Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
The 25 best NFL teams from the 1980s
USA Today Images

The 25 best NFL teams from the 1980s

The 1980s NFL featured some of the best defenses the sport of football has ever seen, plus some explosive offenses. These are the best 25 teams of the decade.

 
1 of 25

25. 1981 Philadelphia Eagles

1981 Philadelphia Eagles
Herb Weitman / USA Today Sports Images

Following up on Super Bowl disappointment in 1980, the Eagles went 10-6 in 1981 with the top defense in the NFL, allowing only 13.8 points per game. Despite the team's strong season, they floundered late in the year, losing five of their last six regular season games before a 27-21 loss to the Giants in the Wild Card Round. However, Philly's plus-147 point differential ranks 12th best in the decade.

 
2 of 25

24. 1987 New Orleans Saints

1987 New Orleans Saints
MPS / USA Today Sports Images

The 1987 Saints squad had a terrific regular season, going 12-3 and ranking second in points scored and fifth in points allowed. Unfortunately, the offense was suffocated by Minnesota in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, losing 44-10. The Saints' offense was led by quarterback Bobby Hebert, who threw for over 2,100 yards and 15 touchdowns in 12 games.

 
3 of 25

23. 1985 San Francisco 49ers

1985 San Francisco 49ers
Peter Brouillet / USA Today Sports Images

Overshadowed by the dominant 1985 Bears, San Francisco had a strong team in their own right that finished fifth in points scored and second in points allowed to Chicago. The 49ers had excellent seasons from Joe Montana and Roger Craig to go 10-6, but they fell to the Giants in the Wild Card Round.

 
4 of 25

22. 1984 Seattle Seahawks

1984 Seattle Seahawks
Manny Rubio / USA Today Sports Images

The 1984 Seahawks started the regular season 12-2 before losing the last two games of the regular season in blowouts. The sudden struggles of the defense that ranked fifth in points allowed foretold a 31-10 loss to the explosive Dolphins in the Divisional Round. The 12 regular season wins were easily the best in franchise history and stood as a franchise record until 2005.

 
5 of 25

21. 1980 Atlanta Falcons

1980 Atlanta Falcons
Manny Rubio / USA Today Sports Images

The Falcons make an appearance on the list with their 12-4 squad from 1980, which finished top five in the NFL in both points scored and points allowed. Quarterback Steve Bartkowski and running back William Andrews had outstanding seasons, but an overtime loss in Week 16 was a precursor for the team's 30-27 playoff loss to the Cowboys in the Divisional Round.

 
6 of 25

20. 1984 Denver Broncos

1984 Denver Broncos
MPS / USA Today Sports Images

Second-year quarterback John Elway went 12-2 as a starter during the regular season to help Denver finish 13-3 and flash the top defense in the NFL. Still, the team showed some blemishes late in the year, losing two of their last four games before a 24-17 defeat at the hands of Pittsburgh in the Divisional Round.

 
7 of 25

19. 1983 Miami Dolphins

1983 Miami Dolphins
Malcolm Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

Miami took off after rookie Dan Marino became the starting quarterback, going 7-2 to finish the regular season 12-4. Supported by the top defense in the league, the team was upset by Seattle in the Divisional Round of the playoffs after a late comeback.

 
8 of 25

18. 1988 Minnesota Vikings

1988 Minnesota Vikings
MPS / USA Today Sports Images

The 1988 Vikings are often forgotten after getting blown out by San Francisco in the Divisional Round, but their dominance in an 11-5 regular season was notable. The team's plus-173 point differential was seventh best in the decade with a Pro Bowl season from quarterback Wade Wilson and great defensive performances from Chris Doleman, Carl Lee, and Jesse Solomon.

 
9 of 25

17. 1988 Chicago Bears

1988 Chicago Bears
RVR Photos / USA Today Sports Images

The 1988 Bears defense doesn't quite stack up to 1985 or 1986, but it remained dominant with only 13.4 points allowed per game. Chicago went 12-4 during the regular season as a result of Mike Ditka's great defense, but the offensively-challenged squad lost 28-3 to San Francisco in the Conference Championship.

 
10 of 25

16. 1980 Dallas Cowboys

1980 Dallas Cowboys
Herb Weitman / USA Today Sports Images

The story of the 1980 Cowboys was an elite offense, leading the NFL with 28.4 points per game as Danny White threw 28 touchdowns and Tony Dorsett rushed for 1,185 yards. However, those who say great defense beats great offense were proven correct in the playoffs, as the No. 1 ranked defense Philadelphia took down Dallas 20-7 in the NFC Conference Championship.

 
11 of 25

15. 1980 Philadelphia Eagles

1980 Philadelphia Eagles
Malcolm Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

Head coaching phenom Dıck Vermeil turned around the Eagles organization in his six seasons, but he never won the big one while in Philly. The closest the team came was in 1980, losing to the Raiders in the Super Bowl. The team did go 12-4 during the regular season with the top defense in football, led by Claude Humphrey's 15.5 sacks.

 
12 of 25

14. 1982 Washington

1982 Washington
Manny Rubio / USA Today Sports Images

The 1982 season was disrupted due to a players' strike, with each team playing only nine games. Washington showed its muster by going 8-1 during the regular season and winning four playoff games, all by double-digits. Washington had the best defense in the league, allowing only 14.2 points per game, and beat the Dolphins 24-14 in Super Bowl XVII.

 
13 of 25

13. 1980 Oakland Raiders

1980 Oakland Raiders
Manny Rubio / USA Today Sports Images

Oakland won their second Super Bowl in five years, with emerging quarterback Jim Plunkett giving the franchise a boost. He threw for nearly 2,300 yards in 13 regular season games, while the defense got terrific seasons from Lester Hayes and Ted Hendricks to help them go 11-5.

 
14 of 25

12. 1987 San Francisco 49ers

1987 San Francisco 49ers
RVR Photos / USA Today Sports Images

San Francisco had a disappointing end result after going 13-2 in the regular season, leading the NFL in points and finishing third-best in points allowed. The 49ers were upset by Minnesota in the Divisional Round, as Joe Montana was pulled in the third quarter after throwing a pick-six.

 
15 of 25

11. 1988 San Francisco 49ers

1988 San Francisco 49ers
RVR Photos / USA Today Sports Images

The 1988 49ers weren't the best team of the franchise's great decade, but they sure came up big when it counted. The heroics of Joe Montana and Jerry Rice shined in a come-from-behind 20-16 win over the Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII. San Francisco lost six games during the regular season, but they finished top 10 in points scored and points allowed.

 
16 of 25

10. 1981 San Francisco 49ers

1981 San Francisco 49ers
Tony Tomsic / USA Today Sports Images

The 49ers had a remarkable turnaround in 1981 after losing ten games in 1980. The promotion of Joe Montana as the regular starting quarterback resulted in a 13-3 regular season, though the defense led by Ronnie Lott played an important role with only 15.6 points allowed per game. San Francisco won a classic NFC Championship Game against the Cowboys 28-27, before beating Cincinnati 26-21 in the Super Bowl.

 
17 of 25

9. 1987 Washington

1987 Washington
Manny Rubio / USA Today Sports Images

Washington won their second Super Bowl of the decade in 1987 after an 11-4 regular season, with the fourth-ranked offense and sixth-ranked defense in the NFL. The team had injuries throughout the year at quarterback, and Doug Williams became the first black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl when he defeated Denver in Super Bowl XXII. Williams started and lost two games during the regular season, but he still helped fuel a deep roster.

 
18 of 25

8. 1983 Washington

1983 Washington
Manny Rubio / USA Today Sports Images

Washington had a brilliant season under Joe Gibbs that was only halted in the Super Bowl by the Raiders. They led the NFL with 33.8 points per game, the most in the decade, as Joe Theismann threw for 29 touchdowns and the running back duo of John Riggins and Joe Washington combined for over 2,000 yards. After beating San Francisco in a classic NFC Championship, the 14-2 Washington team was down to the Raiders early in Super Bowl XVIII and couldn't recover.

 
19 of 25

7. 1983 Los Angeles Raiders

1983 Los Angeles Raiders
Tony Tomsic / USA Today Sports Images

The Raiders sported an elite offense with Jim Plunkett under center and Marcus Allen the primary runner, averaging 27.6 points per game en route to a 12-4 regular season record. The team's dominance in three playoff games showed how much better they were than the rest of the pack, outscoring opponents in three games 106-33.

 
20 of 25

6. 1984 Miami Dolphins

1984 Miami Dolphins
Tony Tomsic / USA Today Sports Images

The 1984 Dolphins featured one of the best offenses of the decade, led by MVP Dan Marino. The MVP quarterback threw for an unprecedented 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns, helping the offense average 32.1 points per game. After scoring 76 points over the team's first two playoff games, the Dolphins fell 38-16 to San Francisco in the Super Bowl. It was a disappointing ending after going 14-2 during the regular season.

 
21 of 25

5. 1986 Chicago Bears

1986 Chicago Bears
Manny Rubio / USA Today Sports Images

The Bears entered 1986 as Super Bowl favorites and backed up expectations with a 14-2 regular season and an amazing 11.7 points allowed per game. Unfortunately, quarterback issues were a major flaw that came back to bite Chicago in a 27-13 Divisional Round loss vs. Washington. Chicago completed only 50% of their passes during the regular season, and young Doug Flutie only completed 11-of-31 passes in the loss.

 
22 of 25

4. 1986 New York Giants

1986 New York Giants
Tim Dillon / USA Today Sports Images

After consecutive playoff appearances, Bill Parcells' team finished the job in 1986 with a 14-2 regular season record and smooth run through the playoffs. The calling card for the team was its dominant defense, allowing only 14.8 points per game led by coordinator Bill Belichick and a ferocious pass rush with Lawrence Taylor, Leonard Marshall, and Carl Banks. The Giants running game was also excellent, as Joe Morris ran for 1,516 yards and 14 scores.

 
23 of 25

3. 1989 San Francisco 49ers

1989 San Francisco 49ers
USA Today Sports Images

MVP Joe Montana led the brilliant 49ers offense to a 14-2 regular season record and seamless playoff run, averaging 27.6 points per game in the regular season. The team threw for over 4,500 between Montana and backup Steve Young, with Jerry Rice and John Taylor both gaining over 1,000 yards. The defense was also third-best in the NFL, with only 15.8 points allowed per game, with elite players like Charles Haley, Pierce Holt, and Ronnie Lott. San Francisco won every playoff game by at least 27 points, including a 55-10 win over Denver in Super Bowl XXIV.

 
24 of 25

2. 1984 San Francisco 49ers

1984 San Francisco 49ers
Tony Tomsic / USA Today Sports Images

The 49ers were the premier offense of the 1980s, and they never scored more points than in 1984 (475). Bill Walsh's squad went 15-1 during the regular season with a plus-248 point differential, followed by three easy wins in the playoffs culminating with a 38-16 win over Miami in Super Bowl XIX. Joe Montana threw for over 3,600 yards and 28 touchdowns, while Wendell Tyler and Roger Craig led the running game. The defense was arguably even better than the offense, ranking first in the league with only 14.2 points allowed per game while led by Ronnie Lott and Dwaine Board.

 
25 of 25

1. 1985 Chicago Bears

1985 Chicago Bears
RVR Photos / USA Today Sports Images

The 1985 Bears are synonymous with great defenses, and often the first team mentioned in debates. They had the numbers to back it up, allowing only 198 points in a 15-1 regular season, with the only blemish a 38-24 loss at Miami in which backup quarterback Steve Fuller started. The team's plus-258 point differential was the best of the 1980's despite Fuller starting five games, with the dominant rushing attack led by Walter Payton and an incredible defense coached by Buddy Ryan and anchored by William Perry, Richard Dent, Wilber Marshall, Mike Singletary, and Steve McMichael. The Bears demolished New England 46-10 in Super Bowl XX after consecutive playoff shutouts.

Seth Trachtman

Seth Trachtman is a sportswriter, digital marketer, and fantasy sports expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a two-time winner of the Tout Wars Fantasy Baseball Expert’s League, and his work has appeared in hundreds of fantasy baseball and fantasy football newsstand and online publications

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

Report: Steelers turned down wild trade from Commanders for Terry McLaurin
NFL

Report: Steelers turned down wild trade from Commanders for Terry McLaurin

The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver situation has once again stolen attention heading into the season. The team has DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson ready to lead the way, along with tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington. That is a solid group of pass-catchers for Aaron Rodgers to work with, but many fans remain concerned about depth and the inevitable injuries that occur in the NFL. In a league where it is truly next man up, even one significant injury can dramatically affect a team’s offensive production. On Tuesday, new details emerged revealing that the Washington Commanders reportedly made a wild trade offer to Steelers general manager Omar Khan. Insider Andrew Fillipponi reported on 93.7 The Fan that a former NFL assistant GM said the offer included a second-round draft pick and Freiermuth in exchange for star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. "But one thing that did get thrown out at me from a guy who used to be an assistant general manager in the NFL, was the following trade proposal: He thinks Washington floated this to the Steelers, and it got quickly shut down.... He thinks Washington pushed for this deal and the Steelers were the ones who laughed at it." Such a blockbuster move would have dramatically reshaped Pittsburgh’s offense, but the team ultimately decided to pass. The Steelers would have been unwise to accept it. Trading a young tight end and a second-round pick for a talented but 29-year-old wide receiver who would demand top-tier money at the position would have been financially imprudent for the organization. That is likely why the team quickly dismissed the idea of such a wild trade. Still, it is intriguing to see that Pittsburgh may have been presented with a path to acquire McLaurin, even if it would have been a bad deal. Steelers' 2025 season set to draw tons of extra attention The 2025 season is drawing a lot of attention, largely due to the addition of new faces on offense, such as Rodgers and Metcalf. The two are expected to form a lethal duo, but concerns remain about the depth beyond Metcalf. That is why many Steelers fans feel that adding one more offensive weapon would provide greater comfort heading into the season. If the Steelers see a good deal that makes sense and improves their roster, they will take it. For now, they appear to be staying patient. Khan is as aggressive as they come lately. He has his eyes set on bringing a Super Bowl back to Pittsburgh. Whether it can happen in the 2025 season remains to be seen. However, anything is truly possible in the NFL.

Packers Veteran May Need Dominant Preseason Finale Just to Make the Roster
NFL

Packers Veteran May Need Dominant Preseason Finale Just to Make the Roster

The Packers have built a young and ascending receiving corps around Jordan Love, but one of this offseason’s additions may see his time in Green Bay cut short before he even plays a regular season game. Matthew Golden has a real chance of opening the season atop the depth chart, after being chosen in the first round of April’s NFL Draft, Savion Williams will have a role as a rookie, and the likes of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks should all see meaningful snaps as Christian Watson works his way back from a torn ACL. Mecole Hardman on Packers’ Bubble? Meanwhile, it might take a dominant performance from veteran free agent signing Mecole Hardman in the preseason finale against the Seahawks just to make the team. “Hardman signed with the Packers when they had real questions about where speed would come from at the receiver position following Watson’s injury,” Justis Mosqueda writes for SBNation. “Since then, Green Bay has added Matthew Golden (4.29-second 40-yard dash) and Savion Williams (4.48-second 40-yard dash) as top-100 picks in April’s draft. Based on how the offense has deployed Hardman with the first- and second-team units this summer, the offense’s plan for Hardman seems to be to use him as a reserve slot receiver, a role that Jayden Reed starts at and Golden, Dontayvion Wicks and Heath all receive snaps at.” The Packers receiving corps has the chance to stretch the field with Golden and produce some big plays after the catch with Reed, Wicks, and tight end Tucker Kraft. It may be difficult for Hardman to have a role, or even a spot on the roster.

Projected Brian Robinson Jr. trade to Bears gives Commanders big win
NFL

Projected Brian Robinson Jr. trade to Bears gives Commanders big win

The Washington Commanders could be big winners in a projected trade scenario that ships running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the Chicago Bears. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton laid out a proposal in which Chicago would get Robinson, while Washington would receive a 2026 fourth-round pick and guard Ryan Bates. On paper, it’s the kind of deal that helps both sides, but the Commanders may walk away with the bigger haul. Why the Bears Would Make the Deal “As the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator between 2022 and 2024, Bears head coach Ben Johnson built his offense around a robust ground attack. He inherited a roster with D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson as a backfield duo, but Chicago could make a move for a player who’s familiar with running backs coach Eric Bieniemy.” That connection is key. Robinson played under Bieniemy when he was Washington’s offensive coordinator in 2023. While Bieniemy wasn’t known for leaning heavily on the run, he still helped showcase Robinson’s versatility. “In 2023, Bieniemy was the Commanders' offensive coordinator. Though he didn’t make a strong commitment to the run game, his offense allowed Robinson to display his pass-catching ability. The bruising 6’1”, 225-pound tailback logged career highs across multiple receiving categories.” For Chicago, the timing makes sense. Johnson is currently sidelined with a foot injury, and even if it’s minor, the Bears may not feel comfortable relying on him as their No. 2 back. Swift has also battled injuries throughout his career, and while rookie Kyle Monangai has earned praise from GM Ryan Poles, it’s a stretch to expect a seventh-rounder to immediately carry a big role. Robinson gives them insurance and a proven starter who knows Bieniemy’s coaching style. Why the Commanders Win Big From Washington’s perspective, the proposed return is what makes this deal intriguing. The Commanders would add a 2026 fourth-round pick, giving GM Adam Peters more draft flexibility down the road. But perhaps more importantly, they’d also get Ryan Bates, a versatile interior lineman who can start at guard. “In return for Robinson, the Commanders should inquire about Bates, who was acquired by the Bears before they hired Johnson and his coaching staff. The versatile interior offensive lineman could start at left guard over Brandon Coleman, who’s moving inside from left tackle.” That’s a big plus for a team determined to build a sturdy line in front of Jayden Daniels. With Laremy Tunsil at left tackle and first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. on the right side, adding Bates would give Washington even more stability. It’s only a projected deal, but it’s the kind of scenario that feels like a win-win. Chicago would shore up its backfield, and Washington would continue to build around its young quarterback. If a trade like this comes together, the Commanders might end up feeling like the biggest winners.

Micah Parsons’ brother might have reignited hope for Cowboys fans
NFL

Micah Parsons’ brother might have reignited hope for Cowboys fans

As we approach the final preseason game, the Dallas Cowboys and star pass rusher Micah Parsons are still at an impasse. Parsons has yet to rescind his trade request,despite the front office being adamant they won’t trade him. That’s led to Parsons sitting out of practices, but there could be some renewed hope. While no one from the franchise, or Parsons’ camp, has suggested that talks have picked back up, Parsons’ brother said the superstar defender wants to be out there. Terrance Parsons even said no one realized how badly his brother wants that. “I don’t think people realize how much Micah wanna be out there man.” Beat writer Clarence Hill gave fans more to cling to as he replied to the comment, saying he not only agrees that No. 11 wants to play, but added that “He does not want a divorce.” It wouldn’t be surprising to know Parsons wants to get back to the negotiating table. He was willing to work things out until Jerry Jones pushed him too far. Jones used the media to gaslight fans and attempt to make Parsons out to be the bad guy. Rather than operate in good faith, he tried to gain favor and use that as leverage. Fans lashed out at Jones for that, which he’s used to. He’s not, however, used to players fighting back which might be why the conversation has come to a complete stop. —