The National Football League (NFL) isn’t just about touchdowns, sacks, and Super Bowl rings — it’s also built on a foundation of fierce rivalries that have shaped the league’s identity. These matchups go beyond the scoreboard. They’re fueled by decades of history, regional pride, legendary moments, and bitter defeats.
Here’s a deep dive into some of the most iconic and intense NFL rivalries in history. From the biggest NFL rivalries of all time to the most hated NFL rivalries, this guide covers it all.
Top 20 NFL Rivalries List
You’ll find NFL rivalries teams with decades-long feuds, and others where a single moment sparked generations of hostility. Whether you’re exploring the NFL rivalries tier list or diving into the most hated NFL rivalries, these matchups never fail to entertain.
1. Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
First Meeting: 1921
All-Time Series: Bears lead, but it’s close
The NFL’s oldest rivalry, the Packers-Bears feud is a clash between two of the most storied franchises in the league. With over 200 meetings, this rivalry has seen Hall of Fame talent, frigid games at Lambeau Field and Soldier Field, and unforgettable moments. From Vince Lombardi to Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, the players may change, but the hostility remains strong.
Why It Matters: It represents old-school football tradition, Midwestern grit, and two fanbases that live and breathe football.
2. Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
First Meeting: 1960
All-Time Series: Cowboys lead
This NFC East rivalry is fueled by a long-standing hatred. In the 1970s and 80s, the teams constantly clashed for division dominance. The fanbases despise each other, and even in down years, their meetings feel like playoff games.
Why It Matters: The Cowboys are “America’s Team,” and the Commanders have long aimed to shatter that image. It’s politics, pride, and power on a football field.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
First Meeting: 1996
All-Time Series: Steelers lead narrowly
This rivalry may be relatively new, but it’s one of the most physical and intense in modern football. The Steelers-Ravens matchups are known for bruising defenses, gritty trench battles, and narrow finishes. Games are often decided by a single field goal or defensive stand.
Why It Matters: It’s a rivalry of toughness and respect, where both teams embrace hard-nosed football and never back down.
4. New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts
First Meeting: 1970
All-Time Series: Patriots lead
Though these teams had met before, the rivalry reached its peak during the Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning era. AFC Championships, high-scoring shootouts, and legendary comebacks defined the matchups.
Why It Matters: It was a battle of elite quarterbacks and coaching masterminds — Belichick vs. Dungy, Brady vs. Manning. The chess match was as compelling as the action on the field.
5. San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
First Meeting: 1976
All-Time Series: Seahawks lead
This rivalry intensified in the 2010s, especially with the rise of coaches Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll. NFC West titles were often on the line, and their 2013 NFC Championship game remains one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
Why It Matters: West Coast pride, coaching intensity, and two ferocious defenses created fireworks whenever they clashed.
6. New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles
First Meeting: 1933
All-Time Series: Giants lead slightly
These NFC East foes have been battling for almost a century. The rivalry is known for hard-hitting games and iconic moments like the “Miracle at the Meadowlands.” Fan hostility and high stakes have kept this feud alive through every NFL era.
Why It Matters: It’s a classic East Coast clash where pride, proximity, and playoff implications collide.
7. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders
First Meeting: 1960
All-Time Series: Chiefs lead
The AFC West’s most heated rivalry has spanned six decades of animosity. Known for rowdy fans and brutal physicality, the Chiefs-Raiders matchups have always been unpredictable.
Why It Matters: It’s about old-school football violence, divisional bragging rights, and a burning dislike that never cools.
8. Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints
First Meeting: 1967
All-Time Series: Close, with Falcons having a slight edge
Though often overlooked nationally, this Southern rivalry is fierce. Games are emotionally charged, with both fanbases passionately supporting their teams through thick and thin.
Why It Matters: It’s regional pride and high-scoring battles that make every meeting an emotional rollercoaster.
9. New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
First Meeting: 1960
All-Time Series: Patriots dominate
Fueled by decades of drama, including Spygate and colorful coaches like Rex Ryan, this rivalry has been anything but quiet. The Jets have struggled to match the Patriots’ success, but that hasn’t dulled the intensity.
Why It Matters: It’s about envy, controversy, and a desperate desire for redemption. Few NFL rivalries are as bitter.
10. Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders
First Meeting: 1960
All-Time Series: Raiders lead
A brutal AFC West rivalry with a long history of brawls, trash talk, and iconic games. From the days of John Elway to recent clashes, this matchup has always delivered drama.
Why It Matters: It’s a blue-collar showdown with a legacy of disrespect and unforgettable clashes. If there were an NFL rivalries chart, this matchup would be high on intensity and tradition.
11. Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals
First Meeting: 1970
All-Time Series: Closely contested
This is the Battle of Ohio, pitting two in-state rivals against one another. Paul Brown founded both franchises, which only deepens the drama.
Why It Matters: It’s about state pride and old-school grudges, earning it a solid place on the NFL rivalries chart.
12. Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
First Meeting: 1961
All-Time Series: Packers lead
This rivalry embodies the icy grit of the NFC North. With postseason implications and brutal cold games, it rarely disappoints.
Why It Matters: It’s about Midwestern pride, frozen turf, and playoff implications.
13. Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
First Meeting: 1960
All-Time Series: Cowboys lead
A true NFC East grudge match full of bad blood, playoff battles, and rowdy fans.
Why It Matters: The fan animosity alone places this among the most hated NFL rivalries.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints
First Meeting: 1977
All-Time Series: Saints lead
What began as a mild matchup has turned fiery with Brady vs. Brees and multiple division clashes.
Why It Matters: It’s new-age fire added to a historic division, creating fresh chapters in NFL rivalries games.
15. Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans
First Meeting: 2002
All-Time Series: Titans lead
Rooted in the Oilers’ relocation, this AFC South clash is personal.
Why It Matters: It’s about betrayal and franchise identity.
16. Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers
First Meeting: 1950
All-Time Series: 49ers lead
A West Coast war that’s reignited in recent years thanks to playoff duels.
Why It Matters: It’s historic and modern all at once — a must-watch on any NFL rivalries game calendar.
17. Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins
First Meeting: 1966
All-Time Series: Dolphins lead
A storied AFC East rivalry with roots in the 70s and 90s that’s seen a recent revival.
Why It Matters: Legacy clashes with resurgence — this belongs on any NFL rivalries tier list.
18. Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears
First Meeting: 1930
All-Time Series: Bears lead
One of the NFL’s oldest rivalries, known for its Thanksgiving Day classics.
Why It Matters: Tradition meets tenacity — this is old-school football.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
First Meeting: 1950
All-Time Series: Steelers dominate
Long viewed as one-sided, this rivalry is gaining heat with the Browns’ improvement.
Why It Matters: Redemption stories are made here — a modern entry in NFL rivalries history.
20. Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons
First Meeting: 1995
All-Time Series: Falcons lead
Though younger, this NFC South clash has seen its share of playoff drama and star players.
Why It Matters: Youthful but explosive — it’s one to watch as it climbs the NFL rivalries ranked lists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion: More Than Just Games
NFL rivalries are more than matchups — they are cultural phenomena. These intense battles bring out the best and worst in teams and unite fanbases in passion. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual viewer, these NFL rivalries offer drama, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments.
So grab your jersey, make your pick, and get ready for the next chapter in these legendary feuds. These are the kinds of NFL rivalries that define generations of football — and belong on every NFL rivalries ranked list or NFL rivalries game to-watch schedule.
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