The Top Five Current NFL Rivalries

The NFL Network just did their Top 10 rivalries of all time. Just like my home field advantages article, I'm breaking my list down to five and most current.

There have been many rivalries throughout NFL history. Some of the best are Steelers vs. Cowboys/Raiders, 49ers vs. Cowboys, Raiders vs. Chiefs, Packers vs. Cowboys, and so on and so forth.

Most of those have died out. Now it's time to recognize a new generation of rivalries. So without further ado, here are my top five current rivalries in the NFL.

No. 5 Cowboys vs. Redskins

Doesn't Campbell look comfortable?

I know this is a pretty low ranking for the 'Skins and the 'Boys, but let's face it, the rivalry is starting to get old. Last year was proof of this. Even though the Cowboys swept the Redskins, the scores were 7-6 and 17-0. Normally the score would be a little higher and each team would've put up more of a fight.

I may be wrong. It could have been a fluke. But for now, this rivalry is fifth on my list.

Dallas leads the all time series 59-39-2. Don't look for the Redskins to even that up any time soon.

No. 4 Packers vs. Bears

A little old school, I know. They've kept it going though unlike the other ones that died out.

A big defensive battle every team these teams meet and sometimes a little offensive. Now that Favre is with the Vikings, not so much. It seems once Favre left, some of the rivalry went with him.

There is no doubt this rivalry has died some. It may even fade away like all the old ones. But while it's still here, it ranks fourth on my list.

The Bears lead the all time series 91-82-6.

No. 3 Chargers vs. Broncos

I know you all must be shocked to see these two teams here. Yes one could question if they deserve the number three spot or even if they deserve to be on the list at all but I like this rivalry for a few reasons.

The Chargers and Broncos rivalry has to be the most balanced in the league. Every year the teams are one and one. Plus the Chargers always seem to pull the AFC West right out underneath from the Broncos.

Now is it just me, or does it seem like every time they play each other, something unexpected happens?

The Chargers could have swept the Broncos in 2008 if it wasn't for that fumble that was ruled an incomplete pass. I still say it was incomplete too. Of course that allowed the Broncos to score on the next play and make the two point conversion to win.

The Broncos do however own a 54-45 record against the Chargers. If the Chargers keep doing their thing, that could even up quicker than people think.

No. 2 Patriots vs. Colts

Anyone else but me notice how Manning usually falls instead of taking a hit?

This is the most offensive based rivalry in the NFL. When these two teams get together, everyone knows it's not going to be a defensive battle. It's going to be a high flying offensive battle with high scores.

The games usually start out with the Patriots getting a big lead. Then around the third quarter, Peyton Manning works his magic and brings the game close again. Then the Patriots either hold on for the win, they get picked off and lose, or Manning has one of those last minute drives and wins.

So far the Patriots own a 7-5 record over the Colts last decade. Who will do better this decade?

No. 1 Steelers vs. Ravens

Well if it wasn't the Patriots and Colts, who did you think would be number one?

No doubt this is the best rivalry in the league. These two teams are the definition of smash mouth football. Every time they play, you can always expect a knockdown, drag out fight to the last second. Both teams finish the game feeling at least twice as worse before the game starts.

An interesting fact to note is that most of their games are in primetime.

Rarely does either team win by more than seven points and rarer do you see one team sweep the other. So far the Steelers own the overall record 19-10 and are currently on a three game win streak against the Ravens in Heinz Field. Hopefully it won't be broken during week four this upcoming season.

HR Cowboys vs. Eagles

At first I didn't have an honorable mention, but I've decided that I can't leave out the Cowboys and the Eagles.

This rivalry looks to only get better. One year removed from getting beat 3 times in a row by the Boys, the Eagles will be looking for revenge this year. Whether or not Kevin Kolb is up to par remains to be seen.

I for one have both games circled on my calendar this year.