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Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals rivalry is a longstanding and intense AFC North matchup dating back to the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. The two teams have played twice annually since, leading to numerous physical and high-stakes contests. The Steelers dominate the all-time series, leading 71–40, including both playoff meetings, which they won in 2005 and 2015. The rivalry intensified with incidents like the infamous 2005 playoff game where Bengals QB Carson Palmer was injured, and fierce battles featuring players like Vontaze Burfict, known for hard hits. The rivalry features a mix of close, high-energy games often influencing playoff outcomes, and it’s a key divisional rivalry shaping AFC North dynamics. The Steelers have maintained dominance in recent years, with a strong winning record since 2004.
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
The New England Patriots vs. New York Jets rivalry is one of the NFL’s most enduring and intense, dating back to their shared origins in the American Football League (AFL) in 1960. The rivalry is fueled by the geographical and cultural rivalry between Boston and New York. The teams have met at least twice a year since and have had several memorable moments, including dramatic playoff games and contentious personnel moves. Key events deepening the rivalry include Bill Parcells’ move from Patriots to Jets, and the sudden coaching switch of Bill Belichick to the Patriots instead of the Jets in 2000. The Patriots lead the overall series 75–56–1, and the rivalry has featured numerous high-stakes games, passionate fanbases, and intense media coverage through the decades.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Las Vegas Raiders vs. Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry is one of the NFL’s most intense and historic matchups, primarily ignited in the 1970s. Their rivalry began with the Steelers’ iconic Immaculate Reception playoff win in 1972, which sparked five consecutive playoff meetings, an NFL record. Both teams, known for their physical, aggressive play, frequently battled for AFC supremacy, with each squad hosting multiple Super Bowl champions. The Raiders currently lead the overall series 17–16, with playoff meetings tied at 3–3. Noteworthy games include the Raiders’ 38–10 playoff win in 1983 and several high-scoring, dramatic regular season clashes in recent years. The rivalry remains fierce even as the Raiders relocated to Las Vegas, symbolizing a deep-seated competition rooted in decades of history and standout moments.
New England Patriots vs Indianapolis Colts
The New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts rivalry is one of the NFL’s most famous, fueled by the quarterback rivalry between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning during the 2000s. Although in different divisions since 2002, the teams frequently met in crucial playoff games, with numerous memorable matchups including the 2003 AFC Championship and 2006 AFC Championship, where the Colts won en route to a Super Bowl victory. The Patriots dominated most of the series, especially in the late 2000s and 2010s, including an 8-0 run in the 2010s with Brady at the helm. The rivalry is marked by dramatic games, strategic coaching battles, and some iconic moments, making it a defining matchup in the NFL’s modern era. As of now, the Patriots lead the all-time series 53–31.
New York Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles
The New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles rivalry is one of the oldest and fiercest in the NFL, dating back to 1933. Both teams have competed in the NFC East division every year since, intensifying the regional rivalry between New York and Philadelphia. Known for close games, dramatic moments, and passionate fanbases, their contests often carry high stakes. The rivalry reflects the cities’ broader sports and cultural competition, mirrored in baseball’s Mets-Phillies and hockey’s Flyers-Rangers rivalries. The Eagles lead the overall series 97–90–2, including a 3–2 advantage in playoff meetings. Among memorable moments is the 1978 “Miracle at the Meadowlands,” a game famous for a last-minute fumble return for a touchdown. This ongoing rivalry highlights pride, intensity, and historic competition, making it a defining rivalry in the NFL.
San Francisco 49ers vs Dallas Cowboys
The San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys rivalry is one of the NFL’s greatest inter-division rivalries, known for high-stakes games and legendary moments. It began in the 1970s when the Cowboys defeated the 49ers in three consecutive playoff games, establishing dominance early. The rivalry gained iconic status with the 1981 NFC Championship, highlighted by “The Catch,” a famous game-winning touchdown pass from Joe Montana to Dwight Clark. The two teams met frequently in the 1990s NFC Championships, with Dallas winning two and San Francisco winning one, and the victor often went on to win the Super Bowl. Over 41 total meetings, the series is closely contested with the 49ers leading 21–19–1. This rivalry continues to captivate fans with intense playoff battles and legendary players like Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Joe Montana, and Steve Young.
Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles
The Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles rivalry is a classic NFC East matchup marked by intense competition and passionate fanbases since the 1960s. Early dominance by the Cowboys in the 1970s under legendary coach Tom Landry earned them the nickname “America’s Team,” but the gritty Eagles, embodying Philadelphia’s blue-collar spirit, challenged fiercely. The rivalry reached a peak when the Eagles defeated the Cowboys in the 1980 NFC Championship, making their first Super Bowl appearance. Since then, the rivalry has been defined by closely fought battles, playoff implications, and memorable moments featuring stars like Roger Staubach, Randall Cunningham, and Brian Dawkins. Dallas leads the all-time series, including a playoff edge. The rivalry continues to embody the fierce pride and competitive spirit of both teams and their cities.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens
The Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens rivalry is one of the NFL’s most fierce and physical matchups, rooted in division pride and unyielding competitiveness. Since the Ravens’ formation in 1996 from the former Cleveland Browns franchise, the two have met biannually in the AFC North, with each game often having playoff and divisional title implications. Characterized by hard-hitting defense and intense emotions, this rivalry gained prominence with memorable clashes like the 2008 AFC Championship, which the Steelers won, and multiple hard-fought playoff encounters. The Steelers lead the series 36-27 overall and 3-2 in playoff meetings. Both teams’ fanbases and players share mutual disdain, making every encounter a grueling battle of wills and physicality. It remains a defining rivalry of modern NFL history.
Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders
The Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders rivalry, formerly known as Cowboys-Redskins rivalry, is one of the NFL’s most storied and intense rivalries dating back to 1960. It began when Dallas entered the league as an expansion team and has since seen the teams play twice per season as NFC East division foes. This rivalry has featured fierce competition, with both franchises winning a combined 32 division titles and 8 Super Bowls. Dallas leads the overall series 80–49–2, but Washington holds a 2–0 edge in playoff meetings, including two NFC Championship Games. The rivalry extends beyond the field, with animosity between franchise owners and passionate fanbases fueling decades of heated matchups known for their physicality, drama, and regional pride.
Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers
The Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers rivalry is the oldest and most played in NFL history, dating back to 1921. With over 210 meetings, it is legendary for its long-standing competition and cultural significance, especially between the cities of Chicago and Green Bay. The Packers currently lead the overall series 108–96–6. Both teams have rich histories, with 22 NFL championships between them and a combined 77 Pro Football Hall of Famers. Memorable moments include legendary comebacks, intense playoff games, and key matches like the 2010 NFC Championship. The rivalry is characterized by physical play, historic figures like Vince Lombardi and George Halas, and a fierce, passionate fan base on both sides, keeping the intense competition alive and celebrated as one of the greatest in sports history.