30 greatest NFL rivalries of all-time

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Oct 13, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers runingback Frank Gore (21) runs the ball against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The San Francisco 49ers defeat the St. Louis Rams 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

24. St. Louis Rams vs. San Fransisco 49ers

The rivalry game between the St. Louis Rams and San Fransisco 49ers has lost some of its allure over the past two decades. This can be largely credited to the Rams leaving Los Angeles for St. Louis following the 1994, effectively ending an in-state division rivalry that had been a marquee game for both teams for more than 40 years.

"“We always hated those Ram horns,” R.C. Owens, a halfback with the 49ers from 1957-61 told the Los Angeles Times in 1989. “In those days, the Rams were kind of like the 49ers are today. You know, they had Mr. Everything at every position. Beating the Rams was it. Every game we played, we fought. We scratched. Hell, (Ram linebacker) Les Richter even bit.”"

Even with the Rams’ relocation, however, the rivalry still remains one of the most highly-contested series in NFL history, with San Fransisco taking a two-game lead all-time after winning three games in the past two seasons.

The two teams have met just once in the postseason, with San Fransisco blowing out the Rams 30-3 in the 1990 NFC Championship Game, en route to the second of back-to-back Super Bowl Victories.

Next: 23. Joe Montana vs. Steve Young

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