15 NFL Teams Everyone Secretly Loved to See Fail

There’s something oddly satisfying about watching certain NFL teams fall flat on their faces. Whether it’s because of their smug fanbases, overhyped rosters, or a long history of talking big and delivering small, some franchises just make failure fun for the rest of us.

These aren’t necessarily the worst teams—far from it. But for one reason or another, when these squads crash and burn, football fans everywhere can’t help but enjoy the show.

15. Cleveland Browns

Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) and the offense celebrate a team touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Every time the Browns gear up with sky-high expectations, the NFL world braces for another implosion. It’s the annual hype train that always derails, and honestly, people have come to look forward to the wreckage.

14. Arizona Cardinals

Sep 9, 2018; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

There’s just something about the Cardinals that screams chaos and confusion, especially in recent years. Whether it’s odd coaching hires or bizarre drama, fans quietly love it when Arizona proves the doubters right.

13. Atlanta Falcons

Oct 20, 1996; Irving, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Bobby Hebert (3) in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James D. Smith-Imagn Images
James D. Smith-Imagn Images

The Falcons will never outrun 28-3, and everyone knows it. Their uncanny ability to collapse in spectacular fashion makes them a favorite target of casual NFL schadenfreude.

12. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) celebrates with his team his intercepting New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) pass intended for a receiver during first half action at the Bills home game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 29, 2024
Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

As likable as their fans are, the Bills became a punchline after years of playoff meltdowns. Their recent near-misses only add to the drama, and people can’t help but chuckle at the heartbreak.

11. Chicago Bears

Dec 13, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (50) takes the field against the Houston Texans before the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

The Bears have a rich history, but can’t seem to figure out the modern NFL. Every time they fumble a quarterback situation, fans everywhere sigh, shake their heads, and feel a tiny bit of joy.

10. New York Jets

Oct 6, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Luke Falk (8) leads his team in the huddle against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Jets are chaos personified, and it’s been that way for decades. From butt fumbles to overhyped saviors, they always manage to fall apart in meme-worthy fashion.

9. Minnesota Vikings

Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah II (6) celebrates his teams fumble recovery against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Vikings always look like they’re one step away from greatness… until they aren’t. Their dramatic exits and heartbreaking losses are a source of endless entertainment.

8. Carolina Panthers

Nov 21, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Frankie Luvu (49) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Panthers have had flashes of greatness, but their post-Cam Newton era has been a mess. When things go wrong in Carolina, it’s usually loud, fast, and a little funny.

7. Detroit Lions

Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) makes a touchdown pass to wide receiver Marvin Jones (not pictured) against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-Imagn Images
Raj Mehta-Imagn Images

Yes, the Lions are now America’s underdog darlings—but let’s not pretend people didn’t use to root for their dysfunction. Decades of futility made them the NFL’s go-to tragic comedy.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Raiders bring drama like no other, and their failures often feel self-inflicted. Between wild moves and chaotic ownership, fans love to watch them unravel.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Oct 1, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back LeVeon Bell (26) runs for a gain against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

The Steelers are usually good, but when they fall apart, the internet lights up. Their fans expect perfection, so watching them meltdown sparks a special kind of joy for rival fans.

4. Kansas City Chiefs

Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) celebrates with team mates after a score against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

They’re the gold standard now, but that dominance comes with backlash. Between the dynasty talk, Taylor Swift headlines, and Patrick Mahomes fatigue, people get so excited when they stumble.

3. Dallas Cowboys

Dec 9, 2007; Detroit, MI, USA; Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Sam Hurd (17) celebrates a late fourth quarter touchdown to give the Cowboys a 28-27 victory over the Detroit Lions at at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-Imagn Images
Leon Halip-Imagn Images

No team brings out the trolls like the Cowboys. Every year it’s “their year,” and every year the collapse is must-see TV.

Read More: 13 NFL Teams That Could Start Strong in 2025 and Then Fall Off a Cliff

2. New England Patriots

New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau (55) celebrates with fellow team mates defensive lineman Ty Warren (94) and defensive lineman Richard Seymour (93) after a sack against the Miami Dolphins in the 4th quarter at Gillette Stadium.
David Butler II / Imagn Images

Decades of dominance made people root hard for their downfall. Watching the post-Brady era unfold has been pure therapy for everyone who spent years watching them win everything.

Read More: 15 NFL Teams We’re Most Worried About in 2025-26

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Jan 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown run against the Washington Football Team during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Eagles and their fans are loud, proud, and unapologetic—so when they fall short, people love it. There’s just something about Philly chaos that the rest of the league eats up.

Read More: 15 NFL Teams That Are Only Loved Inside State Lines

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