The Three Premier Franchises in the NFL Today- Who’s the best?

Since 2000, it’s somewhat obvious that the NFL has been dominated by three franchises.  The Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots, and the Indianapolis Colts.  The three of these teams combined for eight super bowl appearances this past decade, winning six of them. 

Let’s see what they’ve done since the start of the new millennium-

The Patriots won in 2001, 2003, and again in 2004.  In 2007, they reached the Super Bowl but lost to the New York Giants.   They have had eight playoff appearances, and have played in five AFC Championship games since 2000.  The funny thing about New England’s success is that an injury was probably the best thing that’s ever happened to its franchise.  In 2001, starting quarterback, Drew Bledsoe went down on a vicious sideline hit.  Second-year back up, Tom Brady came into the game, and we all know what happened from there…

The Colts won it all back in 2006. (Yes, it’s still counted as a win even when facing Rex Grossman).  Then last season, in 2009, they met the New Orleans Saints in the Super Bowl, but lost 31-17.  They have been known to be one of the leagues top offensive teams since Peyton Manning was drafted back in 1998.  Since 2000, the Colts have been in the playoffs ten times, and have appeared in three AFC Championship games.

The Steelers have won Super Bowls in 2005, and in 2008.  Being un-arguably one of the leagues best defenses year after year, the Steel City has been very pleased with what their team has given them these past few seasons.  Since 2000, the Steelers have had seven playoff appearances, and have played in five AFC Championship games.  Of course, prior to the Ben Roethlisberger era, the Steelers hadn’t won a championship since the 1979 season, but since 2004, Pittsburgh fans haven’t had much to complain about…

Now the question is: Which one of these franchises is the leagues best?

Since 2000, including the playoffs, the Patriots and Colts have met a total of fifteen times.  The Patriots lead the series 9-6.

The Steelers and Colts have met only four times, with the series tied, 2-2.

The Steelers and Patriots have faced each other eight times.  The Patriots lead the series, 6-2.

Although head-to-head, the Patriots seem to have an advantage over the two, I wouldn’t necessarily say that they are the leagues premier franchise.  If you ask me, I think that it’s a question to be answered Sunday.  The Steelers will face the Green Bay Packers in their third Super Bowl appearance since 2005.  If they can pull off a victory, there’s not a doubt in my mind that they are the leagues best franchise, and also the face of the NFL…

Not only do the Steelers hold the most Super Bowl titles, but also have the largest fan base in all of professional sports.  Not to mention the fact that the Rooney Family has provided a perfect example of how an NFL team should be ran.  If the Steelers win on Sunday, it will be their third Super Bowl title since 2005, and seventh of all-time. 

Sounds like the ultimate NFL franchise to me…

written by Alex Muchnok