The NFL has a storied history filled with dynasties, legendary players, and unforgettable moments. But not every franchise has had a successful run. While some teams rack up championships and dominate the league, others seem perpetually stuck in mediocrity—or worse, downright embarrassment. Whether it’s poor management, constant losing seasons, or lack of playoff success, some franchises just can’t get it right.
Here’s our ranking of the 15 worst NFL franchises of all time, based on overall winning percentage, lack of championships, mismanagement, and sheer ineptitude.
15. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have had bright moments, especially in recent years with Joe Burrow leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance. However, the franchise spent much of its history in irrelevance, plagued by long playoff droughts and questionable front-office decisions. Before Burrow, the Bengals hadn’t won a playoff game since 1991.
14. Detroit Lions
The Lions have never been to a Super Bowl, and before their recent resurgence, they were known as one of the worst-run teams in the NFL. The franchise wasted the careers of stars like Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson due to poor management. However, their recent playoff success under Dan Campbell and Jared Goff might change their reputation.
13. Washington Commanders
Despite past Super Bowl success, Washington has been one of the most mismanaged franchises of the last few decades. The Dan Snyder era was filled with controversy, poor coaching hires, and front-office dysfunction. Though new ownership has turned things around, the franchise has spent years mired in irrelevance.
12. Buffalo Bills
The Bills were dominant in the early ‘90s, making four straight Super Bowls. However, they lost all four, making them one of the most heartbreaking franchises in history. While they’ve been competitive in the Josh Allen era, their championship drought and history of near-misses earn them a spot here.
11. New York Jets
Despite a historic Super Bowl III win, the Jets have been largely irrelevant since. The franchise has been plagued by quarterback failures, coaching blunders, and front-office dysfunction. Their inability to develop a competent offense for years has frustrated fans (and we don’t even need to get into the Aaron Rodgers disaster).
10. Houston Texans
As one of the NFL’s newest franchises (founded in 2002), the Texans have done little to prove themselves. Though they’ve had some playoff appearances, poor management, scandals, and an inability to retain star players like DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt have defined their existence.
9. New Orleans Saints
Before Drew Brees and Sean Payton, the Saints were a disaster for decades. From 1967 to 2000, they were known as the “Aints,” with fans wearing paper bags over their heads. Though they turned things around, their historically bad past lands them on this list.
8. Chicago Bears
The Bears had a historic 1985 season but have been largely irrelevant since. Poor quarterback play and outdated offensive schemes have kept them from competing for decades. Their mismanagement at key positions has frustrated one of the league’s biggest fanbases.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Before Tom Brady arrived, the Bucs had the worst all-time winning percentage in NFL history. From their 0-26 start in the 1970s to years of irrelevance, they were the definition of a losing franchise. Brady’s Super Bowl win helped erase some of the stink, but their history still makes them one of the worst franchises ever.
6. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are infamous for their inability to win big games. Despite consistent playoff appearances, they have never won a Super Bowl, losing all four appearances. Their history of near-misses, including the 1998 NFC Championship heartbreak, makes them one of the most frustrating teams in the league.
5. Arizona Cardinals
As the oldest continuously run professional football team in the U.S., the Cardinals have a shockingly barren history. With only a handful of playoff appearances and just one Super Bowl berth, they have been one of the league’s most forgettable teams. The team’s mismanagement and inability to build long-term success keep them on this list.
4. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have had their chances but are best known for one of the most infamous collapses in sports history: blowing a 28-3 lead in Super Bowl LI. While they’ve had great players like Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, they’ve never built a sustained winner, making them one of the most frustrating franchises for their fanbase.
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3. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have had some strong seasons, but their inconsistency keeps them from being a true powerhouse. After Cam Newton’s MVP season in 2015, they collapsed and haven’t found success since. Their recent struggles make them one of the league’s least stable teams.
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2. Cleveland Browns
The Browns have been a disaster for most of the Super Bowl era. With constant quarterback changes, front-office dysfunction, and a long playoff drought (1994-2020), they’ve been the laughingstock of the league. While things are improving, their past failures are impossible to ignore.
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1. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have never won a Super Bowl and have mostly been irrelevant since their inception in 1995. Outside of a few deep playoff runs, they’ve been defined by bad draft picks, poor coaching hires, and a lack of sustained success.
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