The Off-Season: Top NFL Franchises in the 1980s

As the NFL entered into the decade of the 1980's, the sport was continuing to increase in interest, as well as exposure. Players were beginning to make more money. The 1980's provided some classic football moments, such as 'ËœThe Catch' in 1981. However, many link the decade to two work stoppages in 1982 and 1987. Nevertheless, NFL fans witnessed yet another dynasty, as well as a couple of other dazzling teams.

San Francisco 49ers

Many link the term 'ËœWest Coast Offense' with the 49ers explosive offensive playbook of the 1980's. With it, they conquered four Super Bowl titles throughout the decade. They defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowls XVI (1981) and XXIII (1988), the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX (1984), and Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV (1989). In 1984, the 49ers became the first team to win 15 games during a regular season. They won 10 or more games in eight seasons, 13 or more games in four seasons. Head coach Bill Walsh led the 49ers to the first three championships, while George Seifert led them to the fourth. The 49ers from the 1980's encompasses a cast of familiar stars such as quarterback Joe Montana, wide receiver Jerry Rice, running back Roger Craig, and defensive back Ronnie Lott.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins appeared in three Super Bowls in the 1980's, winning two. They defeated the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII (1982) and the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII (1987). Led by head coach Joe Gibbs, the Redskins accumulated six seasons in which they won 10 or more games. In the 1982 strike-shortened season, they won eight of nine regular season games. In 1983, they won 14 out of 16 regular season meetings, but lost in the Super Bowl to the Los Angeles Raiders. On the field leaders for the Redskins were running back John Riggins, wide receivers Art Monk and Gary Clark, quarterbacks Joe Theismann and Doug Williams, and defensive end Charles Mann.

Chicago Bears

The 1985 Chicago Bears will go down in history as one of the best teams in NFL history. Unfortunately, many refer to this group as a one-year wonder. That is not necessarily the case. While the 1985 Bears became a part of pop culture with the 'ËœSuper Bowl Shuffle' and a group of charismatic players, they were a dominant team, especially defensively. They routed the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 46-10 in Super Bowl XX, one of the most lopsided scores in Super Bowl history. They followed up the magical 1985 campaign with a 14-win season in 1986. Despite the impressive regular season, a playoff loss to the Redskins ended any hope at a Super Bowl repeat. The Bears completed the decade with five season in which they won 10 or more games, as well as five post-season appearance. They were led by head coach Mike Ditka, running back Walter Payton, lineback Mike Singletary, wide receiver Willie Gault, defensive linemen Richard Dent and William 'ËœRefrigerator' Perry, and quarterback Jim McMahon.

Honorable mentions include Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders; Denver Broncos; New York Giants

Resource: Pro Football Reference