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The term 'dynasty' carries with itself tremendous weight, and a baggage of multiple championships They are never loosely thrown around, especially in a competitive setting like the NFL. Nearly every decade witnesses a dynasty, that not only dominates the competition, but also changes the shape of the sport.
These teams set the bar, in terms of talent, resilience and spirit - often becoming the conversation throughout the league. The fans often worshiped them, the media followed them and the opposition teams studied them.
While they are celebrated in retrospect, they were the favorite enemy - whose losses were most celebrated. Often described as the big, bad bullies of the sport, these dynasties have been perpetual championship contenders during their peak - winning them on most occasions.
Celebrated as they may be, they have also received their fair share of criticism. At their peak, due to their repeated success - the league often got called boring. The disparity never went well with the opposition fans, with them wanting to witness a fair battle. The thought of a team guaranteed to win a championship before the season began caused many to throw up!
From Lombardi's Packers to Noll's Steelers, these NFL dynasties have etched their name in history. While they have history to back it, they have the trophies to flaunt it. How they stack up against the other is a mouth-watering exercise!
Take a look at the Top 10 Greatest NFL Dynasties in History, and rewind in memory. Here goes our list!
#10 Green Bay Packers (1929-44)
Super Bowls: 6
Super Bowl Appearances: 4
Average Annual Win Percentage: .717
The original NFL dynasty, the Green Bay Packers' history is long and storied. The third oldest team in Pro Football, the Packers under Curly Lambeau had a record punctuated with a string of wins and championships. With a record string of three straight titles in 1929, 1930 and 1931 - the Lambeau-led Packers were the most feared team in NFL history. With Hall of Fame players like Don Hutson, Arnie Herber and Clarke Hinkle, the Packers were viewed as a 'dinosaur' of American Football.
#9 Miami Dolphins (1970-74)
Super Bowls: 2
Super Bowl Appearances: 3
Average Annual Win Percentage: .814
There's a reason why Don Shula's name often crops up during the greatest NFL coaches discussion. His 1970 Dolphins squad was an absolute terror on the field - winning multiple championships and posting one of the greatest win percentages of all time.
Their ground game and 'no name defense' ruled and changed the NFL for a long time. The only team to record an undefeated NFL season, the Dolphins' dynasty came to end when their star recruits left to play for the warring WFL.
#8 Oakland Raiders (1973-85)
Super Bowls: 3
Super Bowl Appearances: 3
Average Annual Win Percentage: .707
Quite possibly the longest dynasty in NFL history, the Oakland Raiders enjoyed stellar success under Al Davis. With Daryle Lamonica and Ken Stabler at quarterback, the Raiders' offense was well-oiled and lethal.
Adding John Madden into the equation, the team was always poised for multiple championships. With the likes of Tom Flores and Jim Plunkett joining in, the team extended their dynasty only longer!
#7 Washington Redskins (1982-92)
Super Bowls: 3
Super Bowl Appearances: 4
Average Annual Win Percentage: .690
Often forgotten in the dynasties discussion, the Washington Redskins under Joe Gibbs won three Super Bowls, each with a different quarterback. Underrated by most, Joe Gibbs built a cohesive unit that played tough and hard. They relied heavily on their defense, which was top-notch on most nights - run by Charles Mann, Dexter Manley and others.
#6 Dallas Cowboys (1991-99)
Super Bowls: 3
Super Bowl Appearances: 3
Average Annual Win Percentage: .653
Few coach-player combinations worked as well as the Johnson-Smith pairing. Knocking the 49ers off their perch, the Cowboys wrote on the greatest offensive chapter in NFL history. With no significant defensive weapon on the side, their offense was impossible to match. Aikman at quarterback, Emmitt Smith at running back and Michael Irvin at wide receiver - it was just plain unfair!
#5 Cleveland Brown (1946-57)
Super Bowls: 3
Super Bowl Appearances: 6
Average Annual Win Percentage: .793
Perhaps the most underappreciated dynasty in NFL history, the Cleveland Browns under Paul Brown have the unique distinction of winning the Super Bowl the year they joined the league. With their star quarterback Otto Graham leading the side, the Browns won multiple championships during this run. While the current Browns' side have found it tough to emulate their past success, they sure have a storied history to learn from.
#4 Green Bay Packers (1960-67)
Super Bowls: 5
Super Bowl Appearances: 6
Average Annual Win Percentage: .745
As the head coach and general manager of the side, what Vince Lombardi achieved with the Packers is not just impossible to emulate but also unfair to compare. He assembled quite possibly the greatest squads in NFL history, with 14 Hall of Famers and counting.
With 5 championships in 7 years, the Packers had one of the greatest playoff records under Lombardi.
#3 Pittsburgh Steelers (1972-79)
Super Bowls: 4
Super Bowl Appearances: 4
Average Annual Win Percentage: .759
Winning four Super Bowls in as many appearances, the Pittsburgh Steelers under Chuck Noll were the benchmark of clutch play. Launching one of the most efficient runs in Super Bowl era, the Steelers finally turned the tide after a forgetful entry into the league.
Leading the side and the city to unparalleled heights, Chuck Noll is a revered figure in the 'City of Champions'.
#2 San Francisco 49ers (1981-98)
Super Bowls: 5
Super Bowl Appearances: 5
Average Annual Win Percentage: .739
A decade of dominance and the birth of a dynasty ensued when Hall of Famer Joe Montana teamed up with coach Bill Walsh. Posting a stellar winning record each season, and winning multiple championships - the 49ers had their greatest run during the 80s and the 90s. Spanning different coaches and quarterbacks, the franchise somehow managed to keep their winning momentum intact - earning themselves a coveted spot in the greatest NFL dynasties list.
#1 New England Patriots (2001-Present)
Super Bowls: 5
Super Bowl Appearances: 8
Average Annual Win Percentage: .768
Starting the season as favorites to win the Super Bowl for over a decade, the New England Patriots have earned the greatest dynasty chip by some distance. Playing in the most competitive era, the Patriots have somehow managed to find the right mix each season. Backed by the greatest coach-player duo in Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, the Patriots can surely call themselves lucky!
