Futures score is so high. Titans fans are also some of the more underrated in the sport (and Nissan Stadium is one of the best places at which to watch a game).
Star Power is low because, other than Mariota, there isn't a lot of wattage.
Where I could be wrong: possibly being so giddy about the future. The key is always what the team puts around the star QB. So far, the talent around Mariota is average.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13 of 32
Success: 70
Fans: 61
Star Power: 34
Futures: 44
Average score: 52.25
The key is Jameis Winston. He's the future at quarterback for the Buccaneers. He could potentially be one of the prototypes for all of the young signal-callers. The only reason Futures isn't higher is because I do worry about Winston's accuracy and whether it can get better. I'm not sure. Sometimes his accuracy issues are so bad it makes me wonder.
Where I could be wrong: The team could have a better future than I think. Winston's leadership skills are substantial. He reminds me, in terms of his personality, of Jim Kelly. That sounds like a strange comparison, but Kelly was an emotional leader who got everyone around him to respond. That's what Winston does.
19. Cleveland Browns
14 of 32
Success: 55
Fans: 90
Star Power: 56
Futures: 32
Average score: 58.25
You'll notice the high Fans ranking. FirstEnergy Stadium is still full and rocking despite all of the losing. It's amazing to see.
The Futures ranking is a little lower because, well, they're the Browns. And we just don't know how this Moneyball regime will do. It's all a mystery.
Where I could be wrong: the Futures aspect. The Browns may win just one game, or no games, this season, but watching this team fight hard every game is good to see. They are fighting hard because of their coach, Hue Jackson. Maybe I'm underestimating his smarts and skills.
18. Minnesota Vikings
15 of 32
Success: 76
Fans: 42
Star Power: 60
Futures: 60
Average score: 59.5
The success of the Vikings has always been underrated. They lost the Super Bowls they were in, but those teams were still impressive. That Purple People Eaters defense might be the third- or fourth-best ever.
Where I could be wrong: the Star Power score. I'm assuming quarterback Sam Bradford falls apart and Teddy Bridgewater regains the starting role once he heals. To me, Bridgewater is one of the most promising stars in the sport. If that's not the case, and Bridgewater isn't the guy, then the Star Power takes a hit. Particularly since we can expect a dramatic decline in the production of running back Adrian Peterson.
17. San Francisco 49ers
16 of 32
Success: 87
Fans: 36
Star Power: 83
Futures: 34
Average score: 60
The Star Power and Success rankings are high because of names such as Montana, Rice, Walsh and Lott. Historic names. Both of those rankings are well-earned.
Fans get a lower ranking because they've been slightly fair-weather. I understand why, but try being a Browns fan. And yet Browns fans turn out every week and haven't been spoiled by numerous Super Bowl appearances.
Where I could be wrong: The argument can be made that under this current front office—one of the worst in football, if not the worst—their Futures score should be dead last. That team had talent before coach Jim Harbaugh went to Michigan. Now, it's a shell of itself. Where the 49ers have really screwed up is leaving the quarterback position in the frail state that it is.
16. Baltimore Ravens
17 of 32
Success: 75
Fans: 83
Star Power:41
Futures: 45
Average score: 61
Ravens fans are a unique group. They are knowledgeable, passionate and know the sport as well as any group of fans I've ever encountered. I grew up around Colts/Ravens fans, and few are better, which is why they get a top-10 Fans rating.
Futures is lower because I'm not certain where this team is headed at quarterback. General manager Ozzie Newsome is one of the best to ever do it, but he's hit a bit of a lull recently.
Where I could be wrong: well, doubting Newsome is one way. Doubting him is stupid. It's also possible I ranked their Success too high. Though the franchise did build one of the top two or three defenses of all time.
15. New Orleans Saints
18 of 32
Success: 64
Fans: 88
Star Power: 40
Futures: 55
Average score: 61.75
You cannot mention the dedication of any fanbase without mentioning Saints fans. Resilient isn't the word. Hurricane Katrina wiped out the city, and a year later, they were back in the Superdome. It was one of the most remarkable things I've ever witnessed.
Where I could be wrong: The Futures score is decent, and it's built upon the fact there is some good young talent on the roster such as Mark Ingram. But it would be foolish to talk about the Saints' future without mentioning when Drew Brees retires or leaves the team for another. When Brees is gone, the Saints could take a dramatic step back.
14. Carolina Panthers
19 of 32
Success: 60
Fans: 72
Star Power: 25
Futures: 96
Average score: 63.25
The Panthers rank heavily on Futures because of the power of Cam Newton. The team also has some good young backs, and while this series has focused heavily on players, it would be irresponsible not to mention coach Ron Rivera. He's proved to be one of the best in football and weighs heavily in the team's Futures rankings.
Where I could be wrong: overrating Newton. I don't think that's possible. He's one of the most talented weapons in the league and works much harder than most fans know. Yet, it is possible he has too much weight on his shoulders and too many expectations. I don't believe that's the case, but it's possible.
13. Indianapolis Colts
20 of 32
Success: 67
Fans: 50
Star Power: 50
Futures: 88
Average score: 63.75
The extremely high Futures score is all about Andrew Luck. Despite his miscues and turnovers, he remains one of the brightest stars in football. The Success score is more about Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning winning a Super Bowl than the current team.
Where I could be wrong: The Colts front office is so putrid, Luck may not have a chance in the future. He may go down in a broken heap because he's getting hit so much. The team has to do a much better job with drafting offensive linemen because they are, you know, kind of important.
12. Chicago Bears
21 of 32
Success: 83
Fans: 44
Star Power: 95
Futures: 35
Average score: 64.25
I ranked Star Power high because of the past, which is filled with historic names. No, not Jay Cutler. Names like Walter Payton, Dick Butkus and Mike Ditka. The most adored player in history is perhaps Payton.
The Futures for this franchise is lower because Cutler is involved in it. Sorry.
Where I could be wrong: maybe with the Success score. Maybe. But likely not since this franchise has incredible history and produced the greatest defense of all time.
11. Buffalo Bills
22 of 32
Success: 85
Fans: 75
Star Power: 55
Futures: 61
Average score: 69
I'm not as high on Tyrod Taylor as some others, but he's starting to change my mind. He's a dynamic player and the reason the team's Futures ranking is as high as it is. LeSean McCoy also accounts for that elevated ranking.
The only issue with the direction of the team is Rex Ryan. He's not a good coach. It's pretty much that simple.
Where I could be wrong: every ranking except Futures. Meaning, all of them could be ranked higher. I consider the Bills going to four consecutive Super Bowls (despite losing them) to be one of the greatest achievements in NFL history. Whenever I covered Bills games, the stadium rocked. Fans were uproarious. And the Bills had genuine, eternal stars such as Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas.
10. New York Giants
23 of 32
Success: 91
Fans: 80
Star Power: 75
Futures: 33
Average score: 69.75
The two Super Bowl wins over the Patriots are maybe the best moments in the franchise's history. Maybe. The reason is they beat the best quarterback and coach on the planet in the biggest of moments twice. Add those wins to others, and the Giants' past is one of the best.
Where I could be wrong: the Futures ranking. Maybe Odell Beckham Jr. is so good, he carries the entire franchise to new heights. The problem is the quarterback position. Once Eli Manning retires, the franchise is in trouble. There's no one good behind him.
9. Washington
24 of 32
Success: 82
Fans: 81
Star Power: 80
Futures: 56
Average score: 74.75
I say this with great affection since many of my friends and family are Washington fans: They are ridiculous. I was a fan of the team once and equally ridiculous. They stick with the franchise even when it loses and despite the fact the team hasn’t always treated the fans well.
Where I could be wrong: maybe rank Success higher. Coach Joe Gibbs went to three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks. That's a nearly impossible thing to do, yet he did it.
8. Kansas City Chiefs
25 of 32
Success: 71
Fans: 84
Star Power: 68
Futures: 80
Average score: 75.75
Getting Alex Smith was a vastly underrated move for the Chiefs. He's won a number of games and provided stability at one of the most unstable positions in the league. The Chiefs are steeped in success, mostly during the Hank Stram era, but Smith should be seen by history as a vital cog in that lore.
The Futures ranking is my belief that Spencer Ware will be a star because Jamaal Charles will be playing elsewhere next season.
Where I could be wrong: Star Power could be a little high. Smith isn't exactly sexy. Neither is Stram. Though matriculating the football down the field is kind of beautiful.
7. Denver Broncos
26 of 32
Success: 89
Fans: 85
Star Power: 48
Futures: 82
Average score: 76
A good Success ranking can be attributed, almost single-handedly, to one man: John Elway. As a player, he won two Super Bowls. As a team executive, he brought in Peyton Manning and won another.
Where I could be wrong: Fans could be ranked higher. Sports Authority Field at Mile High is one of the few stadiums (and I've been to them all) that literally shakes when the crowd gets riled. It moves back and forth. And Broncos fans are among the most knowledgeable I've come across.
I could also be wrong about Star Power. That number is solid, as Von Miller is a genuine star. But Elway's popularity and impact on football is so stupendous, he alone should maybe push the ranking into the 70s.
6. New England Patriots
27 of 32
Success: 93
Fans: 63
Star Power: 65
Futures: 85
Average score: 76.5
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick make up the best combination of coach and quarterback the league has ever seen. Better than Joe Montana and Bill Walsh or Otto Graham and Paul Brown. The best, period.
(Cue the "but they cheat!")
Futures gets a high ranking not solely because of young-ish talent such as Rob Gronkowski, but because of Belichick. Yes, Belichick. As long as he's the coach and running the team, the Patriots will win.
Where I could be wrong: For years, getting into the stadium was one lane in and one lane out. Snowy and frigid. Would take three hours to get to the damn parking lot and five to get out. Even when the Patriots were awful, a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, fans still went down that lonely road, home game after home game. The Fans ranking possibly should be higher.
5. Seattle Seahawks
28 of 32
Success: 79
Fans: 89
Star Power: 73
Futures: 92
Average score: 83.25
The Seattle Seahawks get high marks across the board, especially because Russell Wilson is the quarterback. There have been a legion of Twitter arguments and bar fights about just how good Wilson is. I believe he's one of the most underrated players of the past few decades. Sure, he played with a great defense, and sure, he had Marshawn Lynch, but hell, Joe Montana had Jerry Rice, and Terry Bradshaw had one of the best defenses ever. So what?
Where I could be wrong: ranking the Seahawks too high in every category. But that's unlikely. Look at what they've done in the past few years alone. I got this one right.
4. Dallas Cowboys
29 of 32
Success: 88
Fans: 64
Star Power: 85
Futures: 100
Average score: 84.25
If I could have made the Futures score 5 billion, that's what I would have done. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott are the future Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith. Yes, maybe that's hyperbole, but they are both potentially that good.
Fans get a moderately good rating because they are at times front-runners and that stadium is more Disneyland than a place to enjoy football.
Where I could be wrong: not ranking Star Power higher. This was, after all, America's Team.
3. Oakland Raiders
30 of 32
Success: 90
Fans: 87
Star Power: 78
Futures: 90
Average score: 86.25
The Oakland Raiders have the fortune of having both fairly recent and past success. But I wanted to focus on the Raiders teams of the 1970s that included names such as John Madden, Ken Stabler and Art Shell. They were a smart, talented group of swashbucklers who played in a more dangerous era, but a brilliant one. Football then was more...fun.
Where I could be wrong: maybe not ranking Fans closer to 100. They're beautifully fanatical. They also stick with their team through the bad times and good like few other fanbases do.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
31 of 32
Success: 95
Fans: 95
Star Power: 100
Futures: 70
Average score: 90
High scores abound. Star Power gets a particularly high ranking because, well, the franchise history is chock full of stars such as Terry Bradshaw and Mean Joe Greene. There's the Super Bowl pedigree that's impressive, and the team has fans that travel everywhere. This team could easily be No. 1.
Where I could be wrong: my Futures score. With talent such as Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, they are set at two key positions for years. The reason the Pittsburgh Steelers get a Futures score in the 70s and not 90s is because of life after Ben Roethlisberger. He'll retire soon, or his banged-up body will devolve into a pile of goo. Either way, the Steelers are not prepared for life after Big Ben.
1. Green Bay Packers
32 of 32
Success: 100
Fans: 100
Star Power: 90
Futures: 86
Average score: 94
The Super Bowl trophy is named after maybe the greatest coach of all time, Vince Lombardi. That says a great deal about the power of this franchise. Along the way, despite some ups and downs, it has remained the greatest example of (mostly) doing things the smart, right way (mostly).
Green Bay Packers and Steelers fans are very much alike, which is why both get high Fan rankings. I can't tell you how many times I covered a Packers road game and the stadium was 25 percent Packers fans.
The Packers are the best. It's that simple.
Where I could be wrong: nowhere.
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