Throughout the history of the NFL, certain teams have defied expectations and captivated the hearts of fans with their remarkable journeys to success. From underdog victories to record-breaking performances, these teams have impacted the league and shaped its history.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most unforgettable NFL teams, highlighting their incredible achievements and the enduring legacies they created.
20. 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brady’s New Home, Same Result
The 2020 Buccaneers, led by newly-acquired Tom Brady, went from a 7-9 record in 2019 to Super Bowl champions. Despite early-season struggles, they clinched a wild card spot and won three road playoff games before defeating the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at their home stadium, becoming the first team to do so.
19. 2015 Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton’s MVP Season
Cam Newton led the Panthers to a remarkable 15-1 regular season in 2015, earning NFL MVP honors. He threw for 3,837 yards and 35 touchdowns, while rushing for 636 yards and 10 more scores. Newton’s dual-threat abilities propelled Carolina to Super Bowl 50, though they ultimately fell short against the Broncos.
18. 1988 Cincinnati Bengals: Boomer’s Near-Miss
The 1988 Bengals, led by MVP quarterback Boomer Esiason, went from 4-11 to 12-4 and AFC champions. Their high-powered offense revolutionized the no-huddle attack, averaging 28 points per game. They fell just short in Super Bowl XXIII, losing 20-16 to Joe Montana’s 49ers in the final minute.
17. 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defense Wins Championships
The 2002 Buccaneers boasted one of the NFL’s greatest defenses, leading the league in total defense, points allowed, and interceptions. Led by Hall of Famers Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp, they dominated the Oakland Raiders 48-21 in Super Bowl XXXVII, returning three interceptions for touchdowns. This historic defense propelled Tampa Bay to its first championship, solidifying their place in NFL lore.
16. 1982 Washington Redskins: Strike-Shortened Season Success
The 1982 Washington Redskins defied expectations in a strike-shortened 9-game season. Despite losing all preseason games, they finished 8-1 in the regular season and dominated the playoffs. Led by coach Joe Gibbs and running back John Riggins, they secured their first Super Bowl victory, defeating the Miami Dolphins 27-17 in Super Bowl XVII.
15. 2006 Indianapolis Colts: Manning’s First Championship
The 2006 Colts, led by Peyton Manning, overcame a 21-6 halftime deficit to defeat the Patriots 38-34 in the AFC Championship. They went on to win Super Bowl XLI against the Bears 29-17, with Manning earning MVP honors. This victory marked Manning’s first championship and solidified the Colts’ place among the NFL’s elite teams.
14. 1998 Atlanta Falcons: “Dirty Birds” Soar to Super Bowl
The 1998 Atlanta Falcons, nicknamed the “Dirty Birds,” shocked the NFL with their unexpected rise. Led by coach Dan Reeves and quarterback Chris Chandler, they went 14-2 in the regular season. The Falcons defeated the 15-1 Minnesota Vikings in a thrilling NFC Championship game, advancing to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
13. 2011 New York Giants: Another Improbable Super Bowl Run
The 2011 Giants became the first 9-7 team to win a Super Bowl, overcoming a late-season slump and injuries. Led by Eli Manning’s clutch performances, they defeated the top-seeded Packers and 49ers before upsetting the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, mirroring their 2007 championship run.
12. 1969 Kansas City Chiefs: AFL’s Final Victory
The 1969 Kansas City Chiefs, led by coach Hank Stram and quarterback Len Dawson, overcame injuries and controversy to win the final AFL Championship. They then stunned the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings 23-7 in Super Bowl IV, proving the AFL’s competitiveness and securing their place in NFL history.
11. 2009 New Orleans Saints: Post-Katrina Inspiration
The 2009 New Orleans Saints emerged as a symbol of hope for a city recovering from Hurricane Katrina. Led by Drew Brees, the team went 13-3 in the regular season, scoring a league-best 31.9 points per game. They capped off their magical run by defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV, bringing home the franchise’s first championship.
10. 2000 Baltimore Ravens: Defensive Dominance
The 2000 Ravens, led by Ray Lewis, set NFL records with only 165 points and 970 rushing yards allowed in a 16-game season. Despite a mediocre offense, their historic defense carried them to a 12-4 record and a Super Bowl victory, solidifying their place among the greatest defenses ever.
9. 1972 Miami Dolphins: The Perfect Season
The 1972 Miami Dolphins achieved the only perfect season in NFL history, going 17-0 including playoffs. Led by coach Don Shula, they dominated with a powerful running game and the “No-Name Defense.” Despite losing starting QB Bob Griese to injury, backup Earl Morrall stepped in to guide the team to Super Bowl VII victory.
8. 2010 Green Bay Packers: From 6th Seed to Champions
The 2010 Packers overcame a 10-6 regular season and 16 players on injured reserve to become the first NFC 6th seed to win a Super Bowl. Led by Aaron Rodgers, they won three straight road playoff games before defeating the Steelers 31-25 in Super Bowl XLV. Rodgers earned MVP honors with 304 yards and 3 touchdowns.
7. 1980 Oakland Raiders: First Wild Card Team to Win Super Bowl
The 1980 Oakland Raiders defied expectations by becoming the first wild card team to win a Super Bowl. Led by quarterback Jim Plunkett, who revived his career after replacing an injured Dan Pastorini, the Raiders went 11-5 in the regular season. They then steamrolled through the playoffs, culminating in a 27-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XV.
6. 2017 Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Foles’ Super Bowl MVP Run
Backup quarterback Nick Foles led the underdog Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory after Carson Wentz’s injury. Foles outdueled Tom Brady, throwing for 373 yards and 3 touchdowns, while also catching a TD pass. His improbable journey from near-retirement to Super Bowl MVP epitomizes the ultimate NFL Cinderella story.
5. 1981 San Francisco 49ers: The Birth of a Dynasty
The 1981 49ers, led by coach Bill Walsh and quarterback Joe Montana, transformed from a 6-10 team to Super Bowl champions. Their journey included “The Catch” in the NFC Championship and a 26-21 Super Bowl victory over the Bengals, launching a dynasty that would dominate the 1980s.
4. 2007 New York Giants: Ending the Patriots’ Perfect Season
The 2007 Giants, led by Eli Manning, stunned the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. After barely making the playoffs, they won three road games before facing the 18-0 Patriots. A miraculous helmet catch by David Tyree set up the game-winning touchdown, denying New England a perfect season.
Read More: The 10 Most Talked About Super Bowl Wins in NFL History
3. 1968 New York Jets: Joe Namath’s Guarantee
Joe Namath’s bold guarantee and the Jets’ subsequent 16-7 victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III remains one of the greatest upsets in NFL history. The 19-point underdogs, led by Namath’s 206 passing yards, shocked the football world and legitimized the AFL’s competitiveness against NFL teams.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best Defensive Teams in NFL History
2. 2001 New England Patriots: Tom Brady’s Emergence
The 2001 Patriots, led by an unknown sixth-round draft pick named Tom Brady, shocked the NFL. After starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe’s injury, Brady took over and guided the team to an 11-3 record and their first Super Bowl victory. This improbable run launched a dynasty that would dominate the league for two decades.
Read More: The Most Memorable Super Bowl Moments Ever
1. 1999 St. Louis Rams: “The Greatest Show on Turf”
The 1999 St. Louis Rams, led by grocery store clerk-turned-MVP Kurt Warner, transformed from a 4-12 team to Super Bowl champions. Their high-powered offense, featuring Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt, set NFL records and earned the nickname “The Greatest Show on Turf,” revolutionizing NFL offenses for years to come.
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