The go-to video game for NFL fans is now clearly the Madden franchise. It won the football video game wars of the early 2000s, and it’s now the main option for AAA gamers, with a release every season. The Madden games sell well, and it sometimes doesn’t seem to matter whether each new release is poorly received or not.
Yet, there are so many other great NFL and football games from down the years. From retro classics to modern games that could challenge the might Madden, we list some of the best options to explore.
NFL 2K1 (Dreamcast)
This one was Sega’s fast-and-furious football classic. It became a massive reason that the 2K series became Madden’s biggest rival in the 2000s. It holds a 97 score on Metacritic, and it got universal praise across the board. A masterpiece in the golden era of football games.
NFL 2K5 (PS2, Xbox)
Ok, we won’t dwell too long on DK games, but we have to mention this one that became a hit on PS2 and Xbox. Still legendary for its presentation and depth, breaking boundaries for that era. It’s probably not just as universally lauded as 2K1, but it comes very close
ESPN NFL Football (PS2, Xbox)
Our final 2K game (even though it’s not mentioned I the title. This one was light years ahead of its time, giving a kind of TV broadcast vibe that mimicked Sunday Night Football. It’s as widely praised as the other 2K games on this list.
NFL Street (PS2, Xbox, GameCube)
The best thing we can say is that it is arcade-style football done right. It wasn’t the type of game that you’d dive into for long sessions, but it featured all the chaos and fun that was perfect for switching off for short periods.
NFL Street 2 (PS2, Xbox, GameCube)
Improving on perfection is never easy, but the sequel to the game above builds on the original with even more style and personality, although it is probably not as fondly remembered. It really didn’t work well on the PSP, though.
Football Blackjack (PC, Mobile)
Yes, alongside its sportsbook, giving you the latest odds for the Super Bowl, DraftKings has an NFL-themed blackjack game.
NFL Blitz 2000 (N64, Dreamcast, PS1)
NFL Blitz was ridiculous, violent, over-the-top arcade football that’s still something of a go-to for NFL-themed parties. Lots of fun.
NFL Blitz: Pro (Xbox, PS2)
This was a strange release, but it kind of worked when it shouldn’t have. Pro has a slightly more sim feel that still keeps the madness. It’s like a middle ground between arcade football and more authentic games.
Tecmo Super Bowl (NES)
The absolute icon of early football games. It was simple, addictive, and unbelievably replayable. It basically started the concept of video game football, and it’s venerated like few other games.
Tecmo Super Bowl III: Final Edition (SNES)
While some prefer the NES original, you have to admit that the 16-bit version went a little deeper and was more ambitious.
Joe Montana Football (Genesis/Mega Drive)
Sega’s early football crown jewel, which was a real alternative to Madden in the 16-bit console wars.
