Three Best Present Day Rivalries

     Throughout the National Football League's long and storied history, rivalries were formed between teams, and managed to withstand the test of time. Though several lost its pizazz over the years, new rivalries were formed. The creations of these hatreds vary; it could be caused by two nearby cities, two highly competitive teams, or two specific all stars. In such a rapidly changing league, teams tend to fade off from time to time, a lopsided rivalry, and create disinterest from the fans. Since the league was formed in 1920, rivalries have come and gone. In today's day and age, the three biggest rivalries are all within the division. Coincidence? I think not. As we look forward to the start of next year's season, the NFL Report will analyze the three best present day rivalries in the NFL. Please feel free to comment, or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport

1. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens: For the past decade or so, these two teams have been known for their legendary defense. Since 2000, the Ravens and Steelers combine for 3 total Super Bowl wins, 2 for Pittsburgh and 1 for Baltimore. The defensive powerhouses truly hate each other, and their physicality adds to the gruesomeness of every meeting. The first meeting between the two took place on September 8, 1996, and was won by Pittsburgh. From the get go, the games played were absolute bloodbaths, a tell-tale sign of hatred. These two teams are just 250 miles apart, and share a spot in the AFC North. Because Pittsburgh and Baltimore are so close by, there is even a bitter rivalry between fans, who always exchange words before and after games. Since the first game back in '96, the Steelers are currently winning the series 21-14. However, Baltimore is closing the gap, having won the past two meetings. It is clear Pittsburgh hates Baltimore, and Baltimore hates Pittsburgh, which every player realizes. Hines Ward once said, "The coaches hate each other, the players hate each other... There's no calling each other after the game and inviting each other out to dinner. But the feeling's mutual: They don't like us, and we don't like them. There's no need to hide it, they know it, and we know it. It's going to be one of those black and blue games." The division rivalry is becoming more competitive, and is going to be one that lasts for many years to come.

2. Patriots vs. Jets: No team in the NFL matches the amount of trash talk spoken by the New York Jets, and the majority of these words are spoken towards the Patriots. This rivalry became extremely heated back in 2009, the first game between Bill Belichick and Rex Ryan, the newly elected Jets head coach. Ryan and several other Jets members continuously picked on New England, and it must have worked. New York ended up winning their first game against the Pats on the road since 2000 with a 16-9 final score. Though I would say the Steelers-Ravens rivalry is more of a battle on the field, the Jets-Patriots rivalry is a much bigger battle off the field. In 2010, the jarring off the field was at its peak, where the three total meetings all had insults before the game. Similar to the 2009 season, the Jets won their first meeting against New England but lost in the second regular season game. However, the Jets managed to knock off the highly favored Patriots in the playoffs, adding to this bitter rivalry. The first game between New York and new England took place in 1960, back when the New England Patriots were known as the Boston Patriots. Throughout the 1970s, most games were won by New York. Overtime, the series became more competitive up until the 2000s. Now, it has been more difficult for the Jets to take home a win against Tom Brady, whose Patriots lead the series with a record of 53-52-1. The clash of offense and defense is always something to look forward to, but it is not always the game that brings the most drama in this rivalry.

3. Bears vs. Packers: Since the days of Babe Ruth and prohibition, the Bears and Packers have been gruesomely battling on the football field. A tradition that dates back all the way to 1921, this Chicago-Green Bay series is easily the oldest rivalry in football. In total, the number of meetings between these two teams adds up to 184. When rural Green Bay takes on urban Chicago, the two teams leave it all on the field, not wanting to lose to the enemy. When the rivalry first started, Chicago won eight out of the first ten games, and were considered to be the favorites in every challenge. By the 1950s, however, the Packers transformed into the Green Bay franchise we know today; a strong, talented organization feared by many. Even though it is the oldest rivalry in the NFL, it still draws in thousands of viewers every time the two teams play. Chicago has always been known for its tough defense, from the days of Dick Butkus to present day Brian Urlacher, whereas Green Bay is a team that can put points on the board. Chicago may have more wins over Green Bay (92-86-6), but the Packers have won the last 6 out of 7 games thanks to star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. There is not telling what this series will look like in 10 years, but no matter what, the Green Bay-Chicago rivalry will go down in history as the most storied matchup in the National Football League.