The Philadelphia Eagles’ commanding 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 Super Bowl decisively answered the question of who is the NFL’s best team. Not only did the win solidify their dominance in the present, but it also elevated them to the top of the list of every Super Bowl champion since the turn of the century. Their comprehensive performance against the Chiefs demonstrated a well-rounded, elite roster that could dominate in all phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams.
This victory will likely have long-lasting implications on their legacy, especially if they can maintain a similar level of excellence in the coming years. Would you like to explore the key factors that led to the Eagles’ success in the game or compare their performance to other modern NFL dynasties?
The Philadelphia Eagles made plenty of history in 2024, achieving feats that will go down as some of the most impressive in modern NFL lore. They became the first Super Bowl-winning team since the 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers to record more rushing yards than passing yards, including the postseason. This stat underscores their dominant, run-heavy offense, led by the remarkable Saquon Barkley.
Barkley, who had a historic season, etched his name into the record books alongside Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Terrell Davis as one of the only rushing champs to win the Super Bowl. His performance capped off an unforgettable campaign and added a key chapter to his legacy.
Additionally, the Eagles became the first team to defeat a team that had previously defeated them in the Super Bowl, avenging their loss to the Chiefs. The Eagles’ victory also kept the Chiefs from making history themselves, as they were one win away from becoming the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. This context only makes the Eagles’ dominance more impressive, as they effectively halted the Chiefs’ quest for an unprecedented feat.
Would you like to dive deeper into the strategic changes the Eagles made for this Super Bowl win or discuss the implications for both teams moving forward?
The 2024 Eagles featured a top-10 scoring offense and the NFL’s second-ranked scoring defense, a unit that completely dominated Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense in the Super Bowl. This legendary defensive display was supported by an offense that showcased the league’s most formidable quartet of skill players and a dominant offensive line that overpowered nearly every opponent throughout the season.
Philadelphia is No. 1, but where did every other Super Bowl champion end up on our list? Let’s find out.
The 2001 Patriots are remembered as New England’s first Super Bowl champions, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history. With an overall record of 14-5, the Patriots were not a dominant force but relied on an opportunistic, hard-hitting defense and a young, composed quarterback in Tom Brady. Brady led the game-winning drive that secured a 20-17 victory over the heavily favored Rams, cementing the Patriots’ place in NFL history.
The 2001 Patriots also featured a dynamic playmaker in Troy Brown, who was not only a nearly 1,200-yard receiver but also the NFL’s top punt returner that season. However, one of the key reasons for their ranking is that the Patriots scored only three offensive touchdowns in the playoffs—one in each postseason win. Despite their lack of offensive explosiveness, their ability to rely on clutch plays, especially in critical moments, was a defining trait of their championship run.
The 2000 Ravens finished with an overall record of 16-4 and claimed the Super Bowl with a dominant 34-7 win over the Giants. Led by future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis, Baltimore boasted a historically great defense, a powerful running game anchored by rookie Jamal Lewis (who would go on to rush for 2,000 yards), and a dynamic returner in Jermaine Lewis. While the Ravens excelled in many areas, their offense was held back by a lack of an elite passing attack, which led to a five-game stretch without a touchdown during the season.
Baltimore’s defense was outstanding, but it didn’t face the most challenging competition, particularly at the quarterback position. Troy Aikman was the only future Hall of Fame quarterback the Ravens faced that season, and by that point, he and the Cowboys were in decline. This is one of the factors that contributes to the 2000 Ravens not being ranked higher.
The 2021 Rams finished with a 16-5 record and triumphed over the Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI. Los Angeles secured their Super Bowl win with a clutch performance in their final three games, each decided by just three points. The victory was driven by three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, quarterback Matthew Stafford, and wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who capped off a remarkable season with an MVP-worthy performance in the Super Bowl.
The 2015 Broncos finished with a 15-4 record and defeated the Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50. After struggling late in the regular season, Denver bounced back with playoff victories over the Steelers, Patriots, and Panthers. The Broncos’ postseason run was driven by their defense, particularly Super Bowl MVP Von Miller. Their offense, led by quarterback Peyton Manning, contributed just enough to secure the championship, with Manning retiring after the Super Bowl victory.
Speaking of Peyton Manning, his second-to-last NFL game was Denver’s dramatic 20-18 win over the Patriots in one of the most thrilling AFC Championship games ever. The Broncos were the only AFC team during this period to defeat the Patriots in the playoffs, a key reason why they earned a spot in the top 20.
The 2007 Giants finished with a 14-6 record and pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sports history, defeating the previously unbeaten 18-0 Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl. It was difficult to determine their exact ranking, but their historic playoff run, which included a dramatic win at Lambeau Field in what turned out to be Brett Favre’s final game with the Packers, solidified their place in NFL lore.
The Giants weren’t particularly dominant in the regular season, finishing with a 10-6 record and ranking 14th in scoring offense and 17th in scoring defense. However, their strengths became fully evident during the playoffs, where their fierce pass rush, Eli Manning’s clutch performances, and Plaxico Burress’ knack for making big plays propelled them to success. These key factors were crucial in their Super Bowl victory over the Patriots.
The 2022 Chiefs finished with a 17-3 record and defeated the Eagles 38-35 in a thrilling Super Bowl. While Patrick Mahomes’ 2018 and 2019 seasons were exceptional, his 2022 campaign might have been his best to date. He won his second MVP after leading the NFL with 5,250 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Mahomes had to perform at an elite level for the Chiefs to win, as Kansas City’s defense struggled throughout the season, allowing the most touchdown passes in the NFL and ranking second-to-last in red zone efficiency. Despite these challenges, the defense stepped up in the AFC Championship game, managing to contain the Bengals’ high-powered offense by exploiting Cincinnati’s injured offensive line. In the Super Bowl, the defense couldn’t stop Jalen Hurts, but Mahomes and the offense made enough critical plays to secure the Chiefs’ second title in four years.
Patrick Mahomes was crucial to the Chiefs’ success, as their defense struggled all season, allowing the most touchdown passes in the NFL and ranking near the bottom in red zone efficiency. However, the defense rose to the occasion in the AFC Championship game, containing the Bengals’ high-scoring offense by taking advantage of Cincinnati’s battered offensive line. While the defense had no solution for Jalen Hurts in the Super Bowl, Mahomes and the offense made just enough impactful plays to clinch the Chiefs’ second title in four years.
The 2005 Steelers finished with a 15-5 record and became the first sixth seed in NFL history to win the Super Bowl, defeating the Seahawks 21-10. Pittsburgh’s tough defense and creative offense, which often relied on trick plays, were key to their success. The offense was led by second-year quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who played a crucial role in the Steelers’ historic playoff run, including a notable upset over Peyton Manning’s Colts in the divisional round.
Roethlisberger actually had the game-saving tackle near the end of Pittsburgh’s 21-18 win over the Colts.
The Steelers boasted a strong 1-2 running back punch with Willie Parker and Jerome Bettis. Parker set a Super Bowl record with the longest run in history, a 75-yard dash, while Bettis delivered his final 100-yard rushing performance in a key win over the Bears that sparked their championship run. Pittsburgh’s offense also featured wide receiver Hines Ward, who was named Super Bowl MVP for his outstanding performance in the victory over the Seahawks.
The 2003 Patriots finished with a 17-2 record and triumphed over the Panthers 32-29 in the Super Bowl. After missing the playoffs in 2002, there were doubts that their 2001 title might have been a fluke, especially after a 2-2 start to the 2003 season. However, those concerns quickly vanished as the Patriots went on an impressive 21-game winning streak (including the first six games of 2004), capping off the 2003 season with 15 straight victories.
The Patriots defeated the Panthers in a thrilling Super Bowl. This team could beat you any which way.
The 2002 Buccaneers finished with a 15-4 record and dominated the Raiders 48-21 in the Super Bowl. Led by a legendary defense that included future Hall of Famers Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch, and Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay’s defense was historically great. While their offense was solid, it was not as spectacular, much like the 2000 Ravens, relying more on the defense to carry the team to victory.
The Bucs had more offensive firepower than the Ravens, particularly at receiver with Keyshawn Johnson and Keenan McCardell, both of whom finished their careers with over 10,000 receiving yards. Tampa Bay dominated its longtime rival, the Eagles, in the NFC Championship game. In the Super Bowl, the Buccaneers’ defense set a Super Bowl record by recording five interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns, leading to their dominant 48-21 victory over the Raiders.
The 2023 Chiefs finished with a 15-6 record and secured a Super Bowl win against the 49ers, 25-22 in overtime. After a 9-6 start, Kansas City went on a six-game winning streak. Unlike their previous two titles, the Chiefs had to win on the road in the playoffs. They beat Josh Allen and the Bills in the divisional round and then stifled league MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense, holding them to just 10 points in the AFC Championship game.
Unlike the previous season, the Chiefs’ defense played a pivotal role in their championship run. In the Super Bowl, the defense forced the 49ers to settle for field goals on their final two drives, giving Patrick Mahomes and the offense the opportunity to respond and ultimately secure the win.
Facing a talented 49ers team, the Chiefs triumphed in overtime after Mahomes made several crucial plays with his legs, including an 8-yard run on fourth down and a 19-yard scramble on third down. Kansas City became the first team in 19 years to repeat as champions, and despite having a slightly worse record, the 2023 Chiefs were considered a stronger team than the previous year’s squad.
The 2012 Ravens finished with a 14-6 record and triumphed over the 49ers 34-31 in the Super Bowl. Baltimore started strong with a 9-2 record, but then struggled, losing four of its final five regular-season games. However, the team received a boost when Ray Lewis announced he would retire after the season, fueling the Ravens to a four-game playoff winning streak, which included a stunning upset over Peyton Manning’s Broncos in the divisional round.
Quarterback Joe Flacco threw three touchdowns in the Super Bowl and was named the game’s MVP. The Ravens had to hold on for a three-point victory after the 49ers mounted a late rally. Baltimore’s defense also came up big, with a crucial interception from future Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed, who, like Ray Lewis, was playing in his final game with the Ravens.
The Patriots’ dynasty was widely written off after a Week 4 loss in Kansas City left them at 2-2. However, New England responded with seven consecutive wins, reestablishing themselves as one of the AFC’s elite teams. The Patriots finished the regular season with a top-five scoring offense and a top-10 scoring defense, demonstrating their balance and resilience.
In the Super Bowl, New England took down the defending-champion Seahawks by erasing a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The game’s defining moment came when Malcolm Butler made one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history, intercepting Russell Wilson at the goal line with less than a minute remaining.
The Eagles captured the Super Bowl with backup quarterback Nick Foles outperforming Tom Brady in a high-scoring showdown. While Foles stole the spotlight, Philadelphia’s success was a collective team effort. The Eagles boasted a top-five offense and defense during the regular season. In the playoffs, they narrowly defeated the defending NFC champion Falcons before dismantling a strong Vikings team in the NFC Championship Game.
Aaron Rodgers caught fire during the playoffs, but the Packers’ defense played an equally significant role in their championship run. Green Bay’s defense ranked second in scoring during the regular season and forced 11 turnovers across four playoff games. In the Super Bowl, the defense came up big once again, creating three crucial turnovers to help defeat a Steelers team that had won two Super Bowls in the previous five seasons.
The Saints captured their first and only Super Bowl title by defeating three future Hall of Fame quarterbacks during their playoff run. Leading the way was their own future Hall of Famer, Drew Brees, who delivered a masterful performance in the Super Bowl, completing more than 82% of his passes in the victory over the Colts.
Although the Saints ranked 20th in points allowed during the regular season, their defense thrived on creating turnovers. This strength was evident in the Super Bowl, where Tracy Porter’s decisive pick-six sealed the victory.
The 2008 Steelers lacked an elite offense, but they had a future Hall of Fame quarterback and a defense that was first in the NFL in scoring, passing yards allowed, red zone and third-down efficiency. The unit was led by future Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu and Harrison, that year’s Defensive Player of the Year.
The 2004 Patriots featured a top-five offense and defense during the regular season, with key contributions from offseason acquisition Corey Dillon, who set a franchise record with 1,635 rushing yards. The defense was a turnover machine, recording 11 turnovers in the playoffs, including four in the Super Bowl, which helped propel New England to victory.
After finishing the 2003 season with 15 straight wins, the 2004 Patriots extended their streak to 21 games, setting an NFL record. Their streak was broken in Week 7 by the Steelers, but New England got revenge in the AFC Championship, defeating Pittsburgh (which had gone 15-1 in the regular season) 41-27. Despite battling the flu, freezing temperatures, and Pittsburgh’s top-ranked defense, Tom Brady threw two touchdowns and completed nearly 67% of his passes in the victory.
The 2006 Colts are often remembered for Peyton Manning’s legacy and how he finally got his Super Bowl ring. But the defense really stepped up when it mattered most that year, especially in the playoffs. With key players like Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders, their defense made critical plays, including forcing turnovers and a game-sealing pick-six in the Super Bowl. It’s a good reminder that even high-powered offenses need a defense to back them up in big moments. What do you think about how this Colts team stacks up compared to other Super Bowl winners?
The 2006 Colts’ defense was crucial to their success, especially in the Super Bowl. Led by Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders, they dominated with aggressive play, forcing five turnovers and including a game-changing pick-six.
Their AFC Championship game win over the Patriots was truly iconic—overcoming a 21-point deficit to win 38-34. That moment marked a pivotal shift, with Manning finally getting past the Patriots, who had knocked him out of the playoffs in 2003 and 2004. It was a huge validation for the Colts and a defining moment in Manning’s career. What did you think of that comeback against New England?
The 2020 Buccaneers had a rough start, sitting at 7-5 before their turnaround, but they came together after their Week 13 bye to finish strong, winning eight straight games, including the playoffs. Tom Brady led the charge with his typical clutch play, guiding the team to victory in the Super Bowl. The defense was equally impressive, shutting down Patrick Mahomes and the high-powered Chiefs offense, not allowing a touchdown and relentlessly pressuring Mahomes throughout the game. It was a total team effort, with Brady securing his seventh ring, proving he could thrive in a new system.
What stood out to you most about their postseason run?
Absolutely, the 2020 Buccaneers are definitely a special team, especially when considering how they were built in the salary cap/free agency era. With Brady coming in as a free agent and key pieces like Antonio Brown, Rob Gronkowski, and Leonard Fournette joining midseason, they crafted a squad full of high-profile veterans who bought into the system. Pairing that with a strong, young defense led by players like Devin White and Shaquil Barrett made them a well-rounded powerhouse.
Their ability to mesh so quickly and dominate in such a short time frame, especially against top-tier competition, really sets them apart as one of the most impressive teams in recent memory. Do you think they have a shot at being regarded as one of the best of all time, even with their relatively short run together?
The 2013 Seahawks were truly a dominant force, and their performance in Super Bowl XLVIII is one of the most remarkable in NFL history. Not only did their defense, led by the “Legion of Boom” (with Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor), shut down the Broncos’ high-powered offense, but they did so with ease, forcing turnovers, pressuring Manning, and even scoring points themselves.
The Seahawks’ defense was the top-ranked unit in the league, and the offense, with Russell Wilson’s poise and Marshawn Lynch’s physicality, complemented them perfectly. The balance of elite defense and a solid offense made them nearly unbeatable that season.
The blowout win over the Broncos in the Super Bowl left no doubt about their superiority that year. Do you think Seattle’s defense that year is one of the best in NFL history, considering how they handled one of the most prolific offenses ever?
The 2016 Patriots are remembered not just for their historic Super Bowl comeback, but also for their resilience and depth throughout the season. Tom Brady’s suspension at the beginning of the year seemed like it could set the team back, but the Patriots responded with the usual Belichickian efficiency. Even without Brady, they managed to stay competitive, and once he returned, they became nearly unstoppable.
The Super Bowl comeback against the Falcons is legendary. Trailing by 25 points with just over a quarter remaining, New England pulled off the most improbable comeback in Super Bowl history, scoring 31 unanswered points to win in overtime.
The Patriots’ success that season wasn’t only about Brady; it was also their well-rounded roster, including an elite defense and unsung heroes like James White, who had an iconic game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Given that they were without Gronkowski for the final stretch of the season, do you think this Patriots squad is one of the most complete teams in NFL history, especially considering their ability to thrive despite the loss of one of their best players?
The 2019 Chiefs are widely considered one of the most dynamic and exciting teams in NFL history, driven by the explosive playmaking of Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce. This was Mahomes’ true breakout season, as he cemented his status as one of the game’s most talented quarterbacks. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his incredible arm strength and mobility, made the Chiefs’ offense nearly impossible to stop.
One of the most impressive aspects of the 2019 Chiefs was their ability to overcome large deficits. In the playoffs, they became the first team to win three consecutive games after trailing by double digits, including a remarkable 24-0 comeback against the Texans in the divisional round. Mahomes’ leadership and big-play ability were pivotal in those comebacks.
Defensively, while not as dominant as their offense, the Chiefs played opportunistically. The defense was capable of forcing turnovers and applying pressure, finishing top 10 in multiple categories, including sacks, which helped balance out their high-powered offense.
In the Super Bowl, Mahomes was his usual clutch self, leading the Chiefs to score 21 unanswered points in the final quarter to defeat the 49ers, 31-20. Even though the Chiefs had some struggles during the season, their playoff run showed their resilience and ability to elevate their play when it mattered most.
How do you think this Chiefs team compares to other championship teams, given their explosive offense and the key defensive plays that helped them secure the title?
The 2024 Eagles are a historic team, with an incredible 18-3 record that matches the most wins ever in a single season, a remarkable feat that only enhances their legacy. Their Super Bowl victory, a dominant 40-22 win over the Chiefs, solidified their place at the top, defeating a formidable opponent who had been a dominant force throughout the postseason.
What makes the 2024 Eagles truly stand out is their all-around balance and depth. The offense was a juggernaut, featuring a top-10 quarterback, two top-20 receivers, and a 2,000-yard rusher. Their offensive line was a powerhouse, creating lanes for the running game and providing time for the passing game. Jalen Hurts, in particular, was a dynamic playmaker, effectively leading the offense both through the air and on the ground.
Defensively, the Eagles were a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, with a second-ranked scoring defense that excelled at creating pressure without having to blitz. Their defensive line was relentless, and they had playmakers in the secondary who could change the course of a game with a single turnover. This balance of offensive firepower and defensive dominance made them nearly unbeatable.
The 2024 Eagles’ combination of offensive explosiveness and defensive prowess makes them one of the most well-rounded teams in NFL history. Their Super Bowl victory capped off an unforgettable season, and with so many star players on both sides of the ball, they certainly earned the top spot on the list of all-time great teams. What are your thoughts on their dominance, especially with such a well-rounded team across the board?
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