Determining the best NFL team of all time is a debate that has fueled discussions among football fans for decades. In this article, Wintips will explore the 7 greatest NFL teams in history, analyzing their achievements, impact, and lasting legacy in the sport.
Who is the best NFL team of all time?
Let's find out the best NFL team of all time through the list below:
7. 1962 Green Bay Packers
The 1962 Green Bay Packers secured their second consecutive NFL title and eighth overall championship, capping off a dominant season with a victory over the New York Giants in the title game. The team finished with an impressive 13-1 record in the regular season, showcasing their dominance on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback Bart Starr led the league in passing, while fullback Jim Taylor earned MVP honors after rushing for an NFL-best 1,474 yards. However, Green Bay’s real strength lay in its defense, which featured five future Hall of Famers: defensive linemen Willie Davis and Henry Jordan, linebacker Ray Nitschke, cornerback Herb Adderley, and safety Willie Wood.
The Packers' defense was nearly impenetrable, allowing only 10.3 points per game throughout the season. Ray Nitschke was named the Super Bowl MVP, and Willie Wood led the league with nine interceptions, solidifying Green Bay’s reputation as one of the greatest teams in NFL history.
6. 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the NFL during the mid-to-late 1970s, winning four Super Bowls in six years and establishing themselves as one of the league’s most formidable dynasties. With multiple championship-winning rosters to choose from, the 1978 Steelers stand out as the ultimate representation of Black and Gold supremacy.
The legendary "Steel Curtain" defense, featuring “Mean” Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight White, remains one of the most feared defensive units in NFL history. Cornerback Mel Blount was so dominant in downfield coverage that the league was forced to modify its pass interference rules to limit his physical play.
5. 1991 Washington
Though Joe Gibbs had already won two Super Bowls with Washington in 1982 and 1987, the franchise faced challenges leading up to the 1991 season. After missing the playoffs in 1988 and 1989, followed by a disappointing first-round exit in 1990, Washington was in need of a revival.
The 1991 Washington team not only restored the franchise’s dominance but also secured Gibbs’ place as a future Hall of Fame coach. Led by two All-Pros—offensive tackle Jim Lachey and cornerback Darrell Green—as well as six Pro Bowlers, including quarterback Mark Rypien, running back Earnest Byner, and wide receiver Gary Clark, Washington’s roster was stacked with talent.
One of the biggest contributors to the team’s success was “The Hogs”, Washington’s legendary offensive line, which played a crucial role in their offensive dominance throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Anchored by center Jeff Bostic, left guard Russ Grimm, right guard Mark May, and left tackle Joe Jacoby, this unit provided the foundation for Washington’s offensive success.
4. 1984 San Francisco 49ers
The 1984 San Francisco 49ers came incredibly close to achieving a perfect regular season. They became the first team in NFL history to win 15 games after the league expanded to a 16-game schedule in 1978.
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Their only defeat was a narrow three-point loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. In the closing moments of the game, Joe Montana led the 49ers on a final drive, setting up a potential game-tying field goal. However, kicker Ray Wersching missed the 37-yard attempt, preventing the game from going to overtime.
3. 1985 Chicago Bears
Few teams in NFL history have dominated the postseason as thoroughly as the 1985 Chicago Bears. They shut out both the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams in the first two rounds of the playoffs before delivering a commanding 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.
Led by head coach Mike Ditka, the Bears finished the regular season with a 15-1 record, finishing a staggering seven games ahead of the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Central. Their defense was historically dominant, allowing just 198 total points throughout the season—an average of only 12.4 points per game.
2. 2007 New England Patriots
The 2007 New England Patriots are the only team on this list that did not win a Super Bowl. However, their sheer dominance throughout the season earns them a place among the greatest teams of all time, ranking second overall.
Under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots became the first team to finish a 16-game regular season undefeated. They were rarely challenged along the way, winning all but four of their regular-season games by more than one score.
The 2007 Patriots also set an NFL record for the best point differential in a single season (+315). Brady won his first MVP award after throwing a then-record 50 touchdown passes, while wide receiver Randy Moss, acquired in an offseason trade, set an NFL record with 23 touchdown receptions—a mark that still stands today.
1. 1972 Miami Dolphins
Sitting atop the list of the greatest NFL teams of all time is the 1972 Miami Dolphins—the only team in history to complete an undefeated season and cap it off with a Super Bowl victory.
That year, Miami led the league in both points scored and points allowed, showcasing dominance on both sides of the ball. What makes their achievement even more remarkable is that they played most of the season with backup quarterback Earl Morrall. After starting QB Bob Griese broke his ankle in Week 5, Morrall stepped in and performed at an elite level, earning first-team All-Pro honors.
However, head coach Don Shula made a bold move during the playoffs. In Miami’s AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he replaced Morrall with a recovered Griese at halftime. The Dolphins held on for a 21-17 win before defeating Washington 14-7 in Super Bowl VII to secure their perfect season.
No team has matched the Dolphins' flawless run. Until that changes, the 1972 Miami Dolphins will remain the greatest team in NFL history.
In summary
Determining the best NFL team of all time is no easy task, as it depends on various factors such as overall dominance, individual performances, and historical impact. However, teams like the 1972 Miami Dolphins, 1985 Chicago Bears, and the 2007 New England Patriots have set benchmarks for excellence in the NFL. While each of these teams has left an indelible mark on the league, the debate will continue to rage on as fans and analysts argue over which squad truly deserves the title of the best.
Refer to: The 8 best football squads of all time you must know.
