15 most successful NFL Franchises of the Super Bowl Era statistically ranked
By Daniel
enver Broncos helmet – Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
10. Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders: 244 Points
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The Raiders have banked three Super Bowls so far in the era and have made the playoffs 18 times. Thus, landing them in the top ten of this list — for now that is. They’ve been anything but successful since John Gruden left town. Despite their recent struggles their history is solid, but if they don’t turn things around soon they’ll continue to slide down this list.
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8. (TIE) Minnesota Vikings: 256 Points
The Vikings are an interesting team to crack the top-ten of this list. They haven’t won a Super Bowl but have been amazingly consistent throughout the era. Their 27 playoff appearances are second in the NFL over the time span and they won the division a daunting 18 times. Not to mention, they won four conference championships. They very much earned their impressive spot on this list.
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8. (TIE) Miami Dolphins: 256 Points
The Dolphins won back-to-back Super Bowls in the 70s and have taken home five conference championships. Plus they’re the only team to post a perfect season (1972). Their place on this list is appropriate because of their recent lack of success.
The Marino era brought success but not high-end success. Because of the postseason shortcomings of the Marino era, and since, they aren’t higher on this list.
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7. Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts: 258 Points
The Colts have been led by two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history; Johnny Unitas and Peyton Manning. Those two players brought two combined Super Bowl championships to the franchise.
Their 22 playoff appearances certainly helped the Colts land the seventh spot on this list, too. They’re in great shape to continue work their way up this list under the direction of current quarterback Andrew Luck. In ten years look for them to be closing in on a top five spot.
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6. Denver Broncos: 268 Points
The Broncos almost significantly climbed this list last season but fell short when they laid an egg in the Super Bowl. But two rings and a whopping seven conference championships have landed them very high on this ranking.
The Orange Crush are the second-highest former AFL team on this list. John Elway finally got them over the hump in the late 90s securing both of their rings.
Will Peyton Manning add another this year? If so, they’ll be eyeing the number five spot.
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