The Biggest NFL Team Rivalries in History
Good rivalries deliver unforgettable moments, both on the field and off. Who can forget Aaron Rodgers taunting the Chicago crowd, or the Patriots being caught for spying? Here are some of the hottest rivalries in the NFL.
Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
The longest-standing NFL rivalry belongs to the Bears and Packers, who have matched up more than 200 times since 1921. The Bears won more games until 2017, but last won against Green Bay in 2018. The Packers lead the series 103-95-6, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers has 61 career touchdowns against the Bears, prompting him to yell, "I still own you!" to Chicago fans during a win at Soldier Field.
Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers
This rivalry dates to 1950, although it was left on simmer when the Rams moved to St. Louis in 1995. With the Rams back in L.A., the feud has resumed full intensity. In 2022, the Rams ended a six-game losing streak to the Niners to win the NFC championship, 20-17. Overall, the competition has been fairly even, with 75 wins for San Francisco, 68 for the L.A. Rams, and three ties.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Eagles and Cowboys played their first match in 1960, but the rivalry turned up several notches in the 1970s. The Cowboys climbed to dominance, winning five Super Bowls and beating the Eagles 17 times. By 1989, the bitterness resulted in two infamous games. In the first, the Eagles head coach claimed there was a bounty on his players after particularly punishing hits. After the second, furious Eagles fans threw snow and beer at Cowboys players.
New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
When Patriots head coach Bill Parcells left New England in 1997 for the Jets — after taking the team to the Super Bowl — fans were outraged. They enjoyed sweet revenge a few years later, when Parcells retired and Bill Belichick accepted the Jets' head coach position for just one day before departing to New England. Off-field drama flared in 2007, when the NFL fined New England for stealing New York's defensive signals.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers and Ravens met for the first time in 1996 and soon established a bitter competition for divisional dominance. Since 2002, they've split 15 of 19 AFC North titles between them. Their rivalry is known for intense physicality and nail-biting finishes. In one of the more brutal matchups, Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata broke Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's nose. The foes have met 56 times, with the Steelers winning 32 games.