6 Reasons why Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens is the best rivalry in the NFL
By Daniel
Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed (20) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
5. Consistent Dual Success
The only rivalries that truly matter in the eyes of the average American sports fans are those that exist between two successful teams, or teams that see success often. The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox are evidence of this; their storied rivalry exists because of the success of both teams. In today’s world rivalries seem grow because of the attention that they receive (but ins’t necessary). But it is true that no one is paying attention to the rivalries between franchises that rarely make the playoffs. Success is an important ingredient in a good rivalry, it’s a necessary one in a great rivalry. But a legendary rivalry depends on the consistent success of both teams.
Since 2000 the Ravens have made the playoffs nine times and won two Super Bowls. In that same span of time the Steelers have seen the playoffs eight times and won two Super Bowls (played in three). Good luck finding another NFL rivalry that can match that shared success. In fact, don’t even look — there isn’t one. In the last 13 years this rivalry is responsible for winning 10 division championships. The Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders rivalry is a good example of a once hate-filled rivalry that dissolved due to lack of success. The void of consistent success on the Raiders’ end of the rivalry has led to it fizzling out, at least in the eyes of the average NFL fan. That cannot be said about the rivalry that permeates between Pittsburgh and Baltimore.