When we talk about sports, it’s not just about the athleticism, the games, or the final scores. It’s also about the intense competition, the historical narratives, and the passionate fanbases, which are arguably at their peak in the context of rivalries. It’s those age-old grudges and modern-day showdowns that make the games more than just games—they become chapters in an ongoing saga. The NFL, with its long and storied history, is replete with rivalries that have thrilled fans for generations. Here, we celebrate the top ten matchups that make football much more than just a sport.
#10 Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
Spanning back to 1921, the Packers-Bears rivalry is the NFL’s oldest and, with over 200 games played against each other, one of its most prolific. The battleground of the NFC North has been the scene for numerous pivotal skirmishes, and these teams share a mutual animosity rooted deep in their respective histories. There have been legendary coaches like George Halas and Vince Lombardi, Hall of Fame players on both sides, and countless memorable moments. Despite the ebb and flow of each team’s fortunes, when these two old adversaries meet, the records take a back seat to pride and tradition.
#9 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
While not as long-standing as some of the other rivalries on this list, the animosity between the Steelers and Ravens is palpable and bitter. Emerged from the Ravens’ arrival in Baltimore in 1996, this AFC North feud quickly established itself as one of the fiercest in the NFL. The rivalry is characterized by a hard-hitting, no-nonsense style of play, reflecting the blue-collar spirit of the cities they represent. Throughout their relatively short history, games have often carried playoff implications, adding further intensity to an already fiery contention.
#8 Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Cowboys-Eagles rivalry is a clash of cultures and styles. Known as one of the most heated rivalries in the NFL, it embodies the broader competitive spirit between Texas and Pennsylvania. From the raucous fan bases to the memorable games that have impacted the playoffs, this NFC East rivalry is a must-watch any time the schedule pits these two teams against each other. The “City of Brotherly Love” and “America’s Team” often leave civility at the door in encounters that have become notorious for their physicality and crowd intensity.
#7 San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
California is large enough for Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge, and several NFL teams, but the 49ers and Rams often act as if it’s not big enough for both of them. This West Coast rivalry has seen its share of changes, not least of all the Rams’ move from St. Louis back to Los Angeles, but the competition has remained as fierce as ever. It’s an encounter that has featured a host of hall-of-famers, from Joe Montana to Eric Dickerson, and one that has often decided the fate of the NFC West.
#6 Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders
Now representing Las Vegas instead of Oakland, the Raiders’ rivalry with the Broncos remains one of the most heated in the league. Born in the AFL and flourishing in the NFL, the bad blood is as rich as ever. Both teams have had their eras of dominance and both have experienced the depths of rebuilding years. Yet, when they collide, it’s with the intensity of a postseason bout. The rivalry is punctuated with infamous incidents and unforgettable games that have added to the NFL’s lore.
#5 New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Giants and Eagles have shared the field in competition since 1933, and theirs is a rivalry steeped in history, memorable plays, and heated exchanges. Another NFC East showdown that brings out the passion and pride of the fanbases, games between these two franchises are known for their unpredictability and frequent down-to-the-wire finishes. With over 170 games between them, the Giants-Eagles rivalry is a testament to the enduring appeal of the NFL’s traditional match-ups.
#4 New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts
While rivalries are often produced by geographic proximity, the Patriots-Colts rivalry is one born from competition at the very highest level. During the early 2000s, this rivalry was largely personified in the quarterback battle between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, two of the all-time greats. It was a match-up that often seemed inevitable in the AFC Championship game, with a trip to the Super Bowl frequently on the line. It is a more modern rivalry than others on this list, but its intensity and significance have earned it a prominent spot.
#3 Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders
Going back to their AFL days, the Chiefs and Raiders have a special kind of animosity reserved for each other. Both founding members of the AFL, they’ve been at each other’s throats since the early 1960s. The rivalry involves everything from legendary head-to-head matchups to a fan-fueled enmity that’s as fiery now as it was back when the league got started. It has been labeled as one of the most intense in the sports world, where every hit, touchdown, and penalty can turn the tide not just in a game, but in the season series standings.
#2 Washington Football Team vs. Dallas Cowboys
This rivalry speaks to a deeper narrative of competition and ideological divide. The Cowboys vs. Washington Football Team (formerly known as the Redskins) is one of the richest and most storied rivalries in the NFL. From George Allen’s deep disdain for the Cowboys during his tenure with Washington in the ’70s to the heated battles in the ’90s, the rivalry has been defined by a series of dramatic clashes. It’s a matchup that guarantees a fired-up atmosphere, whether the teams are fighting for playoff positioning or merely trying to spoil each other’s season.
#1 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys
When two of the NFL’s most storied franchises have met, the games have often been on the grandest stage and for the highest stakes. It’s a rivalry that transcends regional competition; the Steelers and Cowboys have fought some of their most important battles in Super Bowls. With matchups that feature iconic players from different eras like Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, and Ben Roethlisberger, their showdowns could practically serve as a timeline for modern NFL history. This rivalry doesn’t happen every year due to conference alignments, making their infrequent collisions all the more epic and historic.
The fervor of NFL rivalries heightens the excitement of the sport and embeds the games deep into the cultural fabric of the country. The anticipation, the week-leading analysis, the shared history, and the unfolding drama of these top-ten rivalries ensure that fans circulate the dates when these teams face off on their calendars. It’s the embodiment of what makes football more than just a game; for many, it’s an all-important slice of life.