Who doesn’t enjoy a good rivalry? If you’re an NFL fan, you probably live for them. Whether you’re a Cowboy’s fan waiting to see your team go up against the Eagles or a Packers fan rooting for your team against the bears, these matchups have resulted in some of the most thrilling moments in football. If your team triumphs, you get bragging rights; when they lose, you may be upset for days. NFL rivalries are exciting and keep fans coming back for more.
When two rivals meet on the gridiron, fans know they’re in for fantastic theater and stunning action. Fans and teams take these games seriously, and it’s not uncommon to see fans participating in cheering contests in the stands while players face off on the field. Many fans place bets on these huge games, hoping their team comes out on top. They often do their research, including checking the latest AFC West Winner betting odds, to get an edge up on the competition.
Read on to learn about the biggest rivalries in the NFL.
Greenbay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
This rivalry dates back to 1921 and is not only the NFL’s oldest rivalry but arguably its best. What’s more, it’s the league’s most played in history, with over 200 meetings between the two teams, making for some intense football. This rivalry boasts outstanding players and coaches and championship-winning teams on both sides. There have also been several legendary games between the teams that resulted in championships. The teams’ stats are impressive. Combined, they have won 5 Super Bowls, 22 NFL Championships, and produced 65 Pro Football Hall of Famers. While the Bears had the advantage in the rivalry for many years, the Packers patiently eroded their lead, overtaking them in 2017. More fuel was thrown on the fire in 2021 when Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers scored a touchdown, ran into the in zone, and yelled at the fans, “I still own you.” The Packers went on to win the game. Given the rivalry’s long history of intense matchups, it’s hard for others to surpass it.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
We’ve looked at the NFL’s oldest rivalry, now let’s turn our attention to the youngest. This rivalry is between two intensely competitive cities and teams and has become one of the NFL’s greatest division rivalries. The games between the teams are notable for tough defensive matchups between two of the league’s proudest teams. They’ve met up four times in the playoffs. The rivalry intensified when Ray Lewis and former Steelers defensive back Rod Woodson led the Ravens their first Super Bowl victory in 2000. The Steelers won a late game against the Ravens in Baltimore the following year, capturing the division title. They went on to defeat the Ravens in the second round of the playoffs, further fueling the rivalry.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Football Team
Hate may not be a strong enough word to describe the rivalry between the Cowboys and Washington. This rivalry is probably the fiercest in the NFC East. Washington linebacker Cole Holcomb recently summed it up, saying, “We hate them. They hate us. They can do what they want.” Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the two teams battled it out for the NFC East, with Washington often winning. The teams have won a combined 32 NFC East titles and eight Super Bowl titles. This epic rivalry shows no signs of cooling anytime soon.
New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts
One of the greatest rivalries of the 2000s, these teams became enemies even though they didn’t share a division after the 2001 season. The rivalry started with the AFL-NFL merger when the Baltimore Colts moved from the NFC to AFC, joining New England in the AFC East. The Patriots dominated the rivalry in the 1980s and 1990s, but it really got going when Peyton Manning and Tom Brady became quarterbacks in the early 2000s. The feud resulted in many memorable playoff matchups, with Brady-Manning going 2-1 in playoff showdowns. The rivalry has cooled slightly in the past year, but it’s still exciting to watch.