When you buy through links on the site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more here
Before Madden got serious and simulation-heavy, NFL Blitz 2000 on N64 gave us everything we really wanted: bombs, body slams, and quarterbacks who could run like running backs. It didn’t matter who the actual starters were or what their “real” ratings were supposed to be. In Blitz, all the QBs could run, all the receivers could catch, and all the defenders could hit like a truck. That was more than enough.
It was the version I owned, and yes — it had Randy Moss. The Vikings were the people’s champs. This was the perfect game to play with three friends, no serious football knowledge required. Just pick up a controller and start launching missiles.
For what it’s worth, I did eventually learn most of what I know about football from EA’s Madden and NCAA franchises. But Acclaim? They brought the fun.
Blitz also made the cut on my Favorite N64 Games list, and if you loved NBA Jam, you’ll definitely want to check out my full ranking of every original NBA Jam duo.
So here it is: my definitive ranking of the best teams in NFL Blitz 2000 (N64 version), based entirely on chaos potential, star power, and childhood dominance.
#1. Minnesota Vikings
QB: Randall Cunningham
Stars: Randy Moss, Cris Carter, Robert Smith
If you didn’t pick the Vikings, what were you doing? Moss was absolutely broken in Blitz. Deep bombs, jump balls, it didn’t matter—he caught everything. Add Carter’s hands and Smith’s speed, and you had the ultimate offense.
#2. San Francisco 49ers
QB: Steve Young
Stars: Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens
Steve Young could run, throw on the move, and fire missiles to Rice or a young T.O. The 49ers were one of the most explosive and balanced teams in the game.
#3. Tennessee Titans
QB: Steve McNair
Stars: Eddie George, Frank Wycheck, Jevon Kearse
McNair had that perfect blend of toughness and mobility. George could run people over, and Kearse brought heat on defense. Pure power team.
#4. Miami Dolphins
QB: Dan Marino
Stars: O.J. McDuffie, Zach Thomas
Marino’s quick release made him a monster in Blitz. Even if he couldn’t move much, you didn’t need to—his throws were lasers. Defense was solid, too.
#5. Denver Broncos
QB: Bubby Brister
Stars: Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe
No Elway here, but TD was an absolute tank and Sharpe was a matchup nightmare. Brister did just enough while the stars did the rest.
#6. Dallas Cowboys
QB: Troy Aikman
Stars: Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin
Legacy squad. Emmitt powered through tackles, Irvin made contested catches, and they just felt like a Blitz classic. No nonsense, just wins.
#7. Oakland Raiders
QB: Rich Gannon
Stars: Tim Brown, Napoleon Kaufman
Speed and vertical threats. Gannon was surprisingly mobile, and Brown could outrun most defenders. A great pick for chaos-loving players.
#8. Arizona Cardinals
QB: Jake Plummer
Stars: Frank Sanders, Aeneas Williams
Plummer could scramble, Sanders was a strong WR option, and Aeneas Williams was a menace on defense. Underrated and gritty.
#9. Buffalo Bills
QB: Doug Flutie
Stars: Eric Moulds, Bruce Smith
Flutie Magic was real in Blitz. Small but mobile and unpredictable. Moulds had hands, and Bruce Smith was a menace defensively.
#10. Green Bay Packers
QB: Brett Favre (ugh)
Stars: Antonio Freeman, Reggie White
Yeah, they were technically good. But Favre was annoying and overrated, so they get the last spot. Freeman had hops, and White was a beast, but whatever.
Final Thoughts
Sure, Blitz 2000 had player ratings and team stats. But none of that really mattered. Everyone was fast. Everyone could tackle. Everyone could throw bombs off their back foot while spinning in mid-air. That’s why NFL Blitz 2000 is still one of the most fun football games ever made. And if you didn’t play with Randy Moss at least once, you’re lying.
Want to relive the chaos? Grab an original N64 console bundle or pick up NFL Blitz 2000 on cartridge via eBay or Amazon. Just make sure your controller’s joystick can handle it.
Leave a Reply