Football just wouldn’t be the same without the biggest rivalries in the NFL. Of course, watching the NFL is always fun, but rivalry games are on a different level. Here are seven of the biggest NFL rivalries out there.
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
The Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears rivalry is widely regarded as the biggest rivalry in the NFL. The teams have faced each other more than 200 times since 1921, making this contest the most-played game in NFL history. Chicago is a 30-minute drive from the Wisconsin border and the proximity of the franchises adds to the tension both on and off the field.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
It is no secret that the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers don’t get along. This rivalry has served up countless memorable games over the years, in addition to multiple violent acts. In 2016, Vontaze Burfict knocked out Antonio Brown. A year later, Juju Smith-Schuster knocked out Burfict. You get the picture, right?
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Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Pittsburgh Steelers are involved in more than one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL. Not only do the Steelers hate the Bengals, but they also have an intense rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens. Ever since the Ravens’ NFL debut in 1996, Baltimore and Pittsburgh fans have shared a mutual hatred, leading to fierce contests on the field.
New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
There are plenty of reasons why the New York Jets and New England Patriots don’t see eye to eye. First, the geographic proximity of the two teams. On top of that, both teams boast successful histories and they face off on a frequent basis as AFC East rivals. Although New England leads the series, the Jets always give the Patriots a run for their money.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles share one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL, having first met in 1960 before intensifying their feud over the years. Notably, during the infamous “Bounty Bowl” in 1989, Philadelphia fans threw objects at the Dallas players and coaches after Jimmy Johnson accused the Eagles of placing bounties on certain players.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
In terms of NFL rivalries, the feud between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks is relatively new. However, the rivalry is still among the fiercest in the league. When Seattle joined the 49ers in the NFC West in 2002, the teams immediately took a disliking to each other. Since then, they have produced dozens of hard-hitting games.
Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, but they are also known for their rivalry with the Washington Commanders. Since the two teams are just 135 miles apart, they always fight for the local bragging rights every time they meet. In 1990, the “Body Bag Game” even saw nine Washington players get knocked out!