In a world of unknowns, there are a number of assurances which are as constant because the 4 seasons. In the event you’re a sports activities fan, that yearly, a brand new champion in every league is topped. The NFL, for instance, has topped a champion yearly since its inception in 1920. Some groups have loved extra championship success than others, whereas some fan bases are nonetheless ready for his or her day within the solar. 

There have been a number of championship groups which have been lucky sufficient to ascertain themselves as a dynasty. In baseball, the Yankees of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig dominated their period whereas leaving a long-lasting imprint on the game. The Montreal Canadiens of the Fifties and ’60s contributed mightily to the franchise’s report 24 Stanley Cup wins. Invoice Russell’s Boston Celtics received an extraordinary 11 NBA titles in a 13-year span, whereas Michael Jordan’s Bulls went 6-0 within the Finals in the course of the Nineties. 

The NFL has had greater than its share of dynasties. Curly Lambeau’s Packers of the late Nineteen Twenties and early ’30s turned the primary NFL franchise to win three consecutive titles. George Halas’ Bears received six titles from 1932-46. Paul Brown’s Cleveland Browns, after dominating the AAFC, received an NFL title throughout their inaugural season. They received two extra titles within the Fifties earlier than Jim Brown powered Cleveland to a fourth NFL title in 1964. 

9 different groups have managed to place collectively related championship runs over the previous 60-plus years. With the beginning of the 2021 season on the horizon, we determined to rank the NFL’s prime dynasties over the previous six a long time. The factors used when developing with this listing is as follows: 

• Championships received 
• Sustained run of excellence 
• Gamers/coaches 
• Enduring legacy 

No dynasty can match what the Patriots put collectively in the course of the first 20 years of the millennium. In all, Invoice Belichick’s group received six Tremendous Bowls, 9 AFC titles, and 17 division titles. The Patriots additionally accomplished the one 16-0 common season in NFL historical past in 2007. 

The Patriots received three Tremendous Bowls in a four-year span from 2001-04. After a 10-year hiatus (that included two heartbreaking losses to Eli Manning’s Giants), New England received three Tremendous Bowls in a five-year span from 2014-18. The frequent denominator in the course of the Patriots’ reign was Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, who took dwelling MVP honors throughout 4 of his six Tremendous Bowl wins in New England. Two of Brady’s former teammates, cornerback Ty Legislation and receiver Randy Moss, have been enshrined within the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame. Defensive lineman Richard Seymour, a member of the Patriots first run of championships, is a three-time Corridor of Fame finalist. Former Patriots tight finish Rob Gronkowski will probably be fitted for a gold jacket 5 years after his ultimate NFL sport. 

Why they’re No. 1: The Patriots’ sustained success is outstanding contemplating it happened in the course of the NFL’s wage cap period. New England additionally overcame a slew of worthy rivals that features Peyton Manning’s Broncos and Colts, in addition to Ben Roethlisberger’s Steelers. Patriots detractors can level to the group enjoying within the underwhelming AFC East together with the truth that they endured Spygate and Deflategate. Controversies apart, nobody can argue with the Patriots’ unparalleled success. 

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (1972-79) 

After almost 40 years of dropping, the Steelers soared to uncharted heights in the course of the Seventies. Led by group president Dan Rooney, head coach Chuck Noll, and a proficient scouting division that included 2021 Corridor of Fame inductee Invoice Nunn, the Steelers constructed arguably essentially the most proficient roster in professional soccer historical past. Throughout Noll’s first 4 drafts, the Steelers chosen 5 future Corridor of Famers and 15 future starters, a listing that features Joe Greene, Terry Bradshaw, Mel Blount, L.C. Greenwood, Dwight White, Ernie Holmes, Gerry Mullins, Larry Brown and Jack Ham. In 1972, the choice of working again Franco Harris spearheaded the Steelers to their first division title and playoff victory, received on Harris’ “Immaculate Reception.” 

Harris lifted Pittsburgh to the playoffs, however it was the Steelers’ 1974 rookie class — a category that featured 5 future Corridor of Famers in Jack Lambert, Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Mike Webster and Donnie Shell — that put Pittsburgh excessive. From 1974-79, the Steelers posted an 80-22-1 report, received six division titles and have become the primary group to win 4 Tremendous Bowls. The Steelers are additionally the one group to win back-to-back Tremendous Bowls twice and 4 Tremendous Bowls in a six-year span. Two of Pittsburgh’s Tremendous Bowl wins got here towards the mighty Dallas Cowboys, the opposite nice group of the Seventies. Together with Artwork and Dan Rooney, Noll and Nunn, the Seventies Steelers boasted 10 Corridor of Fame gamers and a number of other different gamers who’ve acquired Corridor of Fame consideration. 

Why they’re No. 2: The Steelers dominated an period that included Don Shula’s Dolphins, Tom Landry’s Cowboys, and John Madden’s Raiders. The Steelers’ success not solely made Pittsburgh a football-crazed metropolis, it helped popularize the NFL nationwide throughout a time when professional soccer firmly surpassed baseball as America’s new pastime. Moreover, whereas the Patriots have the best run of success in NFL historical past, the Seventies Steelers proceed to carry the mantle as the best group of all-time, a group that went 4-0 in Tremendous Bowl competitors. 

Inexperienced Bay had been mired in mediocrity the 14 seasons previous to Vince Lombardi’s arrival. Throughout his 9 years because the Packers’ coach, Inexperienced Bay tallied a 98-30-4 report that included a 9-1 report within the postseason. From 1960-67, Lombardi’s Packers performed for the NFL title six occasions, with the one loss coming towards the Eagles in 1960. After successful back-to-back titles in 1961-62, Inexperienced Bay turned the second NFL group (the 1929-31 Packers being the primary group) to win three consecutive titles, together with the primary two Tremendous Bowls. No group has since received three consecutive titles. 

There was no NFL play extra devastating in the course of the Sixties than the legendary “Packer Sweep,” a play that always noticed halfbacks Jim Taylor, Paul Hornung and Elijah Pitts observe the blocking of guards Forrest Gregg and Jerry Kramer. Inexperienced Bay additionally possessed a gradual passing assault, led by quarterback Bart Starr. An usually ignored side of the ’60s Packers was their dominant protection, led by Corridor of Famers Willie Davis, Dave Robinson, Ray Nitschke, Herb Adderley and Willie Wooden. 

Lombardi’s school connections have been one of many the explanation why he capable of assemble one of many biggest groups in professional soccer historical past. His willingness to draft Black gamers within the first spherical, one thing that was unusual at the moment, additionally helped him construct a group that may win 5 titles in a seven-year span whereas serving as a trailblazer within the course of. 

Why they’re No. 3: Whereas they received extra titles in a single decade than any group in historical past, the Packers performed within the 12-team NFL throughout their run. They solely needed to play in a single postseason sport (the NFL Championship sport) throughout their first two championship runs. Inexperienced Bay additionally did not must take care of the AFL till the primary two Tremendous Bowls, the place they dispatched the Chiefs and Raiders by a mixed rating of 68-24. 

Former 49ers govt Carmen Coverage has usually referred to San Francisco in the course of the 49ers’ dynasty as Camelot. He wasn’t too far off, because the 49ers loved a magical run that finally led to the franchise changing into the primary to win 5 Vince Lombardi Trophies. Led by Invoice Walsh’s progressive West Coast offense, the 49ers have been tabbed because the group of the ’80s after successful Tremendous Bowls XVI, XIX, and XXIII. In 1989, beneath first-year head coach George Seifert, the 49ers dismantled the Broncos in Tremendous Bowl XXIV. The ’90 49ers have been a subject aim away from probably changing into the primary group to win three consecutive Tremendous Bowl titles. San Francisco by no means received three straight, however they did win their fifth title after Steve Younger led the 49ers to a dominant win over the Chargers in Tremendous Bowl XXIX. 

Younger adopted Joe Montana, who went 4-0 in Tremendous Bowls whereas changing into the primary participant to win three Tremendous Bowl MVP awards. Each quarterbacks had substantial success throwing the ball to Jerry Rice, who’s thought to be the best receiver of all time. The 49ers’ offense additionally featured halfback Roger Craig, the primary participant to put up 1,000 yards dashing and receiving in the identical season. Just like the Packers, the 49ers boasted a vastly underrated protection, led by Corridor of Fame security Ronnie Lott, fellow defensive backs Eric Dwight and Dwight Hicks, and linebackers Charles Haley, Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds and Keena Turner.  

Why they’re No. 4: Whereas Walsh’s progressive offense has left an indelible imprint, the 49ers’ dynasty has not had the identical lasting influence because the Packers and Steelers’ dynasties. The 49ers additionally endured a stunning playoff loss to the Vikings in 1987 (which almost value Walsh his job) and two devastating playoff losses to Invoice Parcells’ Giants. Seifert’s 49ers then misplaced back-to-back NFC title video games to the Cowboys earlier than breaking by in 1994. 

5. Dallas Cowboys (1991-95) 

In simply three years, Jimmy Johnson and Jerry Jones helped flip the Cowboys from a 1-15 outfit to Tremendous Bowl champions. How did they do it? By forcing a number of well-liked but getting old veterans into retirement, making a slew of profitable draft picks, and placing an emphasis on group pace. Oh yeah, Johnson additionally pulled off the “Nice Prepare Theft” when he shipped working again Herschel Walker to the Vikings in a commerce that embrace three future first-round picks and three future second-round picks. Among the many gamers the Cowboys acquired with the picks included Corridor of Fame working again Emmitt Smith, perennial Professional Bowl security Darren Woodson, Professional Bowl defensive deal with Russell Maryland, and cornerback Kevin Smith. 

Johnson received Coach of the Yr after the Cowboys went 7-9 in 1990. After reaching the divisional spherical of the playoffs in 1991, the 1992 Cowboys received a franchise-record 13 regular-season video games on the energy of the league’s top-rated scoring protection and the play of Smith, quarterback Troy Aikman and receiver Michael Irvin. The Cowboys then dispatched the mighty 49ers within the NFC title sport earlier than defeating the Payments by 35 factors in Tremendous Bowl XXVII. Dallas efficiently defended its championship in 1993 earlier than Johnson left the Cowboys lower than two months after successful back-to-back titles. With Barry Switzer as head coach, Dallas turned the primary group to win three Tremendous Bowls in a four-year span after defeating the Steelers in Tremendous Bowl XXX. 

Why they’re No. 5: On the top of their powers, the Nineties Cowboys are proper up there with the very best groups in league historical past. The protection was dominant and the Cowboys’ offense (which additionally included the “Nice Wall of Dallas” offensive line) was one of the full items of all time. However Johnson’s departure led to a untimely ending to one of many NFL’s nice dynasties; the Cowboys have been a 6-10 group two years after successful Tremendous Bowl XXX, and wouldn’t win one other playoff sport till 2009. 

6. Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders: 1967-85

No NFL group loved extra constant success than the Raiders throughout this span. Throughout this 17-year run, the Raiders received 11 division titles, earned 15 playoff berths, captured one AFL title and three Tremendous Bowls. Underneath proprietor Al Davis, the Raiders earned their still-standing popularity because the NFL’s unhealthy boys, with robust man gamers that included Ken Stabler, George Blanda, Jack “The Murderer” Tatum, George Atkinson, Skip “Dr. Dying” Thomas, Ted Hendricks, Phil Villapiano, Matt Millen, John Matuszak, and Howie Lengthy. 

The Raiders’ roster additionally included receivers Fred Biletnikoff and Cliff Department, tight finish Dave Casper, and offensive lineman Jim Otto, Artwork Shell and Gene Upshaw. The ’76 Raiders captured the franchise’s first Tremendous Bowl after going 13-1 in the course of the common season. They then dismantled the defending two-time champion Steelers within the AFC title sport earlier than routing the Vikings in Tremendous Bowl XI. 4 years later, coach Tom Flores and quarterback Jim Plunkett helped the Raiders turn into the primary franchise to win the Tremendous Bowl as a wild-card group. The ’83 Raiders, on the energy of working again Marcus Allen and cornerbacks Lester Hayes and Mike Haynes, held Washington’s record-setting offense to only one landing within the Raiders’ 38-8 win in Tremendous Bowl XVIII. 

Why they’re No. 6: The Raiders spent the primary half of their run enjoying second-fiddle to among the period’s different nice groups. After dropping Tremendous Bowl II, the Raiders fell brief in six convention title video games from 1968-75. Two of these losses got here by the hands of the Steelers, who additionally defeated the Raiders on the energy of Franco Harris’ “Immaculate Reception.” 

7. Dallas Cowboys (1970-79) 

We may have included the late ’60s and early ’80s, however the true influence of that period of Cowboys’ soccer happened within the ’70s. Throughout that span, the Cowboys performed in 5 Tremendous Bowls, successful two and dropping three others by a mixed complete of 11 factors. Led by Tom Landry and Roger Staubach, the Cowboys’ reputation soared to such heights that they have been ultimately topped as “America’s Crew.” 

After falling brief in need of a title in 1970, the ’71 Cowboys — a loaded roster that included Staubach, Bob Lilly, Bob Hayes, Lance Alworth, Duane Thomas, Walt Garrison, Rayfield Wright, Mike Ditka, Chuck Howley, Herb Adderley, Mel Renfro and Cliff Harris — received the franchise’s first title after dismantling the Dolphins (the identical group that went undefeated the next season) in Tremendous Bowl VI. The Cowboys seamlessly transitioned in the course of the decade, drafting future stars that included Drew Pearson, Randy White, Harvey Martin, Tony Dorsett, Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson and Ed “Too Tall” Jones. In  1977 Cowboys’ “Doomsday” protection outplayed the Broncos’ “Orange Crush” protection in Tremendous Bowl XII, 27-10. Within the win, Martin and White turned the primary — and solely — Tremendous Bowl co-MVPs. 

Why they’re No. 7: The ’70s Cowboys actually classify as a dynasty, however their 2-3 report in Tremendous Bowls is underwhelming. Two of these losses got here by the hands of the Steelers, with the second Tremendous Bowl matchup (Tremendous Bowl XIII) finally giving Pittsburgh the title because the “Crew of the ’70s.” 

8. Washington Soccer Crew (1982-91) 

Washington had received simply two playoff video games within the earlier 37 years earlier than hiring Joe Gibbs in 1981. Over the following 10 years, Gibbs’ Washington group received 17 playoff video games, 4 convention titles and the franchise’s three Tremendous Bowls. Making Washington’s success throughout this span much more spectacular is the truth that the Soccer Crew performed within the extremely aggressive NFC, a convention that additionally included Invoice Walsh’s 49ers, Mike Ditka’s Bears, and Invoice Parcells’ Giants. 

Gibbs received every of his Tremendous Bowls with a unique quarterback. Joe Theismann, John Riggins and the “Hogs” offensive line led Washington to its first title in 1982. Whereas they have been dethroned by the Raiders within the following 12 months’s Tremendous Bowl, Washington returned to prominence in 1987 on the energy of quarterback Doug Williams’ MVP efficiency in Tremendous Bowl XXII. In Tremendous Bowl XXVI, the MVP efficiency of quarterback Mark Rypien led Washington to a 37-24 win over Buffalo. 

Every quarterback loved proficient receiving corps, led by Artwork Monk, Gary Clark, Charlie Brown, and Ricky Sanders. Gibbs’ groups additionally featured stingy defensive items that featured Darrell Inexperienced, Dexter Manley, Charles Mann, and Wilber Marshall. 

Why they’re No. 8: Washington would have probably positioned greater if not for Tremendous Bowl XVIII. Arguably their greatest group in the course of the ’80s, Washington’s ’83 group ripped by the NFL in the course of the common season whereas setting a then-NFL report for factors scored. However not solely did they fail to efficiently defend their title, Washington was whitewashed by the Raiders within the Tremendous Bowl, 38-9.     

9. Miami Dolphins (1970-74) 

Miami went 15-39-2 throughout its first 4 years of existence. Throughout Don Shula’s first 5 years in Miami, the Dolphins went 62-15-1. The primary group to play in three consecutive Tremendous Bowls, the Dolphins additionally accomplished the NFL’s solely excellent season, going an unblemished 17-0 in 1972. Throughout a two-year span, Miami went 32-2 en path to successful back-to-back Tremendous Bowls. 

Shula’s Dolphins have been powered by their “No Identify” protection, led by Nick Buoniconti, Manny Fernandez, Jake Scott, Dick Anderson and Invoice Stanfill. The Dolphins additionally possessed a robust dashing assault that featured Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris and Jim Kiick. Once they did throw the ball, quarterback Bob Griese had nice success getting the ball to receiver Paul Warfield, a member of the NFL 100 All-Time Crew. Miami’s offensive line was powered by Corridor of Fame guard Larry Little, heart Jim Langer and guard Bob Kuechenberg. The road paved the best way for Csonka and Morris to turn into the primary pair of teammates to each run for over 1,000 yards in the identical season. 

Why they’re No. 9: Just like the ’70s Cowboys, the Dolphins’ lack of longevity harm them on this all-time listing. The short-lived World Soccer League — which whisked away Csonka, Kiick and Warfield in 1975 for a cool $3 million — largely contributed to the Dolphins’ run ending following a gut-wrenching loss to the Raiders within the ’74 playoffs.