Since its inception, the NFL has had many teams that have cemented their place in history. Each year only one team can hoist the Lombardi trophy in February. Sometimes that team makes an unexpected run come playoff time and other times it’s the team that dominates the entire season. There have been many memorable teams throughout time but below we will focus on the best NFL teams of all time according to us. Picking the top 10 is no small task but we believe these teams are the greatest the NFL has ever seen.
10. 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers land at number 10 on our list. They were known for their stifling defense led by defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. The Bucs held opponents to just 12.3 points per game during the regular season. Led by Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks, they went on to win Super Bowl XXXVII, showcasing one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history.
Overall Record: 15-4
Super Bowl XXXVII Champion
9. 1991 Washington Redskins
Securing a spot among the all-time greats, the 1991 Washington Redskins come in at #9. Coached by Joe Gibbs and led by a potent offense featuring Mark Rypien and the “Posse” of wide receivers, the Redskins went 14-2 in the regular season and dominated in the playoffs, culminating in a Super Bowl XXVI victory. The team is often overlooked amongst the greats but is still one of the best NFL teams of all time.
Overall Record: 17-2
Super Bowl XXVI Champion
8. 1999 St. Louis Rams
The 1999 St. Louis Rams, under the leadership of head coach Dick Vermeil and quarterback Kurt Warner, introduced the NFL to the “Greatest Show on Turf.” The Rams’ high-flying offense, featuring Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, led them to a Super Bowl victory and a place among the greatest NFL teams of all time.
Overall Record: 16-3
Super Bowl XXXIV Champion
7. 1971 Dallas Cowboys
The 1971 Dallas Cowboys, coached by the legendary Tom Landry, earn their spot at number 7. This team featured the “Doomsday Defense” and was led by stars like Roger Staubach and Duane Thomas. The Cowboys won Super Bowl VI, marking the beginning of their dominance in the 1970s.
Overall Record: 14-3
Super Bowl VI Champion
6. 1992 Dallas Cowboys
The 1992 Dallas Cowboys, were led by head coach Jimmy Johnson and featured the iconic “Triplets”. Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin powered this unstoppable Cowboys offense. This memorable team clinched Super Bowl XXVII, marking the start of a dynasty.
Overall Record: 16-3
Super Bowl XXVII Champion
5. 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers
The 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers, the last of their four Super Bowl-winning teams in the ’70s, earned their spot at number 5. The Steel Curtain defense, featuring legends like Mean Joe Greene and Jack Lambert, powered the Steelers to victory in Super Bowl XIII.
Overall Record: 17-2
Super Bowl XIII Champion
4. 1984 San Francisco 49ers
The 1984 San Francisco 49ers, coached by the legendary Bill Walsh, showcased the brilliance of the West Coast Offense. Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and a stellar supporting cast led the 49ers to a 15-1 regular-season record and a Super Bowl XIX victory, solidifying their place among the all-time greats.
Overall Record: 18-1
Super Bowl XIX Champion
3. 1985 Chicago Bears
The 1985 Chicago Bears, led by head coach Mike Ditka and a ferocious defense are hailed as one of the greatest teams of all time. Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, and the Bears dominated the regular season with a 15-1 record and stormed through the playoffs to win Super Bowl XX.
Overall Record: 18-1
Super Bowl XX Champion
2. 2007 New England Patriots
The 2nd spot goes to the 2007 New England Patriots, who finished the regular season with a flawless 16-0 record. Coached by Bill Belichick and led by Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and a dynamic offense, the Patriots came within one game of a perfect season. They ultimately fell short, losing in Super Bowl XLII to the New York Giants. That one blemish keeps them from the top spot in our top 10 list.
Overall Record: 18-1
1. 1972 Miami Dolphins
The 1972 Miami Dolphins, coached by Don Shula and quarterbacked by Bob Griese, accomplished a feat no other team has matched: a perfect season. They capped off this amazing feat with a Super Bowl VII victory. The Dolphins undefeated run secures their position as the best team in NFL history.
Overall Record: 17-0
Super Bowl VII Champion
If you enjoyed this list be sure to check out our 10 best Super Bowl games of all time.
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