Top 10 Greatest NFL Franchises of All Time
What makes a football franchise truly great? It goes way beyond just having winning seasons or snagging a few big-name players. It's about the moments, the legacies, and the way a team connects with its fans through thick and thin. Some franchises have built reputations through consistent, decade-spanning excellence, while others have had thrilling, unforgettable seasons that are forever etched in NFL history. And then there are the dynasties - teams that redefined the league, inspiring generations of players and fans alike with their iconic coaches, MVPs, and unforgettable championship runs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have won six Super Bowl titles, tied for the most of any franchise. They have developed a reputation for defensive excellence, especially during the 1970s with the "Steel Curtain" defense. Yeah, we have more Super Bowl Championships, Conference Championships, and Hall of Famers than anyone else, but that's not why Pittsburgh is #1.
Pittsburgh is #1 because when we come to your stadium and take it over with our Terrible Towels and dominating defense, you know you want to be a Steelers fan!
To quote White Goodman, "We're better than you, and we know it!"
Most Super Bowls and tied for most playoff wins (and will probably be first after next season). There are a lot of great franchises, but right now the Steelers are the best.
The Green Bay Packers hold the most NFL championships, with 13 titles including four Super Bowls. Founded in 1919, they are one of the oldest franchises and are uniquely owned by community shareholders. With 13 NFL championship wins, the Packers have been a dominating force in every decade. In the '20s and '30s, the Packers went undefeated at home for 5 years. They dominated the '60s with 5 championship wins.
They had a bit of a dark spot in the '70s and '80s, but we'd all like to forget those decades anyway (aside from '70s rock). In the past three decades, they have always been at the top or near the top of the league. A force to be reckoned with.
A beautiful engine built to move the ball forward. Go Pack!
Even though their divisional rivals, the Chicago Bears, have the most Hall of Fame appearances, I think Green Bay has the best franchise. Even though they have one less Super Bowl win than Pittsburgh, the Packers may be the most feared team in all of the NFL. Rodgers and Favre are both incredible quarterbacks and have good receivers to connect to.
The New England Patriots have won six Super Bowls, all under the ownership of Robert Kraft and largely with quarterback Tom Brady. They are known for their 2000s dynasty led by head coach Bill Belichick. Considering the salary cap challenges, this team and franchise are among the best ever. They have the best coach of all time and arguably one of the top 1-3 QBs of all time (Elway, Montana, the other two).
The downside is that they have an owner, Kraft, who threw his QB, team, and fans under the bus. He deserves zero respect now for turning his back on all those who were loyal to him. He should be ashamed of himself, and I hope the fans of New England never let him live that betrayal down.
They are tied for the most Super Bowls in the NFL with the Steelers, and they have been to more Super Bowls than any other NFL franchise. Add in the fact that they won all 6 of their Super Bowls with the same coach and quarterback, and that their run has lasted longer than any dynasty in history, and you have the best franchise in the NFL.
The Dallas Cowboys, known as "America's Team," have won five Super Bowls and hold a record for consistent playoff appearances in the 1970s and 1990s. They have one of the highest franchise valuations in sports. The Cowboys are second only to the Bears in franchise win percentage, but they have more Super Bowl wins than the Bears.
Just to clarify, the Steelers are ranked #14. The Cowboys are the most winning team percentage-wise in the NFL for the past 50 years. Unlike the Steelers, the Cowboys play in the toughest and most successful division in football. The NFC East holds the record for appearing in 20 Super Bowls and winning 12 of them. The Cowboys dominate the NFC East with 20 division championships, 28 playoff berths, and 8 Super Bowl appearances - all records.
While the Steelers practically walked into the Super Bowl during those years, the Cowboys had to continuously play NFC champions six times a year. Although the Eagles have never won a Super Bowl, to say they're not competitors is foolish. Between 1990 and 1996, the NFC East won 5 out of 6 Super Bowls, with the Cowboys winning half of those, including one against the Steelers.
Tom Landry, Roger Staubach, America's Team, wins, and Super Bowls. Not to mention, they are the most valuable franchise in the NFL. The only things more popular than the Cowboys star in America are the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. The only team close to the Cowboys is the Green Bay Packers, but the Packers have never really offered anything new to the NFL.
Tom Landry, on the other hand, created the 4-3 defense and revived the shotgun offense. The Dallas Cowboys have changed the way football is played. Without the Dallas Cowboys, what would the NFL be like? I'd rather not have the story of the Steelers than not have the story of the Cowboys. America's Team still.
The San Francisco 49ers have claimed five Super Bowl titles, most of which came during the 1980s under the leadership of Joe Montana and Steve Young. Known for their high-powered offense, the 49ers introduced the West Coast Offense under Bill Walsh. Best team ever. Third is an insult. They won the Super Bowl in three consecutive decades and had the biggest win in Super Bowl history, a 55-10 demolition of the Broncos. With the best pound-for-pound player of all time in Jerry Rice, and quarterbacks like Montana and Young, the West Coast offense was the most attractive and devastating ever. What more evidence do you need?
The 49ers have the best quarterback of all time (Joe Montana), the best wide receiver of all time (Jerry Rice), the best defensive back of all time (Ronnie Lott), and the best coach of all time (Bill Walsh). Finally, 5 Super Bowls.
The Chicago Bears are one of the NFL's oldest teams, founded in 1920, and have won nine championships, including one Super Bowl. They are famous for their historic defenses and legends such as Walter Payton and Mike Ditka. Although not the most dominant in the Super Bowl era, the Bears have certainly been good in it, especially with the '85 Bears defense. They won 8 NFL championships before the Super Bowl era as well and have set numerous records with iconic players like Sid Luckman, Walter Payton, and Devin Hester. They also hold the record for the biggest blowout in NFL history, 73-0 over the Washington Redskins.
You don't think they should be in the top 10? They had the highest blowout in NFL history against the Redskins for the NFL Championship, 72 to 0, and beat the Patriots 42 to 0.
The Denver Broncos have won three Super Bowl titles and are notable for their seven Super Bowl appearances. The franchise gained recognition through the leadership of quarterback John Elway, who later became an executive with the team. Since 1977, the most consistent franchise in football. They never have more than a couple of down years, then they're back stronger than ever.
Great team, city, players, history, fans, stadium, and multiple Super Bowl wins and appearances! They have fielded both a top 5 offense and defense, if not a top 3!
Since they won yet another Super Bowl with one of the best defenses ever, they deserve sixth or seventh place.
The New York Giants, established in 1925, have won four Super Bowl titles and eight total NFL championships. Known for their defensive strength, they were integral in the development of modern professional football. The Giants should at least be in the top four teams. Number 7? Hell no. They have won three Super Bowls. They had the greatest linebacker of all time in their franchise, coached by Bill Parcells. They have Coach Coughlin. They got the biggest running back ever in the NFL.
(Not that it truly matters unless BJ is good, which he is). They are at least one of the top four or five best. And the Redskins over the Giants? HELL NO.
One of the greatest teams of all time. No doubts at all. Who's the only team to beat the Pats TWICE in the Super Bowl when no one else could even beat them ONCE? The Giants. What team has received what are considered to be the top 2 catches of all time? The Giants.
The Raiders have won three Super Bowls, known for their fierce play style and devoted fan base. Originally based in Oakland, they have since relocated to Las Vegas, maintaining a strong presence in NFL history. This is all time. Were you born in the 2000s? All time means for the entirety of a team's existence. Oakland is the only team to ever win a Super Bowl in three different decades. They went to the playoffs 19 times in 20 years and got seriously jobbed by referees in the Immaculate Reception game, the Phantom Fumble game, and the Tuck Rule game.
Otherwise, they would probably have 2 or 3 more Super Bowl titles. Do your research before making a narrow-minded comment.
No other franchise has had success from the early 1960s to the early 2000s. The Raiders have some of the most famous players and coaches in NFL history. Al Davis, John Madden, Dave Casper, Gene Upshaw, Art Shell, Marcus Allen, Ken Stabler, Jim Plunkett, Fred Biletnikoff, Ray Guy, Howie Long, Jack Tatum, Ted Hendricks, Sebastian Janikowski, and Shane Lechler are ALL Hall of Famers who have played or worked for the Raiders!
JUST WIN BABY!
The Miami Dolphins are notable for their perfect season in 1972, the only undefeated season in NFL history. They have won two Super Bowl titles and have a legacy of legendary players including Dan Marino. Only undefeated team. Won back-to-back Super Bowls. The Vikings (who are ranked 10 as of May 17, 2015) have never won a Super Bowl, let alone been to one. The Fins have many Hall of Famers, and Marino set high standards for passing records before passing was a big deal. You ask me, the Fins are a top ten franchise.
Only one team was close to tying the best record in football, and that was the Pats in '07, but they lost. Anyway, the '72 Dolphins were one of the best teams in football.
The Washington Commanders won three Super Bowl titles and were competitive through the 1980s and 1990s. They have been a central part of the NFL's history in the nation's capital. The largest stadium, the history, the band, the fight song, the Hall of Famers, the quarterbacks, the revenue, 3 rings, 2 championships, all the division championships, NFC championships, and Hall of Fame coaches. The Hogs. Come on! How much more do I have to mention for them to be in the TOP 5 and get the CowGIRLS outta there?
The Philadelphia Eagles have won four NFL championships, including one Super Bowl title in 2017. Known for their passionate fan base, the Eagles are a historically competitive team in the NFC East. The Eagles might not have the rings to show for it, but they have had amazing years, and more are to come.
The Eagles have had amazing years and work well with any players. I believe they're one of the best franchises despite no Super Bowls.
The Minnesota Vikings have appeared in four Super Bowls, though they have yet to claim a championship title. They have consistently been competitive with multiple playoff appearances and legendary players. Easily the best franchise to never win the Super Bowl (though they did win a championship in 1969). The 1998 team had the third-best offense of all time. The Purple People Eaters were one of the greatest defenses ever. If it weren't for pure bad luck, the Vikings would have multiple rings (Gary Anderson's missed field goal in 1998, getting cheated out of the big game in 2009 by the Bountygate Saints, etc.).
The Purple People Eaters were one of the best defensive units of all time. They went through a rough patch but are on the up and up again. New ownership may have finally gotten it together.
The New York Jets won their only Super Bowl in 1969, famously led by quarterback Joe Namath in Super Bowl III. They remain one of two AFL teams to win a Super Bowl before the AFL-NFL merger.
The Indianapolis Colts, originally based in Baltimore, have won two Super Bowls, including one under legendary quarterback Peyton Manning. They have a history of strong offenses and have been competitive in multiple eras. Four-time champions. Unitas, Mackey, Berry, Donovan, Moore, Manning, Harrison, Wayne, Saturday, Mathis, Freeney, Clark, Sanders, Faulk, Dickerson, James, and Dungy. One of the best stadiums in the NFL. Won 'The Greatest Game Ever Played.' Bright future ahead with guys like Leonard, Moore II, Taylor, and Buckner.
Should be higher than Minnesota with Super Bowls alone.
The Carolina Panthers, established in 1995, have appeared in two Super Bowls but have yet to secure a championship. Despite being one of the younger franchises, they have achieved multiple playoff appearances and a strong fan following. In the 20 years since it was made, the Panthers have had the only QB to get 50 rushing TDs, went 15-1, won 3 straight division titles, and have 3 future Hall of Famers, including Steve Smith, Greg Olsen, and Luke Kuechly.
A young franchise, and they are already doing better than franchises that have been here for decades.
The Seattle Seahawks have won one Super Bowl and made three Super Bowl appearances. Known for their "12th Man" fan base and strong defenses, they have been competitive since joining the NFL in 1976. Why are they way down at 29? This list is a joke. They probably should have 3 Super Bowls. They destroyed the best offense the league has ever seen in their Super Bowl win. The 2005 Super Bowl was stolen by the refs, and then there was "Forget Marshawn Lynch, let's throw the ball!"
All I'm wondering is why second-rate teams such as the Jaguars, Browns, and Texans managed to rank above a team that has been a perpetual Super Bowl contender for nearly the last decade.
Best team in 2013 with a Super Bowl 48 win by a score of 43-8 against the Broncos.
The Baltimore Ravens have won two Super Bowls, both behind dominant defenses, and are known for developing defensive talents like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Established in 1996, they quickly became a competitive team in the AFC. We have only been called the Baltimore Ravens since 1996, and we have already won 2 Super Bowl rings. We already have a player who played his entire career with the Ravens in the Hall of Fame, plus three more who played for the Ravens, as of 2013. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are future Hall of Famers.
We also have one of the best defenses of all time. I think you may have heard of the 2000 Ravens. We only allowed 165 points in a 16-game season, which is a record for the fewest points allowed in a 16-game season. We also had to deal with stricter rule changes than the '70s Steelers, the '76 Raiders, and the '85 Bears, and we still got it done.
The Baltimore Ravens shouldn't be number 20. They should be #1!
The Kansas City Chiefs have won three Super Bowl titles, including two in the 2020s under quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Originally an AFL team, they also won Super Bowl IV, making them an early NFL powerhouse. Lamar Hunt was instrumental in creating the AFL. He also came up with the name "Super Bowl." Kansas City went to Super Bowl I and won Super Bowl IV.
The Chiefs are better than the Texans. We have Mahomes, for goodness' sake. 15 is a good place for them.
The Chiefs dynasty is coming sooner than you think.
The Atlanta Falcons have appeared in two Super Bowls but have yet to secure a championship. Established in 1965, they are known for a competitive offense led by players like Matt Ryan and Julio Jones.
The Houston Texans, established in 2002, are one of the NFL's youngest franchises. While they have yet to reach a Super Bowl, they have made multiple playoff appearances in the AFC South.
The Chargers, now based in Los Angeles, have one AFL Championship and one Super Bowl appearance. They are known for an electrifying offense led by players like LaDainian Tomlinson and Dan Fouts.
The Buffalo Bills hold the unique distinction of appearing in four consecutive Super Bowls from 1990-1993, though they did not secure a title. Known for their loyal fan base, the Bills have seen a resurgence in competitiveness in recent years. Best fans in the entire world. No question. The suffering they endure is unthinkable, yet they prevail and still sell out all the time.
The Arizona Cardinals, founded in 1898, are one of the NFL's oldest franchises and have appeared in one Super Bowl. They have won two league championships, the last in 1947, and are known for a resilient fan base and historic significance. They have one of the best defenses and have the second-highest scoring drive in the NFL. I see no reason to put them below the Packers or the Vikings!
Originally the Houston Oilers, the Titans reached the Super Bowl in 1999 and have been competitive in multiple eras. Known for strong running games and iconic players, they are consistently contenders in the AFC South.