
The NFL’s rich history is packed with unforgettable moments and legendary teams that have defined greatness on the gridiron. From dominating defenses to record-breaking offenses, the debate over the best teams in NFL history is as passionate as the game itself. Whether it’s the 1984 San Francisco 49ers and their perfect playoff run, the unstoppable 1999 St. Louis Rams known as the “Greatest Show on Turf,” or the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears led by Walter Payton and a ferocious defense, these teams left their mark.
Add to that the high-scoring 2007 New England Patriots, who came within one game of perfection in the Super Bowl XLII, the dynasty-building Green Bay Packers, or the 1989 San Francisco 49ers, who cemented their legacy by winning three Super Bowls in four years. And who could forget the gritty 1972 Miami Dolphins, led by quarterback Earl Morrall, achieving the only undefeated season in history? With championship game heroics and standout seasons, these teams with an incredibly scoring offense set the standard for what it means to be the best.
Here’s our list of the top NFL teams of all time.
The 7 Best NFL Teams of All-Time
7. 1966 Green Bay Packers

The 1966 Green Packers squad went 12-2 and won the first Super Bowl ever. They starred Bart Starr, Forrest Gregg, Ray Nitschke, and several other NFL legends and sparked the golden era of Packers football.
They were led by legendary coach Vince Lombardi, who built a team that would go down in history. The team’s quarterback, Bart Starr, was calm under pressure and played a huge role in their success, winning the Super Bowl MVP. Forrest Gregg was a key player on the offensive line, while Ray Nitschke anchored the defense with his fierce play.
The Packers had a strong running game with Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung, both of whom were vital to their offensive attack. In Super Bowl I, they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10, showing the power and teamwork that made them the first-ever champions of the NFL’s biggest game. This victory marked the start of Green Bay’s football dynasty under Lombardi.
6. 1991 Washington Redskins

The 1991 Redskins went 14-2 and won the Super Bowl. The team didn’t have a major star, but it shut out three opponents in the first five games of the season, going 102-0 in them. It also won the conference over the star-studded Cowboys, who had Troy Aikman, Emmit Smith, and Michael Irvin on their squad.
They didn’t rely on one big star but worked as a complete team. Early in the season, they were unstoppable, shutting out three teams in their first five games with a combined score of 102-0. They also beat the talented Dallas Cowboys, who had big names like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. This Redskins team proved that teamwork and balance could dominate even the toughest opponents.
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5. 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers

This Steelers team went 14-2 and won the Super Bowl. It’s famous for the Steel Curtain defense, which was so dominant that the NFL had to change its rules. The team starred Lynn Swann, Mel Blount, and John Stallworth, among others.
The 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers were nearly unstoppable, finishing the season 14-2 and winning Super Bowl XIII. Their “Steel Curtain” defense was so tough that the NFL changed rules to make it harder for defenders to be so physical.
On offense, they had big-time players like Lynn Swann and John Stallworth catching passes, while Mel Blount led the way on defense. This team was stacked with talent and played hard, making them one of the best in NFL history.
4. 1989 San Francisco 49ers

This 49ers team went 14-2 and won the Super Bowl. Steve Young came off the bench to relieve Joe Montana this year, and Jerry Rice and John Taylor gained over 1,000 receiving yards. The defense was led by the dominant Ronnie Let and Charles Haley.
The 1989 San Francisco 49ers were a juggernaut on both sides of the ball, showcasing one of the most balanced teams in NFL history. Joe Montana delivered one of the greatest seasons ever by a quarterback, earning MVP honors while throwing 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. Jerry Rice solidified his reputation as one of the best wide receivers in history, while John Taylor provided a perfect complement with his big-play ability.
On defense, Ronnie Lott anchored the secondary with his hard-hitting style, and Charles Haley wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks, helping the team dominate in the trenches. Their Super Bowl XXIV victory, a 55-10 dismantling of the Denver Broncos, remains one of the most lopsided championship wins ever, cementing their legacy as an all-time great squad.
3. 2007 Patriots

The 2007 Patriots were a perfect 16-0 during the regular season. The only reason they’re not ranked number 1 on this list is that they only won the AFC championship. The team ended up losing to the Giants in the Super Bowl and spoiling their chance to have the second perfect season ever.
This era Patriots squad was Tom Brady and Bill Belichick at their finest. But what really made the team shine was its playmakers – Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Donte Stallworth gave Brady plenty of weapons to use to tear defenses apart.
The 2007 Patriots redefined offensive dominance, with Tom Brady throwing a then-record 50 touchdown passes, including an NFL-record 23 to Randy Moss. Wes Welker’s reliability in the slot and Donte Stallworth’s big-play ability added layers to an already explosive offense.
Combined with a strong defense and the strategic genius of Bill Belichick, this team seemed destined for immortality—until their perfect season was collapsed in Super Bowl XLII by the Giants, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
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2. 1972 Miami Dolphins

This Miami Dolphins team was the first and only modern NFL squad to have a perfect season. The team went 14-0 and went on to win the Super Bowl. The only reason that this squad isn’t number 1 on our list is that their schedule was much easier than most people care to remember.
The Dolphins were able to feast on weaker AFL teams and cruise to an undefeated season, largely because of it. But this squad has achieved something that no other has accomplished since, so it has earned a rightful place in the top 3 NFL teams.
The Dolphins were able to feast on weaker AFL teams and cruise to an undefeated season, largely because of it. But this squad has achieved something that no other has accomplished since, so it has earned a rightful place in the top 3 NFL teams.
The Dolphins capitalized on their favorable schedule and showcased incredible consistency throughout the season, which is no small feat. While the level of competition they faced might not stack up against other legendary teams, their ability to finish the season unblemished and secure a Super Bowl victory cements their legacy. Their achievement remains unmatched in modern NFL history, securing their spot as one of the greatest teams ever.
1. 1962 Green Bay Packers

Finally, we reached our pick for the best NFL team of all time – the 1962 Green Bay Packers. This team went 13-1 and became NFL champions (before the Super Bowl existed).
The 1962 Packers started the season 109-14 over the first four games – and then they really got going. The squad forced 50 turnovers and even outgained the Eagles 628-54 yards in one game. The Packers were led by Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr, Jim Taylor, and many other NFL legends.
The team took our number one spot because they were much better than all of their opponents. Other teams won more games, but the 1962 Packers were the most dominant team, relative to the competition, ever – at least in our estimation.
Honorable Mention: 1999 St. Louis Rams
The 1999 St. Louis Rams, known as “The Greatest Show on Turf,” were one of the most exciting and high-powered teams in NFL history. Led by head coach Dick Vermeil, the Rams finished the season 13-3 and went on to win Super Bowl XXXIV. Quarterback Kurt Warner, who came out of nowhere to lead the team, had an MVP season, throwing for over 4,300 yards and 41 touchdowns.
He was backed by a talented group of playmakers, including running back Marshall Faulk, wide receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, and tight end Ernie Conwell. The Rams’ offense was a fast-paced, high-scoring machine that broke records, and they put on a show every week, averaging more than 30 points per game.
In Super Bowl XXXIV, they defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-16 in a thrilling game, solidifying their place as one of the most explosive teams in NFL history. The Rams’ offense revolutionized the way the game was played and became the blueprint for future high-powered offenses.
How to Be Part of A Winning NFL Team
If you’re looking up things like, “what is the best NFL team of all time,” then maybe you’re also interested in becoming a part of one. There are plenty of NFL job opportunities to consider, and you don’t always need to have previous football experience to get one.
If you’re interested in starting a career in the NFL, you first need the right qualifications. Football teams will look at your academic background and professional experience when applying for NFL jobs.
The qualifications you need to be competitive will vary based on the positions you’re pursuing. For example, becoming an on-field assistant will require previous football playing or coaching experience at a high level. But if you want to join a ticket sales team, then it will be more important for you to have exhibited that you can be successful as a salesperson in the past.
Networking is another major component of getting your first NFL job. People in positions of power naturally tend to hire applicants who they know. If you can build relationships in the NFL, you may have a much better chance of getting a full-time position.
One way to do this is through NFL internships. But you might also want to look into opportunities like NFL camps in your area and even NFL-led charity initiatives to start getting some face time with the people who make hiring decisions.
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