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EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was first posted at the start of the 2009 NFL season. At that point, the New England Patriots held a slim one-game lead over the Indianapolis Colts as the winningest team of the decade. Thanks to the Colts’ perfect record thus far and the team’s last-minute, come-from-behind victory over the Pats Sunday night, Indianapolis now boasts a two-game lead over New England.

Heading into to the final season of the 2000s decade, the New England Patriots boast the National Football League’s best record with an impressive 102-42 overall record and a .708 win percentage from 2000-08. The Chicago Bears of the 1940s currently hold the NFL’s best decade-long performance with a .757 winning percentage along with an 81-26-3 record.

The Patriots, however, cannot rest on their laurels this year as the Indianapolis Colts are hot on their heels just one game behind them with a 101-43 mark (.701 winning percentage).

While it is not possible for either the Patriots or the Colts to surpass the all-time percentage mark, both are within striking distance of becoming the all-time decade leader in wins. The San Francisco 49ers of the 1990s currently holds that distinction with 113 victories.

Best Records by Decade
Franchise had to play at least five seasons in decade to be considered. Tie games were not calculated in winning percentage prior to 1971.