The 7 Best NFL Teams of All-Time, Ranked

• Coach: Mike Ditka
• Notable Players: Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, Dan Hampton, Richard Dent, Otis Wilson, Mike Singletary, Dave Duerson, Jimbo Covert, Jay Hilgenberg
• Record: 15-1

The 1985 Chicago Bears were one of the most iconic teams in NFL history. Coached by Mike Ditka and led by a dominant defense, the Bears had a remarkable season and won Super Bowl XX after an incredible 15-1 season. Chicago's defense, known as the "46 Defense" after the jersey number of its inventor, defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, was incredibly dominant. It featured a relentless pass rush and created numerous turnovers. The Bears allowed just 198 total points during the regular season.

Running back Walter Payton was the face of the franchise and one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. In 1985, he rushed for 1,551 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. He was an integral part of the team's success. Jim McMahon was the starting quarterback and while he wasn't known for gaudy passing statistics, he was a charismatic leader and effectively managed the offense.

The Bears reached Super Bowl XX, where they faced the New England Patriots. They won the game 46-10 in a dominating performance. The Bears' defense was particularly exceptional, causing turnovers and recording multiple sacks. This Super Bowl victory solidified their legacy as one of the greatest NFL teams of all time.

• Coach: D0n Shula
• Notable Players: Dick Anderson, Nick Buoniconti, Larry Csonka, Norm Evans, Larry Little, Mercury Morris, Jake Scott, Bill Stanfill, Paul Warfield
• Record: 14-0

The 1972 Miami Dolphins, coached by Don Shula, finished the regular season with a perfect 14-0 record. They went on to win all three of their playoff games, including Super Bowl VII, to finish the season with an unprecedented 17-0 record. This achievement has never been matched in the NFL's modern era.

The team was led by several key players, including quarterback Bob Griese, running back Larry Csonka, wide receiver Paul Warfield, and a strong defense. The defense, known as the "No-Name Defense," was particularly outstanding and included players like Nick Buoniconti and Manny Fernandez. Don Shula was the head coach of the 1972 Dolphins, and he played a significant role in their success. He is one of the most respected and successful coaches in NFL history.

In Super Bowl VII, the Dolphins faced the Washington Redskins. They won the game 14-7, securing their perfect season and their first Super Bowl victory. The Dolphins' defense played a pivotal role in the victory, including an interception by Jake Scott, who was named the game's MVP.

• Coach: Bill Belichick
• Notable Players: Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Asante Samuel, Mike Vrabel, Vince Wilfork, Dan Koppen, Matt Light, Logan Mankins
• Record: 16-0

The 2007 New England Patriots, coached by Bill Belichick, are one of the best NFL teams to grace a football field. They finished the regular season with a perfect 16-0 record, becoming only the third team to complete the feat.

The team was led by future hall of famers Tom Brady and Randy Moss. The duo quickly became recognized as an all-time quarterback and wide receiver duo. Tom Brady earned NFL MVP honors after leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns.

However, the 2007 Patriots came inches short of cementing themselves as the best team of all-time. In the Super Bowl of that year, they faced off against a underdog New York Giants team. Eli Manning famously avoided a sack with time winding down in the game to nail a hail marry that set up the game winning touchdown. The previously undefeated 2007 Patriots walked off the field stunned, falling just short of perfection.

• Coach: Chuck Noll
• Notable Players: Terry Bradshaw, Mel Blount, Joe Greene, Jack Ham, Franco Harris, Jack Lambert, Donnie Shell, John Stallworth, L.C. Greenwood, Mike Webster
• Record: 14-2

The Steelers finished the 1978 regular season with a record of 14 wins and 2 losses, which was the best record in the NFL that year. Pittsburgh advanced to the playoffs as the top seed in the AFC. They defeated the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round and the Houston Oilers in the AFC Championship Game to earn a spot in Super Bowl XIII.

The 1978 Steelers featured many Hall of Fame players, including quarterback Terry Bradshaw, running back Franco Harris, wide receiver Lynn Swann, and defensive stalwarts like Mean Joe Greene and Jack Lambert. The Steelers' defense, known as the "Steel Curtain," was renowned for its dominance. They ranked as one of the best defenses in the league during this era.

In Super Bowl XIII, played on January 21, 1979, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Dallas Cowboys. The game was a highly competitive and memorable matchup. The Steelers won the game by a score of 35-31, securing their third Super Bowl championship. Terry Bradshaw, the Steelers' quarterback, was named the Super Bowl MVP.

• Coach: George Seifert
• Notable Players: Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Roger Craig, John Taylor, Guy McIntyre, Ronnie Lott
• Record: 14-2

The 1989 49ers had an impressive regular-season record, finishing with 14 wins and 2 losses, which was the best record in the NFL that year. The 49ers' offense was led by Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, who was known for his accuracy and ability to lead the team to victory. Montana had a stellar season and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player. The team also featured one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, Jerry Rice.

In Super Bowl XXIV the 49ers faced the Denver Broncos. The game was completely one-sided, with the 49ers dominating the Broncos and winning 55-10. It was one of the most lopsided Super Bowl victories in history. The combination of offensive firepower, a strong defense, and dominant performances in both the regular season and Super Bowl cemented the 1989 49ers place in NFL history.

• Coach: Vince Lombardi
• Notable Players: Bart Starr, Willie Davis, Henry Jordan, Ray Nitschke, Herb Adderley, Willie Wood, Dan Currie, Bill Forester
• Record: 13-1

The 1962 Packers had a remarkable regular-season record, finishing with a record of 13 wins, 1 loss, and no ties. This was the best record in the NFL that year. The Packers' offense was led by quarterback Bart Starr, who was known for his poise and accuracy. Starr had an outstanding season and was named the NFL MVP.

In the NFL Championship Game the Packers faced the New York Giants. The game was played in extremely cold and windy conditions at Yankee Stadium in New York. Despite the challenging weather, the Packers emerged victorious, winning the game 16-7. This victory secured their second consecutive NFL championship. The success of the 1962 Packers was part of a dynasty that continued through the 1960s. They would go on to win more NFL championships, including Super Bowl I and II, further establishing themselves as one of the most dominant teams in NFL history.

• Coach: Dennis Green
• Notable Players: Randall Cunningham, Robert Griffith, Randall McDaniel, Randy Moss, John Randle, Dwayne Rudd, Todd Steussie, Gary Anderson, Cris Carter
• Record: 15-1

The 1998 Vikings finished the regular season with a record of 15 wins and 1 loss, which was the best record in the NFL that year. They were known for their high-scoring offense, setting a then-NFL record by scoring 556 points in the regular season, which held until 2007.

The Vikings' offense was the standout feature of the team. Quarterback Randall Cunningham had a career resurgence and was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year. He formed a dynamic duo with wide receiver Randy Moss, who was a rookie sensation, setting records for receiving yards and touchdowns. The team also had a potent running game led by Robert Smith.

The Vikings reached the NFC Championship Game, where they faced the Atlanta Falcons. The game is remembered for the dramatic ending, with the Falcons winning in overtime by a score of 30-27. The loss denied the Vikings a trip to Super Bowl XXXIII. The 1998 Vikings demonstrated the potential for explosive passing offenses in the NFL and set the stage for the league's shift toward a more pass-oriented style of play in the coming years.