RADIO
Andy's list of every NFL team's greatest season of all time. His top season for all 32 NFL franchises through 2025. Read the NFL analysis and power rankings.
Every NFL Team's Greatest Season of All Time - All 32 Franchises
With the 2025 NFL Season on its way, let’s take a look back at every NFL team’s greatest season. While all these seasons may not have ended with them holding the Lombardi Trophy, their fans view this version of their team as the best in franchise history.
Arizona Cardinals
2015: 13-3, Lost in NFC Championship
The 2015 Arizona Cardinals won the NFC West and reached the NFC Championship. Quarterback Carson Palmer enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, throwing for 4,671 yards and leading the league in QBR (76.4). He was named second-team All-Pro and finished second in AP MVP voting. Larry Fitzgerald led the receiving room, catching 109 passes for 1,215 yards. Their defense ranked seventh in points allowed. They lost in the Championship Game to the 15-1 Carolina Panthers.
Atlanta Falcons
1998: 14-2, Lost in the Super Bowl
The Atlanta Falcons reached the Super Bowl for the first time in their franchise history during the 1998 campaign. They were a very balanced team, placing fourth-highest in points scored and fourth-best in points allowed. Chris Chandler led the offense and was named to his second Pro Bowl. However, running back Jamal Anderson was the heartbeat of the offense, leading the sport with 410 attempts. They lost in the Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos.
Baltimore Ravens
2000: 12-4, Super Bowl Champions
The 2000 Ravens were highlighted by their incredible defense. This unit allowed the fewest total points (during a 16-game season) in NFL history. They allowed the second-fewest total yards. They were elite in defending the run as they allowed the fewest rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. On offense, the Ravens were near the middle of the pack, scoring the 14th-most total points in the league. In the Super Bowl, the Ravens dominated the Giants by a score of 34-7.
Buffalo Bills
2022: 13-3, Lost in Divisional Round
While there were several Josh Allen-led teams to choose from (2024, 2020), the Bills’ 2022 roster was the most balanced in comparison to others during this era. In 2022, the Bills were elite on both sides of the ball, scoring the second-most points and allowing the second-fewest points. This season, Josh Allen finished third in MVP voting and tallied 42 total TDs. Stefon Diggs led the passing attack, tallying 1,429 yards. However, they saw their postseason bid cut short by the Bengals in the Divisional Round.
Carolina Panthers
2015: 15-1, Lost in Super Bowl
The Carolina Panthers set a franchise record in 2015 when they won 15 games. During this season, quarterback Cam Newton led the way as he was named league MVP. Newton posted a stellar 7.1% TD rate and scored 45 total TDs. He threw for 3,837 yards and ran for 636 yards. Jonathan Stewart ran for 989 yards on the ground and added six TDs. On defense, they allowed the sixth-fewest points. However, their historic season ended in the Super Bowl in a loss to the Denver Broncos.
Chicago Bears
1985: 15-1, Super Bowl Champions
Outside of the 2000 Ravens, the 1985 Chicago Bears may have the best defense on this list. The 1985 Bears only allowed more than 20 points in a single game thrice. They allowed the fewest total yards and points in the league. Richard Dent led the defense, tallied 17 sacks and seven forced fumbles, both of which led the sport. On offense, Walter Payton did most of the heavy lifting, being named first-team All-Pro and tallying over 2,000 combined yards.
Cincinnati Bengals
1998: 12-4, Lost Super Bowl
Boomer Esiason led the 1998 Bengals and was named league MVP. During this season, Esiason threw for 3,572 yards and added 28 passing scores. He led the league in passer rating (97.4) and Y/A (9.2). On defense, the Bengals were near the league median, as they allowed the 16th-most points and 15th-most yards. They defeated the Seahawks and Bills in the AFC playoffs but fell to the 49ers by a score of 20-16 in the Super Bowl.
Cleveland Browns
1948: 14-0, Won NFL Championship
The Cleveland Browns have enjoyed the majority of their success in the pre-Super Bowl era. During the 1948 season, the Browns enjoyed a perfect season en route to being named NFL Champions. On offense, the Browns scored the second-most points, and on defense, they allowed the fewest. Quarterback Otto Graham led the league in passing yards (2,713), and running back Marion Motley led the league in rushing (964). In the Championship, they defeated the Bills by a score of 49-7.
Dallas Cowboys
1992: 13-3, Super Bowl Champions
The Dallas Cowboys were elite on both sides of the ball during the 1992 campaign. On offense, Troy Aikman threw for 3,445 yards with a 23:14 TD:INT. On the ground, Emmitt Smith led the way as he led the league in rushing yards (1,713) and rushing scores (18). He was named first-team All-Pro. On defense, the Cowboys allowed the fewest total yards. In the Super Bowl, they dismantled the Buffalo Bills by a score of 52-17.
Denver Broncos
1998: 14-2, Super Bowl Champions
In 1998, the Denver Broncos set a franchise record as they won 14 games, en route to winning the Super Bowl. Their offense was centered around MVP winner, Terrell Davis, who led the league with an impressive 2008 yards and 21 rushing scores. He also led the sport with an incredible 125.5 YPG. In the passing game, both Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark. They were also in the top 10 on defense, allowing the eighth-fewest total points.
Detroit Lions
2024: 15-2, Lost in Divisional Round
The 2024 Detroit Lions had one of the best offensive units in league history. Under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the Lions posted a stellar 33.2 PPG. Quarterback Jared Goff finished fifth in MVP voting, throwing for 4,629 yards with 37 scores. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was named first-team All-Pro, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs finished eighth in Offensive Player of the Year voting. However, their historic season came to a disappointing finish, as they lost to the Washington Commanders in the Division Round of the postseason.
Green Bay Packers
1996: 13-3, Super Bowl Champions
While the Packers have had more successful regular seasons in their history, the 1996 team will be their representative on this list. In 1996, the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl and were a very balanced team on both sides of the ball. Led by the league MVP Brett Favre, the Packers scored the most points and tallied the fifth most yards. On defense, their secondary was highlighted by LeRoy Butler, who was named first-team All-Pro. Their defense allowed the fewest total points and yards. In the Super Bowl, they defeated the New England Patriots by a score of 35-21.
Houston Texans
2012: 12-4, Lost in Divisional Round
The Houston Texans won a franchise-high 12 games during the 2012 campaign. Their quarterback, Matt Schaub, threw for over 4,000 yards en route to leading the Texans to score the seventh-most total points. Most of their points came on the ground by running back Arian Foster, who led the league in attempts (351) and rushing scores (15). On defense, they were able to find great success as well, allowing the seventh-fewest yards. However, they lost in the Divisional Round to the New England Patriots.
Indianapolis Colts
2005: 14-2, Lost in Divisional Round
While this Colts team fell short in the postseason, they were the best regular season team in franchise history. During the regular season, the Colts boasted elite units on both sides of the ball. On offense, led by first-team All-Pro quarterback Peyton Manning, they scored the second-most total points in the league. On defense, the Colts were just as productive, allowing the second-fewest total points. They had two first-team All-Pro defenders, Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders. However, their playoff run was cut short in the Divisional Round against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jacksonville Jaguars
1999: 14-2, Lost in Conference Championship
The Jacksonville Jaguars set a franchise record in wins during the 1999 season. During the regular season, they were a very balanced team as they scored the sixth-most points on offense and allowed the fewest points on defense. Their quarterback, Mark Brunell, led the league with an impressive 2.0% INT% and was named to the Pro Bowl. The team had two first-team All-Pro nominees, including left tackle Tony Boselli and linebacker Kevin Hardy. After defeating the Dolphins in the Divisional Round, they lost to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game.
Kansas City Chiefs
2022: 14-3, Super Bowl Champions
The Chiefs had many teams that were worthy of earning this spot during the Andy Reid/Patrick Mahomes era. However, their 2022 Super Bowl-winning team will take the spot. Mahomes was named NFL MVP as he led the league in passing yards (5,250) and passing scores (41). In the passing game, he leaned heavily on tight end Travis Kelce, who was named first-team All-Pro as he tallied 1,338 yards. During the stretch run, their defense took the next step as they only allowed more than 24 points once over their final nine games.
Las Vegas Raiders
1976: 13-1, Super Bowl Champions
Under the head coach John Madden, the Oakland Raiders enjoyed their best season in franchise history in 1976. The Raiders lost just one game en route to winning the Super Bowl. Quarterback Ken Stabler was an efficient passer as he led the league in completion rate (66.7%) and YPA (9.4). His two top pass catchers, Cliff Branch and Dave Casper, were both named first-team All-Pro. On defense, Otis Sistrunk led the team in sacks (11). In the Super Bowl, they defeated the Vikings 32-14.
Los Angeles Chargers
2006: 14-2, Lost in Divisional Round
The 2006 Los Angeles Chargers had one of the best rushing attacks in NFL history. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson put his name in the record books as he was named league MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. He ran for a league-leading 1,815 yards and punched in 28 scores. In the passing game, tight end Antonio Gates led the way as he was named first-team All-Pro and caught 924 yards. On defense, they allowed the seventh-fewest total points. However, their season was cut short in the Divisional Round in a loss to the New England Patriots.
Los Angeles Rams
1999: 13-3, Super Bowl Champions
The 1999 Los Angeles Rams were known as the Greatest Show on Turf. Led by quarterback Kurt Warner (who won the league MVP that season), threw for 4,353 yards with a league-leading 41 passing scores and a 109.2 rating. Running back Marshall Faulk was named Offensive Player of the Year as he posted a stellar 5.5 YPA. They were also elite on defense, allowing the fourth fewest total points. In the Super Bowl, they won a thrilling game against the Tennessee Titans by a score of 23-16.
Miami Dolphins
1972: 14-0, Super Bowl Champions
Without a doubt, the 1972 Miami Dolphins hold a spot on this ranking. This Dolphins team is the only team in NFL history to go undefeated in the regular season and win the Super Bowl. They were the best in the league on offense and defense, scoring the most points and allowing the fewest. Their quarterback, Earl Morrall, was named first-team All-Pro. During their postseason run, they never allowed 20 points in a single game.
Minnesota Vikings
1998: 15-1, Lost in Conference Championship
The 1998 Minnesota Vikings set a franchise record in wins with 15. They had the highest-scoring offense in the league that season, led by quarterback Randall Cunningham, who was named first-team All-Pro but finished second in MVP voting. He tallied 35 total TDs and led the sport with a 106.0 rating. Rookie wide receiver Randy Moss enjoyed an incredible debut campaign, tallied 1,313 yards and a league-high 17 receiving scores.
New England Patriots
2007: 16-0, Lost in Super Bowl
The New England Patriots were one game away from matching the 1972 Miami Dolphins. However, the Patriots ultimately fell short in the Super Bowl to the New York Giants. However, during the regular season (and their playoff run), they had one of the most impressive seasons in league history. Tom Brady led this incredible offense by throwing for 4,806 yards with 50 scores. On defense, they allowed the fourth fewest points and yards. During the season, they scored at least 30 points in all but six games.
New Orleans Saints
2009: 13-3, Super Bowl Champions
While the 2009 New Orleans Saints did not have an above-average defense, they had an elite offense. Led by quarterback Drew Brees, who finished second in MVP voting, the Saints scored the most points and tallied the most yards in the league. He led the sport with 34 passing scores and a stellar 82.0 QBR. In the Super Bowl, they defeated Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 31-17.
New York Giants
1986: 14-2, Super Bowl Champions
The 1986 New York Giants set a franchise record with 14 wins. On offense, they were above average as they scored the eighth-most points and tallied the 10th-most yards. On defense, they were even better, as they allowed the second-fewest points and yards. On offense, Big Blue had two first-team All-Pro nominees, running back Joe Morris and tight end Mark Bavaro. On defense, legendary linebacker Lawrence Taylor led the league with 20.5 sacks.
New York Jets
1968: 11-3, Super Bowl Champions
In 1968, the New York Jets claimed their lone Lombardi Trophy. They were an incredibly balanced team, scoring the second-most points on offense and allowing the fourth-fewest points on defense. Quarterback Joe Namath was named first-team All-Pro and was quite clutch, leading the league in game-winning drives (3). On defense, they had two elite pass rushers in Gerry Philbin and George Sauer, who were both named first-team All-Pro.
Philadelphia Eagles
2024: 14-3, Super Bowl Champions
The most recent Super Bowl Champions will represent the next team on the list. In 2024, the Eagles boasted one of the best rushing attacks and defensive units in league history. Newly signed free agent running back Saquon Barkley nearly broke the single-season rushing record as he ran for 2,005 yards. On defense, the Eagles allowed the fewest yards and the second-fewest total points. In the Super Bowl, they dismantled the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 40-22, preventing them from winning their third-straight championship.
Pittsburgh Steelers
1978: 14-2, Super Bowl Champions
The 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers are another elite defense that makes this list. On defense, the Steelers had six Pro Bowlers, including one first-team All-Pro nominee (Jack Ham). This unit allowed the fewest total points and the third-fewest yards during this season. On offense, quarterback Terry Bradshaw was named NFL MVP, as he threw for a league-high 28 passing scores. In the Super Bowl, they defeated the Cowboys by a score of 35-31.
San Francisco 49ers
1984: 15-1, Super Bowl Champions
The San Francisco 49ers had many teams that were worthy of a spot on this list. In 1984, the 49ers flirted with perfection as they lost just one game during the entire season. On offense, quarterback Joe Montana threw for 28 scores and added 3,630 passing yards. Wendell Taylor led their rushing attack as he tallied 1,262 yards on the ground. In the postseason, they allowed just 26 points across three games.
Seattle Seahawks
2013: 13-3, Super Bowl Champions
While the 2013 Seattle Seahawks had a modest offensive attack, they had one of the top defensive units in league history, known as the Legion of Boom. The Seattle secondary allowed 172.0 passing yards per game and 14.4 PPG, both of which were the lowest marks during the season. On offense, much of their success came from running back Marshawn Lynch, who led the league with 12 rushing scores. In the Super Bowl, they defeated the high-powered Broncos by a commanding score of 43-8.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2020: 11-5, Super Bowl Champions
While the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a slow start in the regular season, they were clearly the best team in the sport over the final two months. Following their Week 13 Bye Week, the Buccaneers went on to win eight straight games, including four straight playoff games, en route to winning the Lombardi Trophy. In the Super Bowl, Tampa Bay dominated the Chiefs, winning by an impressive score of 31-9.
Tennessee Titans
1999: 13-3, Lost Super Bowl
The 1999 Tennessee Titans were near the middle of the pack in both offense and defensive yards during the 1999 campaign, but were able to reach the Super Bowl. Much of their offensive success came from running back Eddie George, who ran for 1,304 yards en route to being named second-team All-Pro. On defense, Jevon Kearse was named Defensive Rookie of the Year as he led the sport in forced fumbles (8) and added 14.5 sacks. They lost to the Rams in the Super Bowl.
Washington Commanders
1991: 14-2, Super Bowl Champions
In 1991, Washington was very balanced on both sides of the ball. Their offense, led by quarterback Mark Rypien (who finished fourth in MVP voting), scored the most points in the league and tallied the fourth-most yards. On defense, Washington was just as dominant. They allowed the second-fewest points and the third-fewest total yards. Defensive back Darrell Green was named first-team All-Pro. In the Super Bowl, they defeated the Bills by a score of 37-24.
