$Every NFL Team\'s Biggest Rival$

Every NFL Team's Biggest Rival

By Nick Brown

Every NFL Team's Biggest Rival

Cowboys v Eagles

Every NFL Team's Biggest Rival

Cowboys v Eagles — The NFL is a league filled with feuds, fights and grudges that are not quickly forgotten. Rivalries are rampant throughout, especially divisional games in which teams play each other twice every year; and there's nothing fans love more than watching a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred rivalry game. These are the biggest rivals for every NFL team.

Arizona Cardinals - Seattle Seahawks

Cardinals v 49ers

Arizona Cardinals - Seattle Seahawks

Cardinals v 49ers — With the NFC West climbing to become one of the hardest divisions in the NFL in the last few seasons, the Cardinals have been in the thick of things. Previously, this division didn't have many rivals, but with it's new success comes a team to beat. The Seahawks' resounding success recently makes them the Cardinals' biggest rival.

Atlanta Falcons - New Orleans Saints

Falcons v Saints

Atlanta Falcons - New Orleans Saints

Falcons v Saints — Before the recent emergence of the Carolina Panthers as a stout divisional opponent, the Falcons and Saints were the NFC South powerhouses. These two teams combined to win the division six of nine years between 2004 and 2013. The Falcons currently lead the series 49-43 and hope to continue that success this year as they vie to recapture the division from the Panthers.

Baltimore Ravens - Pittsburgh Steelers

Ravens v Steelers

Baltimore Ravens - Pittsburgh Steelers

Ravens v Steelers — One of the newest rivalries in the league just may be the toughest right now. The Ravens were moved to Baltimore from Cleveland in 1996 and forced to restart the team and a rivalry with the Steelers was nearly instantly formed. The feud only grew stronger with the likes of Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs fueling the fire for Baltimore. Although Pittsburgh currently leads the series 24-18, the Ravens got the last laugh in the playoffs last year.

Buffalo Bills - Miami Dolphins

Bills v Dolphins

Buffalo Bills - Miami Dolphins

Bills v Dolphins — Although these two teams aren't the powerhouses they once were, this is still one of the classic rivalries in NFL history. Years ago, these two teams were consistent contenders constantly getting in each other's way. The Bills nearly ended Miami's perfect season in 1972, while the Bills kept Dan Marino and the Dolphins from reaching the Super Bowl in 1993. The Dolphins lead the series 58-43 with one tie as the two teams look to return to glory.

Carolina Panthers - Atlanta Falcons

Panthers v Falcons

Carolina Panthers - Atlanta Falcons

Panthers v Falcons — The Panthers are a relatively new franchise, entering the league in 1995. Therefore it is tough to determine who their biggest rival is. Some may argue that the team's most physical games have been against Tampa Bay, but their biggest rival has to be the team that has given them the most problems, the Falcons. Although the Falcons lead the series 24-16, the Panthers are the reigning NFC South champs of the past two years.

Chicago Bears - Green Bay Packers

Bears v Packers

Chicago Bears - Green Bay Packers

Bears v Packers — This rivalry may be the most storied and most even in NFL history. The Bears have 93 wins, the Packers have 92 wins, and there have been a whopping six ties between the two. Although the Bears are not the powerful, defensive juggernaut they once were, Chicago always plays Green Bay tough and always will.

Cincinnati Bengals - Cleveland Browns

Bengals v Browns

Cincinnati Bengals - Cleveland Browns

Bengals v Browns — The Battle of Ohio pits the Bengals vs. the Browns twice a year for the supremacy of the state. In recent years, the two teams have split victories pretty evenly; however, the Bengals lead the all-time series by a close margin of 44-39. While the Browns have not been to the playoffs in years and the Bengals have not had recent postseason success, at least one of these teams can claim to be the best in Ohio.

Cleveland Browns - Pittsburgh Steelers

Browns v Steelers

Cleveland Browns - Pittsburgh Steelers

Browns v Steelers — While the Browns may be the Bengals' biggest rivals, the Browns have a foe they hate much more in the Pittsburgh Steelers. This rivalry has gone on since 1950. The two teams consistently play smash mouth football and have had numerous brawls break out. The Steelers currently lead the "Turnpike War" by a margin of 68-58, despite a large Cleveland win in their last meeting.

Dallas Cowboys - Washington Redskins

Cowboys v Redskins

Dallas Cowboys - Washington Redskins

Cowboys v Redskins — The Cowboys are one of those teams that have numerous rivals: the Eagles, the 49ers, the Giants; but none may be as tough as the Washington Redskins. These two teams have had some legendary games as both established dynasties in their own right with Hall of Fame players like Roger Staubach and John Riggins. The Cowboys lead the Redskins 65-43 with two ties between them.

Denver Broncos - Oakland Raiders

Broncos v Raiders

Denver Broncos - Oakland Raiders

Broncos v Raiders — This rivalry may not seem like much at all right now as the Broncos have absolutely owned the series recently against the Raiders. However, this was quite a rivalry back in the Al Davis days. These two teams used to play tooth-and-nail, gritty matches back in the day, and one day the heat will return to this rivalry.

Detroit Lions - Chicago Bears

Lions v Bears

Detroit Lions - Chicago Bears

Lions v Bears — This is easily one of the longest rivalries in NFL history, with the first game being played way back in the 1930s. However, while the Lions' feud with the Bears is extremely long-lasting, it is also very lopsided. The Bears lead the series by a huge margin of 96-69 with five ties as well. However, Detroit has gotten the best of the Bears in the past few seasons.

Green Bay Packers - Chicago Bears

Packers v Bears

Green Bay Packers - Chicago Bears

Packers v Bears — As mentioned earlier, the Packers-Bears rivalry is without a doubt one of the best in league history. The two teams are so extremely evenly matched that they are only a game apart after decades of playing against each other. However, Aaron Rodgers and the Pack have dominated the Bears in recent years.

Houston Texans - Indianapolis Colts

Texans v Colts

Houston Texans - Indianapolis Colts

Texans v Colts — Sadly for the Texans, their rivals have absolutely dominated them since Houston's introduction to the league. The Texans' biggest foe has to be the Indianapolis Colts, who have given them trouble since the beginning. The Colts ultimately lead this series 22-4 and are the team that consistently stands in the way of Houston's success.

Indianapolis Colts - New England Patriots

Colts v Patriots

Indianapolis Colts - New England Patriots

Colts v Patriots — As the only non-divisonal rivalry on this list, it certainly makes it for good reason. These two teams have absolutely dominated the AFC in recent history and have consistently met in the playoffs. The Brady-Manning matchup seemed like a inevitable thing each and every year. Ultimately, the Patriots own this series 50-29, but each and every game is a close one.

Jacksonville Jaguars - Tennessee Titans

Jags v Titans

Jacksonville Jaguars - Tennessee Titans

Jags v Titans — The Jaguars came into the league in 1995 and have yet to really make a statement. Playing in the NFC South, the team has never had a truly standout season in which they accomplished a big feat. However, the team has had a pretty good stint against the division-rival Titans. Tennessee leads closely, 23-18.

Kansas City Chiefs - Denver Broncos

Chiefs v Broncos

Kansas City Chiefs - Denver Broncos

Chiefs v Broncos — In another one of the closest rivalries in NFL history, the Chiefs and Broncos have been going at it for years. Ultimately, the Chiefs lead the series by one game, 56-55. These two teams played a fantastic game in Week 2 of this season, giving fans something to look forward to as a new chapter of this rivalry unfolds.

Miami Dolphins - New York Jets

Dolphins v Jets

Miami Dolphins - New York Jets

Dolphins v Jets — Even though the Dolphins and Bills have a fantastic series against each other, the Dolphins and Jets are right there with them. This rivalry is highlighted by one defining moment: Dan Marino's infamous fake spike for a TD. The Jets may lead the series 51-47 with a tie, but that record could go in either direction, as they are evenly matched.

Minnesota Vikings - Green Bay Packers

Vikings v Packers

Minnesota Vikings - Green Bay Packers

Vikings v Packers — This rivalry is marked by a certain future Hall of Fame QB and his infamous unretirement. That's right, Brett Favre and his Benedict Arnold-like switch to the Vikings after his tenure with the Jets left Packers fans hating him and Favre wondering if they would ever forgive him. Fast forward and Green Bay has finally forgiven their golden boy. Currently, Packers lead the series 58-49.

New England Patriots - Indianapolis Colts

Patriots v Colts

New England Patriots - Indianapolis Colts

Patriots v Colts — As mentioned earlier, this rivalry is the only non-divisional rivalry on this list. The Patriots have owned the series so far and their victories have resulted in numerous Divisional and Conference Playoff victories. Part of Brady's amazing rapport is his ability to defeat his nemesis, Peyton Manning, so often.

New Orleans Saints - Atlanta Falcons

Saints v Falcons

New Orleans Saints - Atlanta Falcons

Saints v Falcons — This rivalry is existent because of the success that both teams have had in recent years. It seems that these two teams are constantly battling atop the NFC South and, except for the past two seasons, one of them always ends up winning. The Falcons lead the series by six games right now but expect a continuing battle from these two teams.

New York Giants - Philadelphia Eagles

Gaints v Eagles

New York Giants - Philadelphia Eagles

Gaints v Eagles — The NFC East is filled with four teams that hate each other with a burning passion. However, the rivalries can be separated into two main fields: Dallas and Washington, and New York and Philadelphia. New York and Philly already have a burning rivalry due to proximity, so it's only fitting. In a boost for NYC, they lead the series 84-78.

New York Jets - New England Patriots

Jets v Patriots

New York Jets - New England Patriots

Jets v Patriots — In large part thanks to Rex Ryan, the Jets absolutely hate the Patriots; however, New England continues to embarrass the Jets. The series split (58-53 in favor of New England) does not do justice to how the series has gone in recent years. But maybe with a new coach in place, New York will be able to turn it around.

Oakland Raiders - Denver Broncos

Raiders v Broncos

Oakland Raiders - Denver Broncos

Raiders v Broncos — As previously mentioned, the Broncos and Raiders rivalry was as intense as any other at one point in history. Although it is a sad shell of its former self now, there is hope that one day it will return to its former glory, as the Raiders are finally showing some promise with their young talent.

Philadelphia Eagles - New York Giants

Eagles v Giants

Philadelphia Eagles - New York Giants

Eagles v Giants — The Eagles' biggest rival could be any of the three teams they face twice a year, but it goes to the New York Giants for one reason, well really two: The Miracle at the Meadowlands 1 and 2. These games are two legendary finishes in which the Eagles won on a last minute defense/special teams play to cap off a phenomenal comeback. These games still sting any Giants fan's heart.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Baltimore Ravens

Steelers v Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers - Baltimore Ravens

Steelers v Ravens — The Steelers' biggest rival could be any of the divisional games they play throughout the year, but there's just something special about when the Steelers get together with the Ravens. Maybe it's because there always seems to be such high stakes each time they face each other, but these games are a must-watch twice a year.

San Diego Chargers - Oakland Raiders

Chargers v Raiders

San Diego Chargers - Oakland Raiders

Chargers v Raiders — Once again, this rivalry was much stronger back when the Raiders were a truly talented team. These two exude contempt for each other, from the Chargers requesting added security at their stadium when the two teams play, to the Raiders stealing Al Davis from the Chargers. Hopefully, this rivalry will also be renewed as the Raiders finally start to look better.

San Francisco 49ers - Seattle Seahawks

49ers v Seahawks

San Francisco 49ers - Seattle Seahawks

49ers v Seahawks — Where's Richard Sherman at? Since these two teams are right next to each other and also each other's rivals, they might as well share a slide. While this rivalry is relatively new, it has absolutely dominated the NFL in recent years. These two teams have controlled the division and the NFC as a whole. Sadly, the decline of the 49ers most likely means the decline of this rivalry for now.

St. Louis Rams - San Francisco 49ers

Rams v 49ers

St. Louis Rams - San Francisco 49ers

Rams v 49ers — Not wanting to be left out of the party, the Rams also have a solid rivalry with the 49ers, though theirs is a little longer. The Rams and 49ers have been battling for decades and are basically at a stalemate, with San Francisco holding a two game advantage, 65-63. Now that St. Louis is finally looking like a contender again, expect these games to be good when they face off.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Carolina Panthers

Bucs v Panthers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Carolina Panthers

Bucs v Panthers — Since the Panthers' admittance into the league, these two teams have played some insanely physical games. Unfortunately, it has been largely irrelevant, as the Saints and Falcons owned the division; Carolina leads the series 18-11. Now with the Panthers in a position to excel and the Bucs on the rise, these games can add that spark from the past back to them.

Tennessee Titans - Indianapolis Colts

Titans v Colts

Tennessee Titans - Indianapolis Colts

Titans v Colts — Even though the Titans haven't been able to compete with the Colts in recent years, the debut of Marus Mariota under center in Tennessee gives them hope for the future. With the Titans' defense looking surprisingly good, games against the Colts should be interesting again.

Washington Redskins - Dallas Cowboys

Redskins v Cowboys

Washington Redskins - Dallas Cowboys

Redskins v Cowboys — Now at the point of sounding redundant, it is quite obvious that the Cowboys, Redskins, Giants, and Eagles all hate each other immensely; it just so happens that the Cowboys and Redskins hate each other the most out of those four teams. This season is shaping up to be another classic finish in the heated NFC East.

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