Six of the Best NFL Rivalries

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 30 March 2023

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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• Best NFL Rivalries
• What Are the Biggest NFL Rivalries?
• Steelers & Ravens
• Packers & Bears
• Giants & Eagles
• Raiders & Chiefs
• Jets & Patriots
• Vikings & Packers
• Frequently Asked Questions

Few sports in the world have rivalries as fierce as those in the NFL. Many of these games are so action-packed and fast-paced, fans are kept glued to their seats for every second of the game – and the rivalries often go much further than just the football field. Today, we’ll be looking at some of the best NFL rivalries.

Best NFL Rivalries

From iconic players to unforgettable moments, this blog will look at the on-field battles that have captured the hearts of football fans everywhere. The best NFL rivalries are known for virtually every NFL fan, and they’ve become somewhat iconic in their own right! We’ll tell you all that you need to know right here on this page.

What Are the Biggest NFL Rivalries?

The NFL is home to some of the most intense and storied rivalries in the world of sports. These long-standing battles have become an integral part of the league’s identity, fostering a competitive spirit that has driven teams and their fans for decades.

In this section, we’ll explore the biggest rivalries in the NFL, delving into the history, memorable moments, and iconic players that have defined these epic clashes. If you’re thinking about betting on a game between NFL rivals – or indeed any game in the NFL – make sure you check out the best online NFL betting sites!

Steelers & Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens rivalry is a true embodiment of the physical, hard-nosed nature of the NFL. As members of the AFC North, these teams are known for their brutal, bone-crushing clashes that often have significant playoff implications.

The rivalry dates back to 1996 when the Ravens emerged from the ashes of the former Cleveland Browns. Since then, these two teams have combined for multiple Super Bowl titles and playoff appearances, showcasing a history of excellence.

The rivalry is often defined by the exceptional defensive play of both teams, with legendary players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, and James Harrison leaving their marks on this fierce contest. The on-field battles have also spawned memorable coaching matchups, with Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh consistently pushing their squads to the limit.

Packers & Bears

The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears is one of the oldest rivalries in NFL history, dating back to 1921. As members of the NFC North, the Packers and Bears have faced each other over 190 times, with both teams achieving considerable success throughout the years.

This classic rivalry has showcased some of the greatest names in NFL history, including Packers legends Vince Lombardi, Brett Favre, and Aaron Rodgers, and Bears icons George Halas, Walter Payton, and Brian Urlacher.

The intensity of the rivalry is fueled by the close geographical proximity of the teams, as well as their passionate and dedicated fan bases. The Packers-Bears rivalry transcends individual games and serves as a symbol of the larger cultural and regional differences between the two cities.

Giants & Eagles

The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles rivalry is a testament to the passion and intensity of NFC East football. This rivalry dates back to 1933 and has seen its fair share of iconic moments, from stunning upsets to bitter playoff encounters. The Giants and Eagles have both experienced periods of dominance, and their successes have only served to intensify the rivalry.

Memorable moments like the “Miracle at the Meadowlands” and spectacular individual performances from stars like Lawrence Taylor, Michael Strahan, Reggie White, and Brian Dawkins have helped to define this rivalry. As the Giants and Eagles continue to vie for supremacy in the NFC East, their passionate fan bases ensure that this rivalry will remain as heated as ever.

Raiders & Chiefs

The rivalry between the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, two AFC West powerhouses, has a long and storied history that dates back to the early days of the AFL in 1960. This rivalry is characterized by hard-hitting, aggressive play, with both teams showcasing their gritty, never-say-die attitudes on the field.

Over the years, iconic players like Raiders legends Al Davis, Ken Stabler, and Bo Jackson have battled with Chiefs greats such as Hank Stram, Len Dawson, and Derrick Thomas. The rivalry has seen dramatic finishes, intense playoff battles, and memorable coaching matchups, with the likes of Jon Gruden, Andy Reid, and Bill Cowher all contributing to the lore of this classic rivalry.

Jets & Patriots

The New York Jets and New England Patriots rivalry, while not as old as some others in the NFL, has evolved into one of the most intriguing matchups in the league. This AFC East rivalry dates back to the 1960 AFL, but it truly intensified in the early 2000s with the emergence of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

The rivalry has seen numerous unforgettable moments, including the “Spygate” scandal, the “Butt Fumble,” and several high-stakes playoff encounters. The Jets-Patriots rivalry is further fueled by the coaching carousel that has linked the two franchises.

Bill Belichick, who has become synonymous with the Patriots’ success, was initially named the Jets’ head coach in 2000 but resigned after just one day, eventually landing in New England. Eric Mangini, a former Belichick assistant, took over as the Jets’ head coach in 2006, adding another layer of intrigue to the rivalry.

The Patriots have had the upper hand in recent years, due in large part to Tom Brady’s dominance. However, the Jets have had their moments, such as their 2010 AFC Divisional Round playoff victory over the heavily favored Patriots.

With Brady now retired and both teams experiencing changes in personnel, the future of this rivalry is exciting, as a new generation of players and coaches look to write their own chapter in the Jets-Patriots saga.

Vikings & Packers

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers rivalry is a hard-fought battle that has spanned over six decades. As members of the NFC North, these two franchises have squared off twice a season since the Vikings entered the league in 1961. The close geographical proximity of the teams, with both being in the upper Midwest, has only served to amplify the intensity of this rivalry.

The Vikings-Packers rivalry has been marked by memorable moments and exceptional individual performances from legendary players. Packers icons such as Bart Starr, Brett Favre, and Aaron Rodgers have faced off against Vikings greats like Fran Tarkenton, Randy Moss, and Adrian Peterson.

The storied Lambeau Field and the Vikings’ home venues, the Metrodome and U.S. Bank Stadium, have played host to countless thrilling encounters between these two fierce competitors.

The rivalry has also showcased numerous coaching matchups, with legendary figures like Vince Lombardi and Bud Grant leading their teams into battle. If you’d like to check out some other NFL team rivalries, check out the table below: