The NFL season is full of highs and lows, but some defeats are brutal and leave a lasting mark on teams and fans alike. These crushing losses didn’t just hurt in the moment — they exposed critical weaknesses, dashed playoff hopes, and left entire franchises searching for answers.
These 10 games highlight the struggles and turning points that shaped this year’s regular season narrative. Let’s dive into the matchups that left teams reeling and fans wondering what went wrong.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 31-24 loss to Dallas Cowboys
The Buccaneers squandered a chance to solidify their playoff position, allowing the Cowboys to mount a comeback victory. This loss highlighted Tampa Bay’s struggles in closing out games and maintaining leads against strong opponents.
9. Houston Texans’ 30-21 loss to Buffalo Bills
This loss was significant as it dented the Texans’ playoff chances and exposed weaknesses in their offense without key players. The Texans’ inability to contain the Bills’ offense, particularly in the second half, raised concerns about their defensive depth.
8. Chicago Bears’ 35-14 loss to Detroit Lions
The Bears lost their ninth straight game, struggling to contain the Lions’ offense and creative play-calling. This defeat underscored Chicago’s ongoing rebuilding process and the challenges faced by their young roster, particularly on defense.
7. Cleveland Browns’ 35-14 loss to New Orleans Saints
The Browns were dominated by Taysom Hill and the Saints, falling behind 21-0 early and never recovering. This loss exposed Cleveland’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially against versatile offensive schemes, and raised questions about their consistency.
6. New York Jets’ 28-27 loss to Indianapolis Colts
The Jets invented a new way to lose, allowing two touchdown drives in the final two possessions after leading 24-16 in the fourth quarter. This heartbreaking defeat highlighted the Jets’ struggles in closing out games and maintaining leads in crucial moments.
5. Atlanta Falcons’ 38-6 loss to Denver Broncos
Bo Nix and the Broncos capitalized on the Falcons’ secondary injuries, with Nix throwing for 307 yards and four touchdowns. This lopsided loss exposed Atlanta’s defensive weaknesses, particularly in their pass coverage, and raised concerns about their depth in the secondary.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars’ 52-6 loss to Detroit Lions
The Jaguars suffered their worst loss in franchise history, allowing touchdowns on seven straight possessions. This devastating defeat highlighted significant issues on both sides of the ball for Jacksonville and raised questions about the team’s overall competitiveness.
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3. Minnesota Vikings’ 31-9 loss to Detroit Lions
This defeat cost the Vikings the NFC North championship and failed to secure the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. The team struggled significantly in the red zone, with quarterback Sam Darnold failing to score a touchdown on four trips inside the 20-yard line.
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2. New York Giants’ 20-13 loss to Philadelphia Eagles
This loss capped off one of the worst seasons in Giants franchise history (3-14 record) and marked a 0-6 record against NFC East opponents, a first in franchise history. The Giants’ inability to score against an Eagles team resting most of its star players highlighted their offensive struggles throughout the season.
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1. Kansas City Chiefs’ 38-0 loss to Denver Broncos
This shocking blowout loss was particularly devastating as the Chiefs were completely shut out for the first time under Andy Reid. Despite resting several key starters, the magnitude of the defeat raised concerns about Kansas City’s depth. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix carved up the Chiefs’ defense, completing his first 18 passes and setting NFL rookie records.
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