How to define a dynasty is a question open to interpretation, and your answer will probably have a lot of bearing on whether you agree with this list or think it’s the worst thing you’ve ever seen. So let’s go over the ground rules now that we have to rank the Chiefs among the NFL’s all-time best after their 25-22 overtime victory against the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.
For these purposes, winning as many championships in as short a period as possible is the way to build a dynasty. Not every team on this list won back-to-back championships, but the one that didn’t got dinged for it. Ditto for teams that went longer periods between titles. Qualifying requires a minimum of three titles.
As for the Patriots, we split them into two dynasties — the first between 2001-04 and the second between 2014-18. The reason for this was twofold. First, the list is more interesting that way. It makes for a legitimate debate over No. 1. Second, they were two completely different teams, just with the same coach and quarterback.
This list is also just for NFL teams in the Super Bowl era. Apologies to Vince Lombardi’s Packers, who won the 1965 NFL title before winning the first two Super Bowls. And apologies to the Cleveland Browns of the 1940s who won five straight championships between the AAFC and the NFL.
