The NFL has seen its share of dominant teams and dismal performances throughout its history. While discussions often center around legendary squads like the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the last team to finish a season undefeated, or the 2007 New England Patriots, who famously lost in the Super Bowl, less attention is given to the teams that have struggled significantly.
Historically, teams that perform poorly tend to be remembered more than those that merely fall short of greatness. For instance, an 11-5 playoff team that fails to win the championship often fades from memory, while a team with a dismal record becomes part of NFL lore.
The 2021 Detroit Lions, despite their struggles, may be forgotten after a few wins, whereas Urban Meyer’s tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars is likely to be remembered for its failures.
Here are the ten worst NFL teams of all time, known for their exceptionally poor regular-season records:
10 Worst NFL Teams of All Time
10. 1996 New York Jets: 1-15
Following a disappointing 3-13 season in 1995, expectations were low for the Jets. However, they performed even worse in 1996, finishing with a record of 1-15. Their sole victory came against the Arizona Cardinals, and drafting wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson first overall did not help improve their fortunes.
9. 2001 Carolina Panthers: 1-15
After winning their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, the Panthers lost their next 15 games. Despite some close matches—two of which went into overtime—they finished with one of the worst records in NFL history. The Panthers also missed out on the first overall pick in the following draft due to the expansion of the Houston Texans.
8. 1973 Houston Oilers: 1-13
In a season where teams played only 14 games, the Oilers managed just one win against a backdrop of poor performance that included a point differential of -248. They ranked among the worst in terms of yardage allowed.
7. 1990 New England Patriots: 1-15
The Patriots began their season with promise but quickly spiraled into a losing streak that culminated in 14 consecutive losses. This disastrous campaign led to a coaching change after just one season for Ron Erhardt.
6. 1982 Baltimore Colts: 0-8-1
In a strike-shortened season, the Colts failed to secure a single victory, ending with an abysmal record of 0-8-1. If they had played a full schedule, they might have ranked even lower on this list.
5. 1960 Dallas Cowboys: 0-11-1
The Cowboys’ inaugural season was marked by failure as they did not win any games until their third outing when they managed a tie against the New York Giants. Their performance set a low bar for future seasons.
4. 2009 St. Louis Rams: 1-15
The Rams had one of the most ineffective offenses in NFL history during this season, failing to score in multiple games and finishing with a point differential of -261.
3. 2017 Cleveland Browns: 0-16
The Browns failed to win any games after having gone just one win shy of success in the previous season (1-15). This marked them as one of only two teams in NFL history to finish a season without any victories.
2. 2008 Detroit Lions: 0-16
The Lions’ performance in this season led them to become the first team to finish an entire season with no wins until the Browns matched this feat nearly a decade later. Their final loss came at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers.
1. 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 0-14
The Buccaneers hold the title for worst team ever recorded in NFL history due to their winless inaugural season. They were shut out multiple times and scored an average of just under nine points per game while finishing with an unprecedented point differential of -287.
These teams are forever etched into NFL history for their lackluster performances and serve as reminders of how difficult it can be to achieve success in professional football.
