The NFL has a rich history with many iconic teams that have left a deep mark on the sport. From dominant dynasties like the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers to legendary underdogs like the New York Giants, the league has witnessed legendary journeys. Great teams have not only won many titles but also had a huge impact on the tactics, style of play and legacy of the NFL. In this list, Bestsoccertips will take a look at the 10 best NFL team of all time, based on their success, influence and legacy.
Top 10 best NFL team of all time
Top 10: Baltimore Ravens – 2000
The 2000 Baltimore Ravens were one of the best defensive teams in NFL history. Led by Ray Lewis, who won the Super Bowl MVP award, the Ravens dominated the league with their stout defense. They allowed just 165 points during the regular season, the fewest in a 16-game season. Their ability to stop opponents from scoring made them a great pick in the under and handicaps against weaker offensive teams. They also set a record with four shutouts, showing the sheer dominance of their defense.
In Super Bowl XXXV, the Ravens crushed the New York Giants 34-7, turning the game into a defensive showcase. They forced five Giants turnovers and even scored on a Duane Starks pick-six. The Ravens offense, while not particularly strong, was still able to do its job, with Jamal Lewis running for over 100 yards and scoring a touchdown. With a legendary defense, the 2000 Ravens not only won the Super Bowl in convincing fashion, but also became a staple for those looking to bet on low-scoring games and solid defensive handicaps.
Top 9: San Francisco 49ers – 1984
The 1984 San Francisco 49ers were one of the most well-rounded teams in NFL history, with a perfect balance between offense and defense. Under Bill Walsh, the “West Coast Offense” system was at its peak, with Joe Montana leading the team with his accurate passing and quick decision-making. Although Jerry Rice had not yet joined the team at the time (he had only started playing for the 49ers in 1985), Dwight Clark and Freddie Solomon were two key players, helping the 49ers’ offense maintain its effectiveness throughout the season. The team finished 15-1, becoming the first team in NFL history to win 15 games in a season, demonstrating their superiority over the rest of the league.
Super Bowl XIX was the 49ers’ peak performance as they faced off against the Miami Dolphins and legendary quarterback Dan Marino. Montana was outstanding in the game, throwing for 331 yards and scoring three touchdowns, leading the 49ers to a convincing 38-16 victory. Their defense, led by Ronnie Lott and Fred Dean, stifled one of the league’s most dangerous offenses, limiting Marino to just one touchdown pass. With both offense and defense dominating, the 49ers not only won the championship, but also laid the foundation for a dynasty that would last throughout the 1980s, creating one of the greatest eras in NFL history. In the betting landscape, they are a reliable team in every line, from the spread to the total, thanks to their consistency and overwhelming ability to win against any opponent.
Top 8: New England Patriots – 2004
The 2004 New England Patriots not only won the Super Bowl, but also continued to assert their dominance in the modern era of the NFL. Led by Tom Brady, the Patriots’ offense was consistent and effective, supported by Corey Dillon, who had a breakout season with over 1,600 rushing yards. The balance between offense and defense allowed the Patriots to maintain tight games in every game, making them an ideal choice in handicap bets. With Bill Belichick’s skillful tactical calculations, the team maintained incredible consistency and often won by a small margin, making them a safe choice in win bets.
New England Patriots (2004) – Best NFL team of all time
In Super Bowl XXXIX, the Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in a tense game where their defense proved to be solid by stopping their opponents’ last-ditch offensive efforts. With stars like Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison, the Patriots defense not only pressured quarterback Donovan McNabb but also made key plays that helped control the game. The victory marked their third Super Bowl title in four years, cementing the Patriots’ status as a dominant NFL dynasty. With their consistency and ability to control games, the 2004 Patriots are one of the most reliable teams for betting, especially when it comes to handicapping and winning bets.
Top 7: San Francisco 49ers – 1989
The 1989 San Francisco 49ers were not only a great team, but they also set a new standard for NFL dominance. Led by Joe Montana, who had a near-perfect season with a 70.2% passing accuracy rate, the 49ers’ “West Coast Offense” turned every game into a top-notch offensive performance. With support from Jerry Rice, one of the greatest wide receivers in history, and Roger Craig, a complete running back, the 49ers maintained dominance throughout the season. They won by an average of 17.6 points per game, making them a solid choice for handicap and over bets.
Super Bowl XXIV was the epitome of the 49ers’ dominance in 1989, as they crushed the Denver Broncos 55-10, creating the largest margin of victory in Super Bowl history. Montana had a stellar game with five touchdown passes, while a defense led by Ronnie Lott and Charles Haley held the Broncos completely powerless. It was one of the most one-sided games in NFL history, making the 49ers not only a great team but also an icon in sports betting, where punters could count on their strength in every matchup. With a perfect balance between offense and defense, the 1989 49ers not only won the championship but also created a legacy of superiority that influenced NFL betting strategies and trends for years to come.
Top 6: St. Louis Rams – 1999
The 1999 St. Louis Rams not only won the Super Bowl, but also redefined how a team could dominate the league on offense. Led by Kurt Warner, the Rams deployed a fast-paced, dynamic offense that allowed them to average 32.9 points per game, a record at the time. Marshall Faulk, with his ability to run and catch the ball out of the backfield, became an all-around threat, while Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt provided explosive power in the air. The Rams’ offense’s efficiency allowed them to regularly exceed the bookmaker’s over-the-top line, making them attractive bets throughout the season.
Super Bowl XXXIV, where the Rams won a thrilling 23-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans, was the clearest demonstration of their dominance. Entering the game as the favorites, the Rams showed their strength by controlling the game from the start, before the defense made an iconic stop on the 1-yard line in the final seconds to secure the win. This showed that, despite a team’s fiery offense, defense still plays a major role in big games. For bettors, the 1999 Rams are a prime example of how a team can maintain consistency throughout the season and provide lucrative betting opportunities, especially when it comes to total points and team scoring.
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Top 5: Pittsburgh Steelers – 1978
The 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers not only had a legendary defense but also displayed an explosive offense, helping them set up one of the most successful seasons in NFL history. Terry Bradshaw had the best season of his career, winning the MVP award thanks to his ability to lead the offense effectively. With the support of the legendary wide receiver duo of Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, the Steelers not only controlled the game defensively but also scored points quickly. The balance between offense and defense helped them win many games by large margins, making the Steelers a reliable choice in handicap betting.
Super Bowl XIII, where the Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 35-31, was one of the most dramatic games in history. While the “Steel Curtain” defense continued to be a force to be reckoned with, it was Bradshaw’s brilliance and the offensive weapons that gave the Steelers the edge. For bookmakers, the 1978 Steelers are a prime example of how a team with both offense and defense can dictate the odds. With a solid defense and an effective offense, the Steelers often produced games with low totals but tended to win the bet. Their success in the 1970s not only cemented the Steelers’ status, but also created a model for analyzing and evaluating dominant teams in NFL betting.
Top 4: Dallas Cowboys – 1992
The 1992 Dallas Cowboys not only won the Super Bowl, but also showed absolute dominance on both the offensive and defensive fronts. The legendary “Triplets” – Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin – transformed the Cowboys offense into one of the most efficient teams in the league. Aikman maintained high accuracy, Smith became a scoring machine with excellent running ability, while Irvin was one of the most dangerous wide receivers. The Cowboys averaged over 25 points per game, making them a reliable choice for punters betting on the Over in most games.
In addition to their strong offense, the 1992 Dallas Cowboys also possessed a solid defense, with Charles Haley and Darren Woodson playing important roles in stopping opponents. The Cowboys’ ability to pressure the opposing quarterback has helped them win by a wide margin on a regular basis, making them an attractive handicapping option. Their 52-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII not only cemented the Cowboys’ place in NFL history, but also showcased the power of a complete team. With a combination of an explosive offense and a solid defense, the 1992 Cowboys are a prime example of how a great team can set trends in NFL betting.
Top 3: New England Patriots – 2007
Not only did the New England Patriots go undefeated in the regular season, they also had a blistering offense in 2007, with Tom Brady throwing 50 touchdowns – a record at the time – and Randy Moss catching 23 touchdown passes, the most in NFL history. With their dominant offense, the Patriots regularly beat bookmakers’ odds, making them a popular choice for betting. Bill Belichick’s team not only scored points quickly, but also kept constant pressure on opposing defenses, allowing them to easily control the game and produce high-scoring games.
Although the Patriots had a perfect season, their painful loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII was a testament to the unpredictability of NFL betting. Entering the game as clear favorites, the Patriots were defeated by a solid defense and sound tactics from their opponents. This shows that no matter how dominant a team’s record is, tactics and game play can always influence the outcome. Patriots bettors that year were in for a major shock, highlighting the importance of assessing not only team strength but also tactics, opponents, and other unexpected factors when betting on the NFL.
Top 2: Chicago Bears – 1985
Not only did the 1985 Chicago Bears boast a legendary defense, they also displayed a powerful offense led by quarterback Jim McMahon and explosive wing Walter Payton. With a perfect balance between offense and defense, the Bears won 12 games by double digits in the regular season, asserting their absolute dominance. In particular, the 24-0 shutout against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship game demonstrated their all-around strength, leaving bettors with almost no choice but to put their faith in the Bears in Super Bowl XX.
The 1985 Chicago Bears’ superiority also had a big impact on NFL betting trends, as they often won the handicap thanks to their dominant defense and effective offense. In Super Bowl XX, the Bears were rated higher than the Patriots and quickly proved it with a devastating performance. With teams that possess a solid defense and a well-rounded style of play like the 1985 Bears, bettors can take advantage of handicaps or low total points, as the general trend of these types of teams is to control the game and minimize the opponent’s score.
Top 1: Miami Dolphins – 1972
Not only did the 1972 Miami Dolphins go 17-0, they also made a name for themselves with their all-around style of play on offense and defense. Led by Don Shula, the team boasted an effective offense with quarterbacks Bob Griese and Earl Morrall, and explosive running back Larry Csonka. Meanwhile, the “No-Name Defense” defense helped the Dolphins control the game and limit the opponent’s scoring. This unprecedented achievement not only made the Dolphins a symbol of perfection but also an important factor in betting analysis, as this team has always been considered a yardstick to evaluate strong teams in NFL history.
When considering odds and factors that influence game outcomes, the 1972 Miami Dolphins season is a prime example of how a perfect team can influence betting trends. With a high-performing offense and a solid defense, the Dolphins not only won but also often beat the bookmaker’s handicap. This shows the importance of analyzing team strength when betting on the NFL, especially in games with a large difference in strength. The 1972 Dolphins team not only made history but also provided important lessons for the sports betting world.
Final Thoughts
The NFL has seen many legendary teams that have shaped the history of the league, from dominant dynasties to unexpected champions, all of which have left a lasting impression on fans. The best NFL team of all time are not only composed of great players, but also talented strategists, classic games, and historic moments that have created an everlasting legacy. As the league continues to grow, the list of the best NFL teams of all time is always a topic of debate, with new teams constantly rising to assert their position. No matter how history changes, the greatest teams will always be remembered, inspiring the next generation and continuing to shape the future of the NFL.
