The Las Vegas Raiders might have switched cities, but that isn't going to change the intensity of some of their greatest rivals. There are many teams that every time they step onto the field against the Raiders, it just means a little more.
Let's look at the five greatest rivals in Raiders history.
5. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots and Raiders don't face off a lot, but when they do, there are some fireworks.
One of the most famous games between these two teams was in the 2001 playoffs, now referred to as the “Tuck Rule” game. Charles Woodson tackled Tom Brady which caused him to lose the ball. After review, it was ruled Brady was in a throwing motion before tucking the ball, which gave the ball back to the Patriots. If the Raiders would recovered the fumble, it would have been a victory for Oakland, but that didn't happen.
Ever since that game, the Raiders and Patriots' showdowns have always meant a little more. The Patriots lead the all-time series against the Raiders 19-15-1.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
During the 1970s, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Raiders rivalry was one of the most fierce in all of sports.
During the 1972 playoffs, the Raiders and Steelers faced off in the most famous game involving the two squads. The Raiders were up 7-6 when the “Immaculate Reception” happened to give the Steelers a victory. In the 1976 AFC Championship Game, the Raiders knocked off the Steelers to get to the Super Bowl.
At that point, the win over the Steelers was one of the biggest in team history. The two teams have played 29 times, with the Raiders winning 16 of the games.
3. San Francisco 49ers
This is the only rival that might lose a little luster with the Raiders moving to Las Vegas, but for years this was a fierce rivalry. The Raiders and San Francisco 49ers were right across the bay from each other, so when they faced off, it always meant a little more.
The 49ers have more Super Bowl victories than the Raiders, something that can't sit well with the fans of the black and silver. During the regular season, the two teams have played 14 times, with each team winning seven games.
The two teams have never met in the playoffs, but if they were to play in the Super Bowl, that would add a whole new level to the rivalry.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs and Raiders were the first two representatives of the AFL in the Super Bowl, and every time they face off, there is a chance for fireworks.
Even though it dates back a while, the last few years the rivalry has taken a new turn with Patrick Mahomes under center for the Chiefs. If Derek Carr starts to become a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback, or the Raiders find someone to lead them to a lot of success while Mahomes is still under center, this rivalry could become even more intense.
The Chiefs lead the all-time series 67-53-2.
1. Denver Broncos
For many years when the Denver Broncos and Raiders faced off, the AFC West championship was on the line.
Even when one of these teams struggles though, it seems this matchup always seems to mean a little more. If one of the teams is bad, they know the fans might forget about the troubles if they are to pull off a win in this game. Raiders fans always travel well, loving to take over the Broncos stadium, which is something that doesn't sit well with their fans.
The Raiders and Broncos have faced off 120 times in their history with the Raiders winning 65 games. Two of the games ended in draws.
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