The NFL is renowned for its intense rivalries that capture the hearts and minds of fans across the country. These rivalries, often steeped in history and marked by fierce competition, are an integral part of the NFL’s allure.
From coast to coast, teams face off in epic battles that go beyond the final score, embodying regional pride, historical grudges, and the thrill of the game. This article delves into some of the most iconic and enduring rivalries in the NFL, exploring the passion, historical moments, and competitive spirit that define these matchups.
15. Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints
The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints share a fiery rivalry that’s as hot as a Southern summer. Since their first clash in 1967, they’ve locked horns 112 times, each team claiming victory in 56 games. It’s a perfect tie that keeps fans on the edge of their seats!
The 2006 game was a memorable one, as the Saints triumphed in the Superdome’s grand reopening after Hurricane Katrina. This rivalry continues to sizzle in the NFC South division, with both teams battling it out with unyielding determination.
14. Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Seahawks and 49ers rivalry took a thrilling turn in 2002 when Seattle entered the NFC West. The competition has been nail-biting ever since, with each game keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
In 2022, San Francisco showed their prowess by clinching victory in all three face-offs. While Seattle holds the record for more overall wins, the rivalry continues to be a gripping spectacle, keeping the excitement alive and the scoreboard unpredictable.
13. Denver Broncos vs. Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders
The Broncos and Raiders share a fierce rivalry, with the Raiders holding a slight edge. Memorable moments include the Raiders’ thrilling comeback in ’93 and the Broncos’ triumphant AFC Championship victory in ’77. Their electrifying face-offs continue to ignite the passion of fans.
12. Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets
In the heart of the AFC East division, a thrilling rivalry thrives between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets. As of 2024, the Dolphins have the upper hand, leading the all-time series.
Each clash between these teams is a high-stakes battle, often swaying the division standings and playoff odds. Their shared division and geographic closeness fuel this competitive fire, making every game a must-watch event.
11. Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Since their first clash in 1950, the Browns and Steelers have faced off on the gridiron a whopping 143 times, shaping a rivalry that’s as thrilling as it is enduring. In the early years, the Browns often had the upper hand, but the tables turned in the 1970s when the Steelers surged to power.
Today, every game between these two titans is a nail-biter, with playoff dreams often hanging in the balance. This rivalry, ever-evolving, continues to captivate fans with its unpredictable twists and turns.
10. Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
Since their first clash in 1961, the Vikings and Packers have faced off on the gridiron a whopping 128 times. The Packers have the upper hand in this long-standing rivalry, leading the series with 66 victories to the Vikings’ 60, and three games ending in a tie.
The rivalry took an electrifying turn in 2009 when Brett Favre swapped his Packers’ green for Vikings’ purple. Over the years, both teams have claimed significant victories, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The most recent showdown saw the Vikings edge out the Packers 27-25 in a thrilling December 2024 matchup.
9. New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
The Jets-Patriots rivalry, sparked by their geographical proximity and historical events, has been a thrilling spectacle since its inception in 1960. The Patriots have generally held the upper hand, boasting a more successful track record.
However, the Jets have had their moments of glory too, including a resounding victory in their latest face-off in 2023. This enduring rivalry continues to captivate fans, with each game adding a new chapter to their storied history.
8. Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys
In the world of American football, few rivalries are as fiercely contested as the one between the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys. Since their first clash on the gridiron in 1960, these two teams have faced off an impressive 130 times.
The Cowboys have managed to edge out the Commanders in the majority of these encounters, boasting a series lead of 79-49-2. However, when it comes to playoff showdowns, the Commanders have proven their mettle, winning both times. This rivalry, brimming with passion and intensity, is widely regarded as one of the most competitive in the NFL.
7. Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Raiders and Chiefs have clashed on the football field more than 148 times since their first face-off in 1960. The Chiefs may have more victories under their belt, but the Raiders have been giving them a run for their money in recent games.
Their rivalry, one of the fiercest in the NFL, is fueled by their shared division and the high-stakes playoff games they’ve battled in.
6. New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Patriots and Colts have a storied rivalry, filled with nail-biting games and unforgettable moments. They’ve faced off a whopping 85 times, with the Patriots leading the charge with 53 victories to the Colts’ 32. Even the playoffs have seen these two titans clash five times.
Their latest showdown in 2023 was a thrilling affair, with the Colts narrowly edging out the Patriots 10-6. This rivalry continues to be a captivating spectacle in the world of football.
5. San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys
The rivalry between the 49ers and Cowboys, which ignited in the 1970s, has been a thrilling saga of football prowess. The Cowboys initially dominated the playoff scene, but the tables turned in the 1980s and 1990s when both teams clinched Super Bowl victories.
Recently, the 49ers have been on a winning streak, triumphing over the Cowboys in their last three encounters, including two high-stakes playoff games. This update reflects the latest game results, underscoring the 49ers’ current dominance in this enduring rivalry.
4. New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Since 1933, the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles have been locked in a fierce rivalry, one of the longest-standing in the NFL. They’ve clashed on the field nearly 200 times, including five high-stakes playoff games. The Eagles have the upper hand, with a slight lead in the series.
Memorable moments abound, like the 1978 “Miracle at the Meadowlands” fumble recovery and DeSean Jackson’s electrifying punt return in 2010 that clinched a game for the Eagles. As part of the NFC East division, these rivals square off at least twice each season, ensuring the rivalry remains as heated as ever.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Steelers-Ravens rivalry is a thrilling spectacle, with both teams often battling fiercely for the crown of the AFC North division. The Steelers hold the upper hand in the overall tally, boasting a greater number of victories. However, the Ravens have shown their mettle, especially in the most recent playoff clash on January 11, 2025, where they emerged victorious.
These showdowns are renowned for their high intensity, with both teams showcasing formidable defenses. This rivalry is not just about the numbers, it’s about the grit, the passion, and the unyielding determination that both teams bring to the field every time they face off.
Read More: Ranking the Top 10 Greatest MLB Rivalries
2. Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Cowboys and Eagles have a storied rivalry in the NFL, clashing on the gridiron 132 times in both regular season and playoff games. The Cowboys have come out on top more often, boasting 74 victories to the Eagles’ 58.
This rivalry has seen its share of unforgettable moments, like the notorious “Bounty Bowl” games of 1989 and the Eagles’ triumphant win in the 1980 NFC Championship.
Read More: The 10 Most Iconic College Football Rivalries
1. Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
In the heart of the NFL, a fierce rivalry rages on. The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers have clashed on the gridiron an impressive 208 times, making it the longest-running feud in the league. The Packers have the upper hand with 107 victories, but the Bears aren’t far behind with 95 wins.
Six games ended in a draw, adding to the suspense. This rivalry, which kicked off in 1921, has been a yearly showdown, with the sole exception of the 1982 season cut short by a strike. The proximity of the teams and their history of nail-biting matches fuel this intense competition.
 Read More: Epic Showdowns: 20 Intense Rivalries in Pro Sports History