The definition of a rivalry is a "competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field." But beyond competing for the same prize, rivalries often include high intensity and bad blood on both sides of the field. They also typically include pa sionate fan bases that desperately want to hold bragging rights over the opposition.While there have been a host of compelling playoff rivalries that have developed over the years, the 's longest rivalries have been divisional matchups. The frequency in which the teams play one another, along with the rivalries that have developed with competing cities, has helped make several divisional matchups some of the best rivalries the league has to offer.With the start of the 2020 season just around the corner, we decided to look back at the NFL's 10 greatest division rivalries. We are limiting each team to one rivalry on this list.10. vs. Overall series lead: Broncos, 68-52-1Playoff series lead: Broncos, 1-0Longest winning streak: 7 (Broncos, 1975-78) One of the AFL's best teams during the league's first several seasons, the Chargers, winners of the 1963 AFL championship, posted a 15-5 record against the Broncos prior to the AFL-NFL merger
Travis D'Arnaud Jersey of 1970. The Chargers, who appeared in five AFL title games during a six-year span, were led by Hall of Fame receiver Lance Allworth, who led the AFL in receiving yards and touchdown receptions on three different occasions.Denver flipped the rivalry on its head in the '70s, winning 11 of 12 games during one stretch that included a series sweep of the Chargers en route to their first appearance in 1977. The Broncos' "Orange Crush" defense, led by Tom Jackson, Lyle Alzado and Randy Gradishar, , led by quarterback Dan Fouts, John Jefferson, Charlie Joyner and Kellen Winslow. With its offense leading the way, San Diego won seven of 10 matchups against Denver
Noah Syndergaard Jersey from 1978-82 while making consecutive trips to the AFC title game in 1980 and 1981.The arrival of John Elway in Denver in 1983 shifted the balance of power back to Denver, who went 22-10 against the Chargers during Elway's 16 seasons with the Broncos. While the Broncos became one of the NFL's most consistent winners with Elway at quarterback (Denver won three AFC titles in the '80s before winning their first two Super Bowl titles in 1997 and '98), the Chargers also tasted some succe s during that time, winning four of six games against Denver from 1992-95 while punching the franchise's first Super Bowl ticket in 1994. , who earned induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. Denver continued having the upper hand in this series until became the Chargers' starting quarterback in 2006. With Rivers, Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson, tight end and linebacker , San Diego won nine of its 11 games against the Broncos from 2006-11. Denver flipped the script after signing during the 2012 offseason, as Manning's Broncos won eight of their nine matchups against San Diego that included . This rivalry should be
Tug McGraw Jersey one to keep an eye on in the coming years, with both teams ushering in new eras with and under center.9. vs. Overall series lead: Falcons, 53-49Longest series winning streak: 10 (Falcons, 1995-99)While this matchup has typically failed to generate national attention, the Falcons-Saints rivalry has been one of the NFL's most intense matchups since the teams began playing each other in 1967. Despite nine- and 10-game winning streaks, the Falcons only have four more wins in this series, as the Saints have made significant headway since hiring Sean Payton in 2006 and acquiring quarterback during the same offseason. Since then, the Saints are 18-9 against the Falcons, including wins in four of their last five matchups. Atlanta has had its moments against New Orleans in recent years, however, as the Falcons' 2016 Super Bowl run included a season sweep of the Saints. The most famous game between the two teams took place in 2006, when the Saints, playing their first game in the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina, defeated Michael Vick and the Falcons on "Monday Night Football." , which resulted in the game's first touchdown, spearheaded the Saints to a 24-3 win that galvanized the entire state of Louisiana. The win also signaled the start of the greatest run of succe s in franchise history, as the Saints would advance to the NFC Championship Game that season before winning their first Super Bowl three years later.Payton and Brees helped turn around a rivalry that had been dominated by the Falcons during the previous decade, specifically from 1995-99. The Falcons, led by quarterback Chris Chandler, running back Jamal Anderson, receivers Tony Martin and Terance Mathis, linebacker Je sie Tuggle and cornerback Ray Buchanan, swept the Saints during the '98 regular season en route to advancing to the franchise's first Super Bowl.8. vs. Overall series lead: Dolphins, 61-50-1Playoff series lead: Bills, 3-1Longest winning streak: 20 (Dolphins, 1970-79) An old AFL rivalry,
Lenny Dykstra Jersey the Dolphins won just three of their first eight matchups against the Bills before Don Shula arrived in Miami in 1970. The arrival of Shula marked the beginning of the Dolphins' dynasty as well as their decade-long dominance over the Bills, as Miami did not lose a single game against Buffalo from 1970-79. The Dolphins, who won two Super Bowls and three AFC championships over that span, were a major reason why O.J. Simpson and the Bills made just one
Mookie Wilson Jersey playoff appearance during the decade.The Dolphins continued to control the rivalry until the late '80s, when the Bills, led by head coach Marv Levy and fellow Hall of Famers Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed and Bruce Smith, went 17-4 against the Dolphins from 1987-1995. While Buffalo won four AFC titles over that span, in denying Shula and Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino from making a return trip to the Super Bowl after appearing in the big game together in January of '85. The Bills won all three of their playoff matchups over the Dolphins during this span that included an upset win over Miami in the 1992 AFC Championship Game. Marino and company did get a little payback in the 1998 playoffs, with the Dolphins edging the Bills in overtime in the wild card round.Both teams have pretty much traded wins over the past two decades, with Buffalo holding a 22-18 advantage during this millennium. With Tom Brady now out of New England, the Dolphins and Bills should have more opportunities to play each other with division title and playoff implications on the line over the next several years. 7. vs. Overall series lead: 49ers, 71-67-3Playoff series lead: 49ers, 1-0Longest winning streak: 17 (49ers, 1990-99)These two teams began playing on an annual basis in 1950, and while the riva
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