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All 32 NFL Franchises Statistically Ranked In Order Of All-Time Greatness

By Daniel

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Chicago Bears helmet: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

4. Chicago Bears: 602 Points

Established 1920 – The Monsters of the Midway were the most dominant team in the NFL for it’s first 40 years; winning eight World Championships. They are the winningest franchise of all-time (in total wins) and have had some of the game’s most iconic figures come through — Sid Luckman, Gale Sayers, Harold “Red” Grange, Mike Singletary, Brian Urlacher, the list goes on and on.

In the Super Bowl era, they haven’t experienced the same level of success that they were accustomed to. Of course they did win the Super Bowl in 1985 and recorded the “Super Bowl Shuffle” for all of our viewing pleasure. They have been very competitive in many other recent seasons, too.

They’ve sent the most players in NFL history to the Hall of Fame (27) to go along with 25 postseason appearances. Their hopes have been resting in an inconsistent, but talented, offense led by their polarizing quarterback Jay Cutler. Will he be the man in Chicago moving forward? If the Bears don’t figure it out quick they’ll drop down this list — perhaps as soon as the conclusion of the 2015 season.

Points added in 2014 season: 0

Icons: George Halas, Walter Payton, Dick Butkus, Mike Ditka

Pittsburgh Steelers helmet: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 640 Points

Established 1933 – The Steelers are the greatest team of the Super Bowl era. Hands down, it isn’t even up for debate. They’ve won the most games since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger and an NFL-high six Super Bowls — four during their dynasty run in the 70s.

They have been consistently strong for years and have 28 playoff appearances all-time to show for it. They’ve sent 21 players to the Hall of Fame and have won an impressive eight conference championship games. True to their hard-nosed defensive style they have won a league-high seven Defensive Player of the Year awards.

If you’re wondering, it’s their lack of success in the first forty years of their existence that keeps them from being higher on this list; and possibly even atop it. The Steelers are surging toward steeling the second spot on this list. The franchise at number 2 in these rankings better look out; Pittsburgh could take their spot after the 2015.

Points added in 2014 season: 18

Icons: Chuck Noll, Art Rooney, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene

New York Giants helmet: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

2. New York Giants: 646 Points

Established 1925 – It may surprise some to see the New York Football Giants ranked ahead of the 49ers, Bears, Cowboys and Steelers on this list, but a detailed look at their success confirms their rightful place among the NFL’s elite franchises.

They’ve won an NFL-high 11 conference championships. Let that soak in for a minute. They have also won four Super Bowls and four World Championships. That’s a lot of success and it shows their overall consistency.

They have had a lot of individual success as well. With 20 players in the Hall of Fame, two AP MVPs and four Defensive Player of the Year awards. They’ve also been to the playoffs more than any team in NFL history — with 31 appearances. There is a lot of ‘greatness’ packed into their extensive history, which dates back to the early days of the league.

However, 2015 was a rough season for the G-men. How much longer will Tom Coughlin be around? Will he get their success going again in 2015?

Points added in 2014 season: 0

Icons: Sam Huff, Lawrence Taylor, Michael Strahan, Eli Manning

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

1. Green Bay Packers: 738 Points

Established 1921 – There is something poetic about the team from the smallest market in the NFL being atop this list. It’s an ode of sorts to the founding of the NFL; which was comprised of numerous small market teams. Canton, OH., Muncie, IN., Duluth, MN., Rock Island, IL., Kenosha, WI., all had franchises early on, too. How did the Green Bay Packers, who are owned by the fans, not only remain but make it to the top of this list as, statistically, the greatest franchise in NFL history?

Well, they have had numerous periods of greatness (aka success), including their dynasty of the 1960s — which some consider the NFL’s first real dynasty. Prior to that they won a league-high nine World Championships and have won four total Super Bowl Trophies (a trophy named after their legendary coach Vince Lombardi).

Their 13 NFL Championships are the most all-time. They have the second-most Hall of Fame inductees (23) and have made the playoffs 30 times. A total of 17 times they’ve won their division. Their eight AP MVP awards do not hurt their point total either. Green Bay’s combination of ancient, modern, and current success has landed it atop this list. And they’re current roster, led by Aaron Rodgers (the league’s current MVP) shows no signs of slowing down. They were four minutes from making it to the Super Bowl in 2014 and 2015 promises to be just as exciting.

As everyone knows, the NFL starts and ends at the quarterback position. And the Packers’ collection of top-tier quarterbacks, namely Bart Starr, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, is second to none. They are, or should I say will be, the only franchise with three Hall of Fame, Super Bowl winning, AP MVP quarterbacks.

Don’t forget about Arnie Herber, a Packers quarterback from the 1930s who has a bust in Canton, too. Green Bay may not be your favorite franchise in the NFL, but there is no doubting it’s place among the NFL’s elite. Not to mention, it’s the oldest franchise to stay in one location. And that location is Titletown USA, home of Earl “Curly” Lambeau and the historic stadium built in his name. You hear that Titletown natives? It’s time to add another title to your resume as: The Greatest Franchise In NFL History…for now.

The Packers added a some breathing room between them and the franchises behind them thanks to their successful 2014 season.

Points added in 2014 season: 24

Icons: Vince Lombardi, Don Hutson, Bart Starr, Brett Favre

The question of “which is the greatest franchise in NFL history” has been statistically answered…but that’s not going to stop all of you from debating or arguing is it? I didn’t think so. Feel free to broadcast any opinions in the comment section.

Keep in mind, because of the nature of the NFL, this list is extremely fluid and it will change every year. As NFL history evolves, so does this list. That is what makes this ranking system so interesting, tangible, mindful of the past, and most importantly, current.

Thus, team’s immediate and future success will determine how different this list looks next year and in 10, 25, and even 50 years from now. This point system respects the past, as it should, but it accurately adjusts to weigh the Super Bowl era more (based on available points) than the era that preceded it. History is a combination of today and yesterday — that cannot, and must not, be forgotten.

For a more detailed and comprehensive explanation for the methodology regarding the points system and chosen categories for this piece shoot me an email at dannyzillmerandwords@gmail.com. I’d be more than glad to share my extensive rationale with you, and to hear your thoughts.

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