Gridiron Battle: The Top 5 Modern Day Rivalries in the NFL

Every year in the NFL, there are certain games that captivate all audiences. They are marked on the calendar months before the season starts. They are the games most likely to invoke brawls between two opposing teams. And in a sport as physical as football, they can be very intense. Sometimes just plain ugly.

These games are rivalry games. Contested between two teams, who, in short, dislike each other. In some cases, hate each other. In this article I will be ranking the top five modern-day rivalries in the National Football League.

5. Cowboys vs Eagles

Over the past several years, the Cowboys and Eagles have always been contenders in the hotly contested NFC East (barring the Cowboys tough year last campaign). This year the Eagles are easily the most hyped team in the league, and rightly so with the explosive offense, and now, very good secondary.  

The Cowboys are looking to rebound after a dismal 2010. If either team can win both matchups, they will be in good shape.

Postseason: Cowboys lead series 3-1

All-time Series: Cowboys lead series 56-44

4. Jets vs Patriots

This AFC East showdown is always a fantastic matchup. Tom Brady and the Patriots offense versus Darrell Revis and the Jets defense. Last year the two teams played three times, splitting the regular season series and the Jets coming up with a win in the AFC divisional playoffs.  

Of course, Jets' head coach Rex Ryan said they were the only team that could beat the Patriots and called on other teams to do so, which adds that extra bit of edge for these upcoming matchups.

Postseason: Patriots lead series 2-1

All-time Series: Jets lead series 52-51-1

3. Bears vs Packers

The Bears and Packers have the oldest and most storied rivalry in all of football. If this was a list of all-time rivalries, this would be No. 1, no questions asked.

Last year, while the Bears took the division title, the Packers took the Super Bowl crown. The two teams met on a cold afternoon at Soldier Field, where the Pack defeated the Bears 21-14.

We know the Bears will be looking for revenge with the Packers looking to defend their championship. Add the new look Vikings and dark horse Lions, and the NFC North becomes very interesting.

Postseason: Tied 1-1

All-time Series: Bears lead series 92-84-6 

2. Ravens vs Steelers

This is the most hard-hitting game in all of football. These two teams have a passionate hate for each other, and it is a flat-out brawl every time they step on the field together. If you like a gritty, defensive, grind-it-out game, this is definitely for you.

Last year the two teams met at Heinz Field during the divisional playoffs and the Steelers won 31-24, a very high scoring game for this rivalry. With the Browns and Bengals seemingly out of contention for the upcoming season, it looks like these two will be battling for the division again.

Postseason: Steelers lead 3-0

All-time Series: Steelers lead 21-12

1. Colts vs Patriots

Over the past decade, the Patriots and Colts have played some of the best games in the league. The game is now always featured on prime time, and is the only non-divisional game the NFL has to schedule each year.  

The two best quarterbacks and faces of the NFL face off in a high scoring contest with some of the best skill players that football has to offer. For years, Manning could never get past Brady in the playoffs until the 2006 AFC Championship Game, where the Colts won a thriller on the way to hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy.  

This year, like always, should be one of the highlights of the NFL season. After all, shouldn't you expect that from the best modern day rivalry in the NFL?

Postseason: Patriots lead series 2-1 

All-time Series: Patriots lead series 45-29