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Every NFL Team's Worst Season of All Time - All 32 Franchises. Read Every NFL Team's Worst Season of All Time - All 32 Franchises. What were the worst teams in NFL history
Every NFL Team's Worst Season of All Time - All 32 Franchises
With the 2025 NFL Season just around the corner, let’s take a look back at each franchise’s worst teams. Which teams were the worst in their history? Let’s dive in
Arizona Cardinals
2018: 3-13
In 2018, the Arizona Cardinals entered the start of the season with rookie QB Josh Rosen under center. The Cardinals selected Rosen with the 10th overall pick in the previous draft out of UCLA. However, Rosen was unable to live up to his prospect pedigree and was quickly replaced the following season. During his lone campaign as the No. 1 QB, Rosen posted an 11:14 TD:INT and led the Cardinals to just three victories. In the following draft, the Cardinals selected Kyler Murray with the first overall pick.
Atlanta Falcons
1967: 1-12-1
The 1967 campaign was the only time the Falcons won just one (or fewer) games. Among the 16 teams in the NFL at this time, the Falcons placed last in points scored and points allowed. Their offense was led by quarterback Randy Johnson, who threw just 10 touchdown passes with 21 interceptions. Their lone bright spot was linebacker Tommy Nobis, who was named first-team All-Pro.
Baltimore Ravens
1996: 4-12
Throughout their relatively short history, the Baltimore Ravens have been remarkably successful. However, in 1996, the Ravens posted their lowest win total in their history. However, unlike the previous two teams on this list, this team achieved some success. On offense, quarterback Vinny Testaverde was named to the Pro Bowl, threw for 4,177 yards and 33 touchdowns. However, on defense, they struggled as they allowed the second-most points and most yards.
Buffalo Bills
1971: 1-13
The Buffalo Bills posted two one-win campaigns in their history, but their 1971 campaign stands out as their worst season. During this campaign, the Bills scored the fewest points and allowed the most. In addition, they tallied the second-fewest yards and allowed the second-most yards. Quarterback Dennis Shaw led the league in interceptions (26). On defense, they did not have Pro Bowls, but their sack leader, Al Cowlings, finished the season with a respectable total (8.5).
Carolina Panthers
2023: 2-15
While the 2023 Panthers did not post their lowest win total in franchise history, this team was statistically worse than any other in the team’s history. With rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the offense struggled as they tallied the fewest yards in the league and scored the second-fewest points. Young posted a modest 11:10 TD:INT. On defense, their lone Pro Bowl nomination went to defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who tallied 57 solo tackles with 15 QB hits.
Chicago Bears
1969: 1- 13
The Chicago Bears only fell behind the three-win mark once in their long history. In 1969, the Bears posted their fewest win total and had a -129 point differential. During this season, the Bears scored the fewest points in the league and allowed the fourth-most. They relied on three quarterbacks, with Jack Concannon seeing the majority of the starts. Their lone bright spot was star running back Gale Sayers, who led the league in rushing yards and was named first-team All-Pro.
Cincinnati Bengals
2019: 2-14
The Bengals had two two-win seasons in their history, but their 2019 campaign was much worse than their 2002 season. In 2019, the Bengals sat near the bottom in both offensive and defensive metrics. Led by veteran Andy Dalton, the Bengals scored the third-fewest points. On defense, they allowed the fourth-most yards. Their lon Pro Bowler was defenisve tackle Geno Atkins. While this was a disappointing season, they were rewarded with the No. 1 overall pick and selected franchise quarterback Joe Burrow.
Cleveland Browns
2017: 0-16
The Cleveland Browns did the near impossible in the 2017 season when they went 0-16. While they were rather productive in tallying yards and preventing them on defense, they struggled in the red zone on both sides of the ball as they scored the fewest points and allowed the second-most. DeShone Kizer saw most of the starts under center and led the league in interceptions (22). Linebacker Joe Schobert was the leader of the defense as he led the NFL in combined tackles (144) and was named to the Pro Bowl.
Dallas Cowboys
1960: 0-11-1
While they were able to avoid a winless season like the Browns, they were unable to get in the win column in 1960. The 1960 Dallas Cowboys finished the campaign with the fewest points scored and points allowed in the league (among the 13 teams at the time). Eddie LeBaron was the primary QB1 and struggled with his decision-making as he threw 25 interceptions, the most in the league. On defense, they did not have a Pro Bowl nomination and allowed the most total yards.
Denver Broncos
1982: 2-7
While the Broncos won just two games in three individual seasons, their 1982 campaign was their least successful. Their QB room consisted of three starters, with Steve DeBerg receiving the majority of starts. DeBerg posted a 7:11 TD:INT threw for just 1,405 yards in nine games. Kick returner/wide receiver Rick Upchurch was their lone bright spot as he led the NFL in punt return touchdowns, was named to the Pro Bowl, and was first-team All-Pro. This campaign was cut short due to the players’ strike.
Detroit Lions
2008: 0-16
Like the Browns, the Detroit Lions also had a winless campaign. In 2008, the Detroit Lions were one of the worst teams in league history. On offense, the Lions scored the sixth-fewest points (third-fewest yards), and they allowed the most points and yards on defense. Dan Orlovsky earned the majority of the starts and held an 8:8 TD:INT across 10 games. Despite his struggles, wideout Calvin Johnson was able to lead the league in receiving scores (12).
Green Bay Packers
1958: 1-10-1
The Packers only won one game (or fewer) during the 1958 campaign. Led by head coach Ray McLean, the Packers placed at the bottom of the league standings in points scored and points allowed. In regards to yards, the Packers tallied the second-fewest and allowed the second-fewest. Hall of Famer Bart Starr made the most starts under center, and there were just three touchdown passes with 12 interceptions. On defense, they had two Pro Bowlers and one first-team All-Pro nomination, safety Bobby Dillon.
Houston Texans
2005: 2-14
The Houston Texans posted two two-win campaigns in their short history, but their 2005 campaign holds the title as the worst in franchise history. During this season, the Texans’ defense was the worst in the league, and their offense scored the seventh-fewest total points. Much of their offense production came without Andre Johnson, who caught 63 of his 114 targets for 688 yards. Jerome Mathis was their lone Pro Bowl nomination. He was an elite return specialist as he led the NFL in kick return touchdowns and was named first-team All-Pro.
Indianapolis Colts
1982: 0-8-1
In 1982, the then-Baltimore Colts were unable to get in the win column for the only time in their franchise history. Among the 28 teams in the NFL during this season, the Colts scored the fewest points on offense and allowed the third-most points on defense. Mike Pagel made every start as their QB1 and posted a 5:7 TD:INT. On defense, linebacker Johnie Cooks finished sixth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. This campaign was cut short due to the players’ strike.
Jacksonville Jaguars
2020: 1-15
The Jaguars only fell behind the two-win mark once in their history. In 2020, the Jaguars finished near the bottom in most statistics. On offense, they tallied the third-fewest points. On defense, they allowed the second-most yards and points. Gardner Minshew II made eight of the starts and posted a 16:5 TD:INT. On defense, they had two linebackers hit the 100+ combined tackle mark (Myles Jack and Joe Schobert), but neither earned a Pro Bowl nomination. Following this season, they were awarded the first overall pick, which they used to select Trevor Lawrence.
Kansas City Chiefs
2012: 2-14
While the Kansas City Chiefs have had three two-win campaigns, their 2012 season holds the worst turnover and point differential, which earned them a spot on this list. Led by head coach Romeo Crennel, the Chiefs scored the fewest points on offense and allowed the eighth-most on defense. Matt Cassell and Brady Quinn each made eight starts, but neither was productive. On defense, they had four Pro Bowl nominations: Eric Berry, Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson, and Tamba Hali.
Las Vegas Raiders
1962: 1-13
The then-Oakland Raiders had their lone one-win campaign during the 1962 season. Among the eight teams in the AFL at the time, the Raiders sat at the bottom in terms of points scored, yards earned, and yards allowed. They allowed the third-most points in the league. Cotton Davidson made the majority of the starts at quarterback and posted an uninspiring 7:23 TD:INT. Linebacker Fred Williamson was the leader of their defense as he was named first-team All-Pro and led the league in interception yards and interceptions.
Los Angeles Chargers
2000: 1-15
After a disappointing rookie campaign and missing the 1999 season due to a shoulder injury, former second overall pick Ryan Leaf hoped to turn his career around in 2000. Unfortunately, the Chargers won their only one-win campaign this season and finished at the bottom of the league. On offense, they scored the fewest points. However, on defense, they were quite effective, allowing the 13th-fewwst points. Junior Seau was the leader of the defense, being named first-team All-Pro, and tallied 124 combined tackles.
Los Angeles Rams
2009: 1-15
The Cleveland/St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams have had three one-win seasons in their franchise history. However, their 2009 campaign will hold the spot on this list. This team scored the fewest yards on offense and allowed the second-most yards on defense. Quarterback Marc Bulger saw most of the starts but posted an underwhelming 5:6 TD:INT across nine games. Steven Jackson was the lone Pro Bowl nomination. He ran for 1,416 yards en route to being named second-team All-Pro.
Miami Dolphins
2007: 1-15
The Miami Dolphins posted their lone one-win campaign during the 2007 season. During this disappointing season, they relied on three QBs, with Cleo Lemon receiving the slight majority of the starts. Through nine games, Lemon posted a 6:6 TD:INT. Much of their offensive production came from running backs Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman, who combined for over 1,100 yards. On defense, they had one Pro Bowl nomination (Jason Taylor) and allowed the third-most total points.
Minnesota Vikings
1962: 2-11-1
The Minnesota Vikings had their worst single season in 1962 when they posted a franchise low of two wins. Among the 14 teams in the NFL at the time, the Vikings tallied the second-fewest points on offense and allowed the most points on defense. Fran Tarkenton started each game under center and threw for 2,595 yards with a 22:25 TD:INT. Running back Tommy Mason was named to the Pro Bowl as he ran for 740 yards and added 603 through the air. On defense, they did not have any Pro Bowl nominees.
New England Patriots
1990: 1-15
The New England Patriots posted a franchise low 1-15 record during the 1990 campaign. Among the 28 teams in the NFL at the time, this team placed 28th in terms of points scored and 27th in points allowed. On offense, both Marc Wilson and Todd Hodson each made six starts but combined for just 10 total TD passes. Running back John Stephens was a bright spot of the offense, tallying 808 yards on the ground. Their lone Pro Bowl nomination went to left tackle Bruce Armstrong.
New Orleans Saints
1980: 1-15
The New Orleans Saints had their lone one-win campaign in 1980. During this season, the Saints struggled mightily on defense, allowing the most yards and points. On offense, they were slightly more productive, tallying the 19th-fewest points. Archie Manning made every start under center and posted a 23:20 TD:INT with 3,716 passing yards. He leaned on his top pass catcher, Wes Chandler, who brought in 5 receptions for 975 yards. On defense, they allowed at least 30 points in half of their games.
New York Giants
2017: 3-13
While their 2017 record was not the worst in their lengthy history, their 2017 team was very disappointing. Following a remarkable 2016 season under head coach Ben McAdoo, where they won 11 games and reached the postseason, they took a steep step back in 2017. During this season, they scored the second-fewest points and allowed the fifth-most points. Eli Manning threw just 19 passing scores in 15 games. On defense, their lone bright spot was safety Landon Collins, who was named to the Pro Bowl.
New York Jets
2020: 2-14
The 2020 New York Jets had one of he worst offensive units in recent memory. This offense tallied the fewest yards and scored the fewest points in the league. Led primarily by Sam Darnold in his final season in New York, he threw for just 2,208 yards with a 9:11 TD: INT in 12 games. Running back Frank Gore led the team in rushing (653 yards) and punched in two scores. Linebacker Neville Hewitt led the team in combined tackles (134).
Philadelphia Eagles
1936: 1-11
The Eagles posted three one-win campaigns from 1936 through 1940, but their 1936 season will represent them on this list. Among the nine NFL teams at the time, the Eagles had the worst point differential during this season. They scored the fewest points on offense and allowed the most on defense. They only scored five total offensive touchdowns. Running back Swede Hanson tallied the most scrimmage yards on offense (359).
Pittsburgh Steelers
1941: 1-9
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a consistently successful franchise throughout much of their prestigious history. However, they did hit a slump in the late 1930s through the early 1940s. During this stretch, they had two one-win seasons. In 1941, the Steelers finished at the bottom (among the 10 teams) in points scored and points allowed. On offense, they had two Pro Bowl nominations: Dick Riffle and Art Jones, but did not have any on defense.
San Francisco 49ers
2016: 2-14
Their lone season with Chip Kelly as the head coach did not go as planned. In 2016, the 49ers won just two games and struggled on both sides of the ball. On offense, they scored the fifth-fewest points and tallied the second-fewest yards. On defense, they allowed the most yards and points in the league. Much of their offensive production came from running back Carlos Hyde, who ran for 988 yards and scored six touchdowns.
Seattle Seahawks
1992: 2-14
The Seattle Seahawks have had two two-win campaigns in their franchise history. However, their 1992 season was slightly worse than their 1976 season, which earned the spot on this list. In 1992, the Seahawks had the worst offense in the league, scoring the fewest points. On defense, they were slightly better, sitting near the middle of the pack. Much of their defensive success was highlighted by defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, who was named first-team All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1976: 0-14
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also a member of the winless club. In 1976, the Buccaneeers sat near the bottom in nearly every statistic. On offense, they scored the fewest points, and on defense, they allowed the second-most. They allowed over 40 points on four different occasions during the season. They did not receive any Pro Bowl nominations.
Tennessee Titans
1982: 1-8
The Tennessee Titans also had their worst campaign during the shortened 1982 season. Among the 28 teams in the NFL, the then-Houston Oilers allowed the most points on defense and tallied the fewest points on offense. Earl Campbell did much of the production on offense as he tallied 538 yards on the ground. On defense, Robert Brazile was their lone Pro Bowl nomination as he tallied 6.5 sacks, which was just one short of Jesse Baker (who tallied 7.5).
Washington Commanders
2019: 3-13
Washington has had numerous disappointing seasons throughout their franchise history. While they had several seasons in which they won just two games, their 2019 was their worst statistically. During this campaign, they scored the fewest points in the sport and allowed the fourth-most points. Their three quarterbacks combined for just 18 total passing scores. On defense, they did not earn any Pro Bowl nominations. Their lone nomination was punter Tress Way, who was also named second-team All-Pro.
