When it comes to the NFL, there’s always rivalries going on. Whether it’s between divisional rivals, or teams who have highly contested matchups throughout the season, the spirit of competition reigns supreme. If I have to name who are my biggest rivals in the NFL, it would be the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants.
Growing up, these two teams were constantly featured in the Sunday night games due to their explosive popularity. It became an absolute classic for me and my family when these two teams faced off, and it was during these games that me and my friends all switched to a Cowboys or Giants fan. Despite the fact that I had become a Giants fan, I always rooted for the Cowboys, secretly hoping they’d pull off a major upset.
The rivalry between Dallas and New York was so intense, I can still feel it when I watch these two teams play today. I love how the crowd goes wild when these two teams face off – it almost feels like a war zone. The moments when one team pulls out the lead late in the game, or the rhythmic chants of the fanatics who follow these two teams, these are the moments I live for.
I also enjoyed watching the battles between Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. This was another amazing rivalry as these two teams are divisional opponents and have faced each other numerous times over the past two decades. Some of the matchups I’ve watched were so electrifying that it felt like I was in the stadium itself, not in my living room.
Apart from that, The New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts also had a fairly large rivalry going on for much of the early 2000s. However, with Peyton Manning moving to the Broncos, and Tom Brady remaining with the Patriots, this rivalry has cooled off a bit.
Other notable rivalries include the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, along with the rivalry between the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders. All of these rivalries are unique in their own way, and some of them even span decades.
When it comes to the modern NFL, I think no rivalry is greater than the one between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. These two teams have faced each other numerous times over the past few years, with the two Divisional titles in 2013 and 2014 being some of the most hotly contested matchups I can remember.
With the two franchise quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick leading their respective defenders, not only there is a rivalry between the two teams, but an actual battle of wits and skill. It’s some of the most riveting matchups to watch.
Another great rivalry is the one between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins. Even though the teams have shifted over the years in terms of their strengths, the rivalry between them has consistently been high. You can see the intensity in which they play, and it’s just a blast of adrenaline watching them.
The last rivalry I have to mention is the one between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots. It’s a rivalry that’s been going on since the days of Joe Namath and Tom Brady. Needless to say, these two teams have grown to hate each other and they always bring out their best game when facing each other.
I absolutely love watching these rivalries play out. As a fan of the sport, rivalries in the NFL give me something to look forward to every year and keeps the game exciting. Even though I might not be able to attend the games myself, watching these teams slug it out on the field never fails to amaze me.
When a rivalry game is on, there’s no stopping it –no matter who’s playing each other. From New York and Dallas to Oakland and Denver, rivalries in the NFL have become legendary. When it comes to sports rivalries, few can compare to those found in the NFL. From the edge of the seats plays to the roar of the crowd, these rivalries never fail to excite and inspire.
For me, the rivalries featured in the NFL are what make the sport so special. Those moments when one takes the lead late in the game or when the chant of the passionate fans fill the stadium, these are moments I’ll never forget and will cherish forever.
When I think about rivalries in the NFL, some of my most favorite memories come flooding in. Memories of weekends spent with family and friends watching the most exciting matchups that the league had to offer. Those were times that I will never forget and will treasure forever.