Every NFL fan has their own list of the greatest franchises ever. Some teams are legendary because of dynasties, others because of iconic players, and a few just because they’ve found a way to be relevant forever.
So, we’re here to settle the debate (or stir it up). Let’s count down the 20 greatest NFL franchises of all time, ranked based on history, success, and overall impact on the league.
20. New York Jets
Yes, the Jets are mostly a punchline these days, but let’s not forget: they actually won a Super Bowl (looking at you, Lions and Browns). Joe Namath’s bold guarantee in Super Bowl III remains one of the most iconic moments in NFL history. Unfortunately, that was in 1969, and they haven’t done much since.
19. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks went from being an afterthought to a powerhouse once the Legion of Boom arrived. That Super Bowl XLVIII beatdown of the Broncos? Legendary. The only reason they’re not ranked higher? Pete Carroll not running the ball on the 1-yard line in Super Bowl XLIX. Fans will never forgive him.
18. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are one of the best franchises to never win a Super Bowl. Four Super Bowl losses, a cursed NFC Championship game history, and a long line of heartbreaks make them one of the most tortured teams in the league. But hey, at least they have one of the best fanbases and that awesome “Skol” chant.
17. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have produced some of the most electrifying players in NFL history—LaDainian Tomlinson, Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, and Junior Seau, just to name a few. The problem? They always find a way to mess things up. Until they win a Super Bowl, they’re stuck in the mid-tier of greatness.
16. Buffalo Bills
The only team to lose four straight Super Bowls, the Bills will forever be haunted by Scott Norwood’s missed kick in Super Bowl XXV. But they’ve had a resurgence in the Josh Allen era, and their fans (Bills Mafia) are the most chaotic in the NFL—which honestly makes them one of the most lovable franchises.
15. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have had some serious talent over the years—Deion Sanders, Michael Vick, Matt Ryan, and Julio Jones—but their legacy is blowing a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl. Until they erase that nightmare, they’ll always be remembered for the worst collapse in NFL history.
14. Denver Broncos
John Elway’s back-to-back Super Bowl wins in the late ‘90s put the Broncos in elite company, and they added a third ring in Super Bowl 50 with Peyton Manning. One of the most consistent franchises in NFL history, Denver is always in the mix.
13. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles might have just two Super Bowl wins, but their fans act like they’ve won 10—and honestly, respect. Philly has been one of the most consistent franchises in the modern NFL, making the playoffs nearly every year, and their 2017 Super Bowl win over the Patriots was legendary. Bonus points for having one of the most passionate (and sometimes terrifying) fanbases in the league.
12. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins will never stop reminding people about their perfect 1972 season, but after Dan Marino retired, this team has mostly been stuck in NFL purgatory. Still, two Super Bowls, one of the best QBs ever, and an iconic brand keep them among the top franchises.
11. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have had not one, but two generational quarterbacks in Johnny Unitas and Peyton Manning. Their Super Bowl XLI win with Manning was sweet, but their handling of Andrew Luck’s career? Not so much. Still, they’ve been one of the most successful teams of the modern era.
10. New York Giants
The Giants are one of the most storied teams in NFL history, with four Super Bowl wins and a history dating back to 1925. Also, let’s not forget: Eli Manning is the only QB to beat Tom Brady in a Super Bowl. Twice. That alone gives them a permanent seat at the big-boy table.
9. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have won Super Bowls in three different cities (Cleveland, St. Louis, and L.A.), which is pretty insane. They’ve been successful in every era, and their fairly recent Super Bowl LVI win shows they’re still a powerhouse franchise.
8. Washington Commanders
Yes, Washington has been a mess for the past two decades, but in their prime, they were one of the NFL’s greatest franchises. Three Super Bowls, a rich history, and a once-dominant fanbase keep them in the elite tier.
7. Chicago Bears
The Bears are the NFL’s founding franchise, have one of the most passionate fanbases, and still hold the most Hall of Famers in league history. Sure, they’ve only won one Super Bowl, but their influence on the game is unmatched. No Bears, no NFL.
6. Kansas City Chiefs
Before Patrick Mahomes arrived, the Chiefs had just one Super Bowl win in 50 years. Now? They’re on a dynasty trajectory, with multiple Super Bowls and the most exciting QB of his generation. If Mahomes keeps stacking rings, KC could be a top-5 franchise soon.
5. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay has four Super Bowls, 13 championships, and two of the greatest QBs ever (Favre & Rodgers). The only reason they’re not ranked higher? For a team with back-to-back Hall of Fame QBs for 30 years, they probably should’ve won more than just two Super Bowls in that stretch.
4. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers owned the ‘80s and early ‘90s, winning five Super Bowls with Joe Montana and Steve Young. They’ve been trying to reclaim their dominance ever since, but even without another ring (yet), their legacy is secure as one of the league’s premier franchises.
3. Dallas Cowboys
The self-proclaimed “America’s Team” hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 1995, but they still act like they run the league. That’s the problem. They’re iconic, but their fans live in the past. Still, five rings and an unmatched brand make them one of the most influential teams ever.
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2. New England Patriots
Bill Belichick. Tom Brady. Six Super Bowls. Absolute dominance from 2001-2019. If this list was based only on the last 20 years, the Patriots would be No. 1 by a mile. The only reason they’re second? They weren’t that relevant before Brady showed up.
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1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are tied for the most Super Bowls in NFL history (6), and they’ve remained relevant for decades. From the Steel Curtain to Big Ben’s two rings, Pittsburgh has been the definition of consistency. And their fanbase? Loyal to the core.
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