The only thing more thrilling than a football match is the historic rivalry between the teams facing each other. These matchups, brimming with intensity, are always a saga of pride, tradition, and fierce competition.
From iconic plays to unforgettable moments, these rivalries let us experience the greatness of the game. Join us as we dive into the epic encounters that generations of fans and players are passionate about.
Explore these legendary battles that continue to fuel the fire of America’s favourite sport.
Top 10 NFL Rivalries
The NFL’s top rivalries are rich in history and passion. Such types of clashes define the sport and make each game a thrilling event.
1. Denver Broncos vs Seattle Seahawks
Source: BigOnSports
The Broncos-Seahawks rivalry started in 1977 when the teams first clashed as AFC West Divisional rivals. Their matchups are always intense to watch.
This rivalry peaked during the 2013-2014 seasons when both teams faced off in Super Bowl XLVIII.
In that game, the Seahawks dominated the Broncos 43-8. The rivalry is marked by competitive games where each team has its own style.
Fans have often witnessed Seattle’s defence challenging Denver’s strong offence. As of the 2024 season, the overall series stands at 57 games with Denver leading 35-22.
Key Stats:
- Total Games: 57 games
- Series Record: Broncos lead 35-22
- Regular Season Record: Broncos lead 35-20
- Playoff Record: Seahawks lead 2-0
- First Game: October 2, 1977 – Broncos 24, Seahawks 13
- Last Game: September 12, 2022 – Seahawks 17, Broncos 16
2. Miami Dolphins vs Las Vegas Raiders
Source: Raiders.com
The Dolphins-Raiders rivalry started right from their first meeting in the AFL. It has intensified over the years following some key matchups and dramatic moments.
The Dolphins’ 38-14 victory at Wembley Stadium in 2014 and a close 26-25 win that eliminated the Raiders from the playoff race in 2020 are some of the most exciting events of the rivalry.
The rivalry intensified when both teams made high-profile trades for top wide receivers in the 2022 offseason. Davante Adams joined the Raiders and Tyreek Hill joined the Dolphins.
Key Stats:
- Total Games: 42
- Series Record: Raiders lead 21–20–1
- Regular Season Record: Dolphins lead 19-18-1
- Playoff Record: Raiders lead 3-1
- First Game: September 2, 1966 (Raiders won 23-14)
- Last Game: November 19, 2023 (Dolphins won 20-13)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tennessee Titans
Source: Tennessee Titans
The Steelers–Titans rivalry has its roots back in the 1970s when the Pittsburgh Steelers and the then-Houston Oilers had a fierce encounter at the AFC Central.
From intense playoff games to dramatic regular-season clashes, this rivalry has seen its fair share of memorable moments. Both teams were moved to separate divisions in 2002, but the rivalry remained there.
Their matchups are held at least once every three years and alternating home games at least once every six seasons.
Key Stats:
- Total Games: 81
- Series Record: Steelers lead 49-32
- Regular Season Record: Steelers lead 46-31
- Playoff Record: (Steelers lead 3-1)
- First Game: September 20, 1970, Oilers 19, Steelers 7
- Last Game: November 2, 2023, Steelers 20, Titans 16
4. Dallas Cowboys vs Minnesota Vikings
Source: Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys–Vikings rivalry is another exciting encounter in the NFL. This rivalry has seen some extremely close stats both in regular-season and playoff games, with Dallas leading the score with 19–15.
They have faced each other seven times in the playoffs, which makes it one of the most frequently contested playoff series in NFL history.
The Cowboys have a slight edge in playoffs, leading 4–3. This rivalry was particularly prominent in the 1970s.
It started earning recognition from CBS Sports, which termed it as one of the best rivalries of that decade. The intensity and history of their matchups continue to make games between the Cowboys and Vikings highly anticipated.
Key Stats:
- Total Games: 34
- Series Record: Cowboys lead 19-15
- Regular Season Record: Cowboys lead 15-12
- Playoff Record: Cowboys lead 4-3
- First Game: September 24, 1961, Cowboys 21, Vikings 7
- Last Game: November 20, 2022 Cowboys 40, Vikings 3
5. New York Giants vs Green Bay Packers
Source: Athlon Sports
The Giants–Packers rivalry is one of the oldest and most followed ones. The two teams started competing in the National Football Conference in 1970.
Overall, they have played a total of 64 games, and 26 of these games were decided by 8 points or less margin.
This rivalry is not only popular for its close and competitive nature but also for its historical significance. Both teams have rich legacies in the NFL, including multiple championship appearances.
The Packers and Giants have met five times in title games including the 1938, 1939, 1944, 1961 and 1962.
Key Stats:
- Total Games: 64
- Series Record: Packers lead by 34–28–2
- Regular Season Record: Packers lead 29-25-2
- Playoff Record: Packers lead by 5–3
- First Game: October 7, 1928, Giants 6, Packers 0
- Last Game: December 11, 2023, Giants 24, Packers 22
6. Denver Broncos vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Source: Denver Broncos
The Broncos–Steelers rivalry is considered one of the NFL’s most interesting and unpredictable rivalries. It includes some dramatic playoff games and unforgettable moments of Super Bowl glory.
This competition started in the 1970s with Denver’s Orange Crush defense against Pittsburgh’s formidable Steel Curtain. Though the Steelers have won six Super Bowl titles, they have always struggled against the Broncos.
Steelers hold a losing record of 13-20-1, which also includes a 3-5 playoff record. Some of the best encounters like John Elway’s playoff debut in the 1984 Divisional Round and the thrilling 1997 AFC Championship Game shows the intensity of this rivalry.
More recent games include the 2011 Wild Card “3:16 game” where Tim Tebow led a stunning overtime victory. Peyton Manning’s final season triumph in 2015 which pushed the Broncos to win Super Bowl 50 was also one of the best clashes between the two teams.
Key Stats:
- Total Games: 34
- Series Record: Broncos lead 20–13–1
- Regular Season Record: Broncos lead 15–10–1
- Playoff Record: Broncos lead 5–3
- First Game: September 27, 1970, Broncos 16, Steelers 13
- Last Game: October 10, 2021, Steelers 27, Broncos 19
7. Chicago Bears vs New York Giants
Source: Giants.com
The Bears–Giants rivalry gave us many historical clashes. The two teams first met in the inaugural NFL Championship Game in 1933, where the Bears won 23-21. The Giants took revenge for their defeat in the 1934 “Sneakers Game,” winning 30-13.
They faced off in six NFL Championship Games before the Super Bowl era. In the Super Bowl era, the rivalry saw a resurgence in the 1980s. This included the Bears’ 21-0 shutout in 1985 and the Giants’ 31-3 win in 1990, both leading to Super Bowl wins.
Fans have also witnessed some memorable moments in recent years. Devin Hester’s 108-yard missed field goal return in 2006 and a dramatic 2018 game where the Giants won 30-27 in overtime. These encounters highlight a rivalry rich in history and competitive spirit.
Key Stats:
- Total Games: 63
- Series Record: Bears lead 36–25–2
- Regular Season Record: Bears lead 31–22–2
- Playoff Record: Bears lead 5–3
- First Game: December 6, 1925 Bears 19, Giants 7
- Last Game: October 2, 2022 Giants 20, Bears 12
8. Las Vegas Raiders vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Source: Athlon Sports
The Raiders-Steelers rivalry is a famous NFL game that has captivated fans for decades. It started with the Steelers’ iconic playoff win by Franco Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” in 1972. This bitter feud continued throughout the 1970s.
Raiders and Steelers met in the playoffs for five consecutive seasons (1972–76). Both teams delivered some of the most memorable games in NFL history.
The rivalry is known for its fierce competitiveness and raw emotions and is considered one of the greatest in professional sports. Even today, the Raiders are one of the few AFC teams who boast a winning record against Pittsburgh.
Key Stats:
- Total Games: 32
- Series Record: Raiders lead by 17–15
- Regular Season Record: Raiders lead by 14–12
- Playoff Record: Tied 3–3
- First Game: October 25, 1970 Raiders 31, Steelers 14
- Last Game: September 24, 2023, Steelers 23, Raiders 18
9. Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Rams
Source: Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys-Rams rivalry is another intense clash in the NFL. Both teams are in different divisions, the Cowboys in the NFC East and the Rams in the NFC West. But their matchups are highly anticipated, held at least once every three years.
This rivalry was at its peak in the 1970s and early 1980s. During this period, eight fierce playoff encounters happened between the two teams, with each team claiming four victories.
Whether it is time for playoffs or a regular season showdown, the Cowboys-Rams games are always electric.
Key Stats:
- Total Games: 38
- Series Record: Cowboys lead 20–18
- Regular Season Record: Cowboys lead 16–13
- Playoff Record: Rams lead 5–4
- First Game: November 6, 1960 Rams 38, Cowboys 6
- Last Game: October 29, 2023 Cowboys 43, Rams 20
10. New York Giants vs San Francisco 49ers
Source: Giants.com
The 49ers–Giants rivalry is a classic showdown in the NFL which is full of excitement and history. The San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants don’t play each other very often, but when they do, it’s always a big game.
They’ve faced each other many times in the playoffs, including two NFC Championship Games. Each team has won 4 postseason games against the other.
Though the 49ers have a slight edge in the overall record, both teams have had their moments of glory. The 49ers–Giants rivalry was ranked the top NFL rivalry of the 1980s by CBS Sports.
The matchup always brings thrilling action and strong competition. So, it is always a must-watch game for the football fans.
Key Stats:
