Top 10 Greatest NFL Teams of All Time

Over the years, there have been many great NFL teams, but some stand out above the rest. When it comes to the greatest NFL team of all time, a few teams come to mind such as the 1972 Dolphins, 1985 Bears, or the 2007 Patriots. Arguments can be made for the top spot, but today, I’ll break down my personal top 10.  

This is always a hotly debated topic at many bar stools every year, especially in the offseason, and how some of the current teams stack up against the best of all time. There is also the argument on if these teams should or should not have won their Super Bowl that year. Personally, I go by the thought that there is quite a bit of luck in actually winning the Super Bowl. So while it is a part of the equation for the best team, it’s not always the deciding factor.

Continue reading and find out who I determined were the Top 10 Greatest NFL Teams of All Time.

1. 1972 Miami Dolphins

The 1972 Dolphins are the only team in NFL history to go undefeated in a regular season and postseason. They went 14-0 in the regular season and then won all three of their playoff games, including a 14-7 victory over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. The Dolphins were led by quarterback Bob Griese, running back Larry Csonka, and wide receiver Paul Warfield. While my hate for the Dolphins is strong, I have to give them props. It’s an amazing feat to never lose a game.

2. 1985 Chicago Bears

The 1985 Bears are one of the most dominant teams in NFL history. They went 15-1 in the regular season and then won all four of their playoff games, including a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. This Bears team was led by quarterback Jim McMahon, running back Walter Payton, and linebacker Mike Singletary. Oh, and they made one of the best sports-related dance videos of all time.

3. 2007 New England Patriots

More recently, in 2007 the New England Patriots went 16-0 in the regular season. To this day, that is the best record in NFL history. They followed up that amazing regular season with two wins in the playoffs but ultimately lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. The Patriots were led by quarterback Tom Brady, running back Corey Dillon, and wide receiver Randy Moss. Not to mention, a crew of amazing spy photographers.

4. 1984 San Francisco 49ers

The 1984 49ers went 15-1 in the regular season, which was the first team to win 15 games after the NFL expanded to a 16-game schedule. Then they proceeded to win three playoff games, including a 38-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX. The 49ers were led by quarterback Joe Montana, running back Roger Craig, and wide receiver Jerry Rice.

5. 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers

The 1975 Steelers went 11-3 in the regular season, and then won three of their four playoff games, including a 21-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl X. The Steelers were led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw, running back Franco Harris, and wide receiver Lynn Swann. This was also the heyday of the infamous “Steel Curtain” defense led by “Mean” Joe Greene.

6. 1991 Washington Redskins

Back in 1991, the Washington Redskins went 14-2 in the regular season. After that, they then won three playoff games, culminating in a 37-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVI. The Redskins were led by quarterback Mark Rypien, running back Earnest Byner, and wide receiver Art Monk.

7. 1998 Denver Broncos

In 1998, the Denver Broncos went 14-2 in the regular season. Additionally, they won three playoff games, including a 34-19 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. The Broncos were led by quarterback John Elway, running back Terrell Davis, and wide receiver Rod Smith. Additionally, Davis became the fourth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season this year. Elway was one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL and this was one of his best teams. 

8. 1994 San Francisco 49ers

The 1994 49ers went 12-4 in the regular season and then won Super Bowl XXIX in a blowout 49-26 victory over the San Diego Chargers. The 49ers were led by quarterback Steve Young, running back Garrison Hearst, and wide receiver Jerry Rice. This Super Bowl win made the 49ers the first NFL franchise to have won five Super Bowls. Young and Rice were arguably 

9. 1977 Dallas Cowboys

The 1977 Tom Landry-led Cowboys went 12-2 in the regular season and then went on to win Super Bowl XII by a score of 27-10 over the Denver Broncos. The Cowboys were led by quarterback Roger Staubach, rookie running back Tony Dorsett, and wide receiver Drew Pearson. This was the team’s second out of five Super Bowl wins in franchise history.

10. 1969 Minnesota Vikings

 In 1969, The Minnesota Vikings went 12-2 in the regular season. Then, they beat the Los Angeles Rams in the Western Conference Championship Game. After that, they had a 27-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns in the NFL’s last Championship Game. This was just before merging with the AFL and creating the Super Bowl.

The Vikings were led by quarterback Fran Tarkenton, running back Chuck Foreman, and defensive tackle Alan Page. Finally, this was the last team to ever win the NFL’s Ed Thorp Memorial Trophy, which was introduced 35 years earlier in 1934.

Honorable Mention

I have to give a shout-out to my first love the 1990 Buffalo Bills. This team was led by the no-huddle K-Gun offense with Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, and Andre Reed. Their formidable defense was highlighted by NFL all-time sack leader Bruce Smith. Additionally, the team went 13-3 in the regular season and won one of the most lop-sided AFC Championship games by a score of 51-3 over the Raiders.

A ball-control offensive attack and ingenious scheme by Giants defensive coordinator Bill Belichick kept the Bills’ offense, off the field. Finally, the game ended in infamy with “wide right”. At the age of eight, this is the first time I felt so emotional after a Bills loss, but it won’t be the last.

These are just a few of the great NFL teams that have played the game. Many other teams could have been included on this list, but these 10 teams are all considered to be some of the greatest NFL teams of all time.