By Darin In the NFL, talent wins games, but rivalries define eras. While every Sunday offers high-stakes competition, there is a specific brand of intensity reserved for “Rivalry Week.” These are the matchups where the record books are thrown out the window, the hits feel a little harder, and the fan bases share a mutual, decades-long disdain.
From the frozen tundras of the North to the modern gladiatorial arenas of the East, let’s explore the most storied rivalries that have shaped the landscape of American football.
1. The Monsters of the Midway vs. The Pack: Bears-Packers
No list of NFL rivalries can begin anywhere other than the NFC North. The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers have the oldest and most-played rivalry in league history, dating back to 1921.
What makes this rivalry truly special is the contrast in identity. On one side, you have the Chicago Bears—the “Monsters of the Midway”—representing the gritty, industrial heart of one of America’s largest cities. On the other, the Green Bay Packers—the only community-owned franchise in major professional sports—representing a small town in Wisconsin that lives and breathes football.
This rivalry was forged in the era of leather helmets and solidified during the Lombardi years. With over 200 meetings, the series is remarkably close, often swinging back and forth over decades of dominance. Whether it’s the shadow of George Halas or the modern magic of legendary quarterbacks, Bears-Packers remains the gold standard for tradition in the NFL.
2. The Battle for the NFC East: Cowboys-Commanders
During the 1970s and 80s, there was no hotter ticket in sports than the Dallas Cowboys versus the Washington Redskins (now the Commanders). This rivalry wasn’t just about geography; it was about two distinct philosophies.
The Cowboys, branded as “America’s Team,” brought glitz, glamour, and a high-flying offense led by Roger Staubach. Washington, under the legendary Joe Gibbs, countered with “The Hogs”—a massive, punishing offensive line that embodied a blue-collar, ground-and-pound mentality.
The animosity between these two teams even predates their first kickoff. Legend has it that the rivalry began in the front office during the NFL’s expansion, involving a dispute over the rights to a fight song. On the field, this pettiness translated into classic NFC Championship battles and legendary moments like the “Bounty Bowl.” Even as the divisional landscape shifts, the tension between D.C. and Dallas remains a cornerstone of the league.
3. Physicality Personified: Steelers-Ravens
If the previous rivalries are about history and tradition, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens rivalry is about pure, unadulterated physicality. This is a “new school” rivalry that feels old-fashioned. Since the Browns moved to Baltimore in 1996 and became the Ravens, these two AFC North powerhouses have been locked in a perpetual struggle for divisional supremacy.
For much of the 2000s, this matchup was defined by two of the greatest defensive players to ever play the game: Ray Lewis and Troy Polamalu. Every game felt like a heavyweight prize fight. The scores were often low (think 13-10 or 16-13), the weather was usually cold, and neither team ever walked off the field without a few bruises. It is widely considered the most physically demanding rivalry in the modern era, where mutual respect is earned through sheer toughness.
4. The AFL Roots: Chiefs-Raiders
To understand the soul of the AFC, you have to look at the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders. Born in the American Football League (AFL) before the 1970 merger, this rivalry was fueled by the fiery personalities of owners Lamar Hunt and Al Davis.
The Raiders’ “Commitment to Excellence” and “Just Win, Baby” mantra often clashed with the Chiefs’ more disciplined approach. Throughout the late 60s and 70s, these two teams were the class of the AFL, frequently meeting with Super Bowl berths on the line. The rivalry is famous for its “Heidi Game” era drama and the intense, often hostile environments of the “Black Hole” in Oakland (and now Las Vegas) and the sea of red at Arrowhead Stadium.
Why Rivalries Matter
Why do we care so much about these specific matchups? It’s because these games provide a sense of continuity in a league that is constantly changing. Players come and go, stadiums are demolished and rebuilt, and rules are tweaked every season. But the history between the Steelers and the Ravens, or the Bears and the Packers, remains a constant.
These rivalries aren’t just games; they are annual chapters in a century-long story. They are the moments that fathers share with daughters and grandfathers share with grandsons. In the NFL, winning a Super Bowl is the ultimate goal, but for many fans, beating your rival is the ultimate satisfaction.
As long as there is a pigskin and a 100-yard field, these grudges will continue to burn, reminding us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.
