The 15 Best NFL Teams of All Time

Any team can win on any given Sunday. However, some squads have a better shot than others at hoisting the Lombardi trophy. Throughout the years, the National Football League (NFL) has had numerous teams claiming they’re the best. Who takes the crown? Here are the 15 best NFL teams of all time. 

15. 1962 Green Bay Packers

Once upon a time, the NFL didn’t have a Super Bowl. The Green Bay Packers dominated this era, winning five championships in the 1960s. Which squad was the best? The 1962 Packers were in a league of their own, dominating the regular season and championship game through their stellar defense. However, their offense made a name for themselves with future Hall of Fame members. 

Point differential can tell you a lot about a team. In 1962, the Packers outscored their opponents by 267 points — the fifth-best in league history. With Bart Starr and Ron Kramer, these cheeseheads were among the best teams in the pre-Super Bowl era of the NFL. The Packers rarely struggled throughout the season, earning a 13-1 record and a championship bid. Ultimately, they beat the Giants in a frigid game. 

14. 2000 Baltimore Ravens

After week nine, the 2000 Ravens were licking their wounds after their third loss of the season. At 5-4, Baltimore fans weren’t saying their squad belonged in the ranking of top-tier NFL teams. However, something changed starting in week 10. Then, the Ravens dominated the rest of the season, including the playoffs. The team got back on track and cemented their place in NFL history. 

In retrospect, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens hold up well in league history. The team from Charm City had an excellent defense, with Ray Lewis, Sam Adams, Rob Burnett and Rod Woodson leading the charge. Trent Dilfer was far from the best quarterback at the time, but he had help from Shannon Sharpe, Jamal Lewis and Qadry Ismail. These stars produced Baltimore’s impressive 72-point margin in the NFL Playoffs. 

13. 2016 New England Patriots

The 2016 Patriots needed a miraculous comeback to beat the Atlanta Falcons and win the Super Bowl. However, that shouldn’t discount what New England did in the 18 previous games. Despite missing Tom Brady for four games, the Patriots kept the ship steady and went 14-2. After clinching the top seed, New England cruised through the AFC playoffs and hoisted the trophy in Houston. 

This Super Bowl win marked Brady’s fifth title and emphasized the need for team play over star power. Despite being a highly regarded quarterback, his salary was modest compared to his competitors. While Drew Brees, Joe Flacco and Carson Palmer made more money, Brady earned his pay in the big games. This Patriots squad also featured fan favorites like Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Malcolm Butler. 

12. 1942 Chicago Bears  

What were the best NFL teams to never win it all? The 1942 Chicago Bears are among the first to come to mind. This squad went 11-0 in the regular season and rarely struggled. Fans at Wrigley Field and other stadiums watched the Bears win all their games by double digits. After winning the previous championships, Chicago wanted a third for its trophy case. 

Unfortunately, outside factors proved to be too much for the team. The Bears benefited from legendary head coach George Halas until he left to support World War II efforts. Chicago cruised through the rest of the regular season. However, they couldn’t muster enough points against the Washington Commanders in the NFL Championship. Despite the loss, they’re one of the league’s best teams ever. 

11. 1976 Oakland Raiders

Raiders fans have always had an edge to them, even when the team loses. Can you imagine how pompous they’d be if their squad actually won? Take a time machine to 1976 when the Oakland Raiders posted a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl win. Owner Al Davis and Head Coach John Madden were an excellent pair as they brought the franchise its first of three Lombardi trophies.

The Raiders’ only blemish was a blowout loss to the New England Patriots. However, the rest of the season went swimmingly for the boys wearing black and white. The team had a demanding schedule, playing five straight road games in September and October. However, the back half was more friendly as the Raiders played the winless Buccaneers. Once the playoffs arrived, Oakland dominated the Steelers and Vikings for a nice trophy. 

10. 1991 Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are among the best NFL teams right now, but it’s been a long time since their last heyday. In 1991,  the Commanders clinched their third Super Bowl under Head Coach Joe Gibbs. Was it the best season the franchise has ever seen? Washington outscored opponents by 261 points this year, the sixth-best mark ever. 

The 1991 Commanders were loaded on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Mark Rypien had an excellent season with his supporting cast of Earnest Byner and Gary Clark. On defense, nobody could get past the speedster known as Darrell Green and his secondary. Washington won all three playoff games by double digits, culminating in a dominant 1992 Super Bowl victory. The Commanders led by as many as 27 points in the fourth quarter. 

9. 1989 San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have a winning history, especially in the 1980s. Life gets much easier when you have a Hall of Fame wideout like Jerry Rice on the squad. In 1989, the 49ers set themselves apart by winning 14 games and only losing two by one-score margins. If not for five measly points, the ‘89 49ers could be the greatest of all time. Still, the stacked team had terrific talents like Ronnie Lott, Joe Montana and Don Griffin. 

San Francisco’s dominance was even more pronounced in the playoffs, as no other team was remotely competitive. After winning the NFC games by 55 points, the Niners met the Denver Broncos in the 1990 Super Bowl. Unfortunately for John Elway, San Francisco won 55-10. The 49ers were heavy favorites and rightfully so, considering the game was over by halftime. 

8. 1986 New York Giants

The 1986 New York Giants aren’t discussed enough regarding the best NFL teams of all time. In retrospect, it’s maddening to think this franchise had young Bill Belichick coaching strong players like Lawrence Taylor and Leonard Marshall. Bill Parcells was the cherry on top of the sundae that led to a dominant season in 1986. While the Big Blue Wrecking Crew stood out, the offense excelled and had three players with Pro Bowl honors. 

If you talked to Giants fans after week one, you likely heard pessimism after losing to the Cowboys. However, New York quickly turned their season around with dominant defensive play. The team only lost one game the rest of the season and maintained a perfect home record. Belichick’s defense only allowed 23 points in the playoffs, cementing the team’s place in history. 

7. 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers fans still daydream about the days of the Steel Curtain defense. In 1978, this Pittsburgh unit was at its best. Mean Joe Greene, LC Greenwood, Jack Ham and Jack Lambert led the charge in the front seven that stifled opposing offenses. The Steelers only allowed more than 20 points once in the regular season and once more in the playoffs. How’s that for domination?

While the defense stole the show, the Pittsburgh offense sealed the deal in the 1979 Super Bowl. In this legendary matchup, Steelers quarterback outshined Roger Staubach’s Dallas Cowboys in an incredible 35-31 shootout. Besides Bradshaw, Pittsburgh boasted future Hall of Fame members like John Stallworth and Franco Harris. The Steelers have had numerous legendary teams, so this squad stands out. 

6. 1992 Dallas Cowboys 

Don’t worry, Cowboys fans — you’ll get your turn. Dallas won the Super Bowl three times in the 1990s, and the 1992 squad was the best. This Cowboys era featured legendary tailback Emmitt Smith, who posted the most rushing yards in the NFL and was an MVP finalist. Quarterback Troy Aikman and wide receiver Michael Irvin completed the Dallas trifecta that dominated 1992 en route to the championship. 

While the offense was impressive, the defense deserves more credit. Doomsday featured Charles Haley, Robert Jones and Darren Woodson, who led the league in fewest yards allowed. If the other team can’t move the ball, it’s a lot harder to score! The young defense grew during the 1992 season and played excellently in the playoffs. Then, the offense took over in the Super Bowl with 52 points against the Bills. 

5. 2007 New England Patriots 

Do you have to win a Super Bowl to be among the best teams ever seen in the NFL? The 2007 New England Patriots tested this theory, as the squad won 18 games and only lost one. Unfortunately for them, the lone loss came to the New York Giants in the 2008 Super Bowl. While the game was heartbreaking, it doesn’t remove how dominant the offense was starting week one.

Tom Brady didn’t get much help in his career, but the Patriots traded for legendary wideout Randy Moss in 2007. New England scored 589 regular season points, the most ever in league history. After 16 games, the Patriots outscored their opponents by 315 points. How could they have possibly lost? A miraculous play by Eli Manning and David Tyree set up the Plaxico Burress score to win it all. 

4. 1984 San Francisco 49ers

Jerry Rice is one of the best players in all sports worldwide, so what if we told you the 49ers were better before him? The Bill Walsh-coached team in 1984 posted an outstanding 15-1 record, losing just one game to the pesky Pittsburgh Steelers. Ronnie Lott’s secondary locked down opponents and didn’t allow over 20 points after week two. Then, there’s the lauded quarterback under center. 

Joe Montana was still a young player in 1984, but he cemented his legacy as one of the best signal callers in 49ers and NFL history. Montana was riding high into the Super Bowl against the Dolphins with Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors under his belt. Joe Cool played nearly perfectly by scoring four touchdowns, eclipsing 300 passing yards and throwing no interceptions. NFC West foes didn’t stand a chance against this elite squad. 

3. 1999 St. Louis Rams

In 1999, the St. Louis Rams had an electric offense featuring Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk and Isaac Bruce as the elite skill players. Then, Orlando Pace locked down the trenches with stellar blocking. With 526 points scored, it’s no wonder why they’re called “The Greatest Show on Turf.” The 1999 Rams outscored their opponents by 284 points and have the best point differential for a Super Bowl winner. 

While the offense was terrific, the defense won the Super Bowl through an excellent last-second stand. The Rams’ title hopes hung in the balance as Titans receiver Kevin Dyson ran toward the endzone, though Mike Jones saved the day. This season was even more impressive considering how quickly St. Louis turned around after an awful 4-12 campaign in 1998. 

2. 1985 Chicago Bears

The Bears haven’t had much success in the last 40 years, so Chicagoans still hang onto the 1985 team. This squad is famous for its defense, especially the linemen and the linebackers. Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary was one of the best to suit up, and he helped the Bears dominate the NFC Central. If not for a loss to the Dolphins, the ‘85 Bears would top the rankings. 

While this Chicago team is famous for its defense, the offense deserves equal love due to its stardom. Fans forget this team boasted Walter Payton, one of the most successful running backs ever. Sweetness was at the end of his career, but he rushed for 1,551 yards and nine touchdowns in 1985. The playoffs were a breeze for the Bears, as they won all three games by a combined 81-point margin.  

1. 1972 Miami Dolphins 

The greatest team of all time is the one that never lost a game. In 1972, the Miami Dolphins went undefeated in the regular season and ultimately won the Super Bowl against the Washington Commanders. Is it coincidental that the USC Trojans also went undefeated in 1972? Regardless, the Dolphins set the standard that the best NFL teams right now chase each season. 

As Herman Edwards has said, you play to win the game. The Dolphins achieved victory 17 times despite some close calls. However, the team made its mark through its resiliency. Despite Bob Griese’s injury, backup quarterback Earl Morrall grabbed the reins and won nine games. Some fans say Miami had an easy schedule, but they still took care of business. With a spectacular offense and defense, the 1972 Dolphins are the best ever.  

The Definitive Ranking of All-Time NFL Teams

Building a historic NFL team requires patience, excellent coaching and sheer luck. If you get all three, you might win a Super Bowl and ensure your place in league history. The best NFL teams of all time stand out because they combined all three and dominated their competition. Who got left off the list? If a modern team goes 20-0, they could knock off the 1972 Dolphins.