$The Worst Loss in Every NFL Franchise\'s History$

The Worst Loss in Every NFL Franchise's History

By Brian Kalchik

The Worst Loss in Every NFL Franchise's History

2015 NFC Championship Game — Every loss that is sustained by an NFL franchise can be both disappointing and frustrating, but some losses can take years to get over and some still even resonate to this day. Here are the worst losses for each NFL team in their respective histories.

Arizona Cardinals: Super Bowl XLIII vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals: Super Bowl XLIII vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Arizona Cardinals — Arizona overcame a 100-yard James Harrison interception return and a 13-point deficit to take a 23-20 lead late in the fourth quarter, thanks to Larry Fitzgerald's 64-yard score. However, a Santonio Holmes touchdown late in the game gave Pittsburgh a 27-23 win. The Cardinals still have not won a Super Bowl.

Atlanta Falcons: 1981 NFC Divisional Playoff vs. Dallas Cowboys

Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons: 1981 NFC Divisional Playoff vs. Dallas Cowboys

Atlanta Falcons — Atlanta led Dallas 24–10 to start the fourth quarter and 27–17 later in the quarter. Dallas QB Danny White led the comeback, throwing a game-winning touchdown pass to Drew Pearson in the final minute. Following that loss, the Falcons would go on to miss the playoffs in of the next 11 seasons. Also, that lone playoff appearance was during the 1982 strike-shortened season.

Baltimore Ravens: 2012 AFC Championship Game vs. New England

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens: 2012 AFC Championship Game vs. New England

Baltimore Ravens — The 2015 AFC Divisional Playoff loss to the Patriots was a bad loss for the Ravens, but the worst was the 2012 AFC Championship Game. With a chance to reach Super Bowl XLVI, Lee Evans dropped a potential game-winning touchdown, and Billy Cundiff missed a game-tying field goal as the Ravens lost, 23-20.

Buffalo Bills: Super Bowl XXV vs. New York Giants

Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills: Super Bowl XXV vs. New York Giants

Buffalo Bills — Buffalo reached four straight Super Bowls to begin the 1990s, but the first loss in Super Bowl XXV was the most devastating. After being outplayed for most of the game, Buffalo had a chance to win on a 47-yard field goal attempt by Scott Norwood. The kick sailed wide right and the Bills lost, 20-19.

Carolina Panthers: Super Bowl XXXVIII vs. New England Patriots

Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers: Super Bowl XXXVIII vs. New England Patriots

Carolina Panthers — The Panthers' first and only trip to the Super Bowl produced an unforgettable game, but not for the Panthers. After tying the score at 29, John Kasay kicked the ensuing kickoff out-of-bounds, giving New England great field position. Tom Brady drove the Pats to within Adam Vinatieri's range, and he nailed a game-winning field goal for the 32-29 final score.

Chicago Bears: 1987 NFC Divisional Playoff vs. Washington Redskins

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears: 1987 NFC Divisional Playoff vs. Washington Redskins

Chicago Bears — After winning the Super Bowl in 1985, the Bears and their 46 defense were just as dominant in 1986. However, the offense was led by Doug Flutie instead of Jim McMahon. The Redskins took advantage of the Bears' struggling offense and earned a 27-13 win in Soldier Field. The Bears would soon fall apart after that loss, and their dynasty never came to fruition.

Cincinnati Bengals: Super Bowl XXIII vs. San Francisco 49ers

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals: Super Bowl XXIII vs. San Francisco 49ers

Cincinnati Bengals — With four minutes remaining in Super Bowl XXIII, Jim Breech kicked a field goal to give the Bengals a 16-13 lead over the 49ers. Then, Joe Montana led the 49ers on a game-winning drive that culminated with a touchdown pass to John Taylor. The 49ers won 20-16, and the Bengals have won just one playoff game since that loss.

Cleveland Browns: 1965 NFL Championship Game vs. Green Bay

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns: 1965 NFL Championship Game vs. Green Bay

Cleveland Browns — The Browns won the NFL title in 1964 and were looking for a repeat the following season against Vince Lombardi's Packers. Cleveland trailed only 13-12 entering the third quarter, but the Browns gave up 10 answered points and lost 23-12. After the game, Jim Brown, arguably the game's greatest player, walked away from the Browns and the sport.

Dallas Cowboys: 1982 NFC Championship Game vs. San Francisco 49ers

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys: 1982 NFC Championship Game vs. San Francisco 49ers

Dallas Cowboys — Tom Landry's dynasty in Dallas ended in San Francisco courtesy of Joe Montana's arm and Dwight Clark's hands. The 49ers, who were 6-10 in 1980, finished 13-3 and hosted Dallas in the 1982 NFC Championship Game. Clark's catch gave the 49ers a 28-27 lead, and Eric Wright's tackle on Drew Pearson secured the win. The 49ers would then become the team of the 80s.

Denver Broncos: 1997 AFC Divisional Playoff vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos: 1997 AFC Divisional Playoff vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Denver Broncos — The Broncos were a league-best 13-3 during the 1996 season and faced the second-year expansion Jacksonville Jaguars in Denver. John Elway and Co. looked rusty while Mark Brunell and his crew were at the top of their game. The Jags took a 30-20 lead late in the game and held on to win 30-27. Denver would, however, win the Super Bowl the next two seasons.

Detroit Lions: 2008 Week 17 vs. Green Bay Packers

Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions: 2008 Week 17 vs. Green Bay Packers

Detroit Lions — Entering Week 17 of the 2008 season, the Lions were 0-15 and about to make history. Although they put up a good fight in Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers, Detroit became the first team to finish 0-16 after losing 31-21.

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XXXII vs. Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XXXII vs. Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers — After winning Super Bowl XXXI a season earlier, the Packers were heavy favorites over the Denver Broncos, a team that lost four previous Super Bowls, each by double digits. Terrell Davis' running baffled the Packers and Green Bay trailed 31-24 in the final minutes. A fourth-down incompletion by Brett Favre gave the Packers their only Super Bowl loss to date.

Houston Texans: 2012 Week 14 vs. New England Patriots

Houston Texans

Houston Texans: 2012 Week 14 vs. New England Patriots

Houston Texans — Entering Week 14 of the 2012 regular season, the Texans were 11-1 and in sole possession of first place in the AFC. Before the game, Gary Kubiak had his team wearing lettermen jackets like something a high school team would do. That did not go well as the Texans were blown out 42-14. The Texans would then lose two of their last three and lost a chance at a first-round bye.

Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts: Super Bowl III vs. New York Jets

Indianapolis Colts

Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts: Super Bowl III vs. New York Jets

Indianapolis Colts — Entering Super Bowl III, the Baltimore Colts were 22-point favorites over the AFL's New York Jets. Some even claimed that the 1968 Baltimore Colts were the greatest team ever assembled. Joe Namath didn't think so, as he and the Jets picked the Colts' defense apart. The Jets won 16-7 and the NFL and AFL would soon merge together.

Jacksonville Jaguars: 2000 AFC Championship Game vs. Tennessee Titans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars: 2000 AFC Championship Game vs. Tennessee Titans

Jacksonville Jaguars — The 1999 Jaguars went 15-0 against teams not named the Tennessee Titans and 0-3 against the Titans. In the 2000 AFC Championship Game, the Jags committed six turnovers at home and were embarrassed 33-14. They haven't made it back to the AFC Championship Game since.

Kansas City Chiefs: 1971 AFC Divisional Playoff vs. Miami Dolphins

Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs: 1971 AFC Divisional Playoff vs. Miami Dolphins

Kansas City Chiefs — The 1971 Kansas City Chiefs had 11 Pro Bowlers, seven Hall of Famers and were tied with the Dolphins as the best team in the AFC. The Chiefs hosted the Dolphins in "The Longest Game Ever Played". In the final minute of regulation, Jan Stenerud missed a 31-yard field goal, forcing overtime. Miami kicked a field goal in the second overtime to win, 27-24.

Miami Dolphins: 1974 AFC Divisional Playoffs vs. Oakland Raiders

Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins: 1974 AFC Divisional Playoffs vs. Oakland Raiders

Miami Dolphins — The early 1970s Dolphins were a dynasty, reaching three Super Bowls from 1971-73, winning two. After winning two straight, the 1974 Dolphins were destined for a three-peat. Standing in their way were the Oakland Raiders. After taking a 26-21 lead late in the fourth quarter, Miami's defense collapsed, and Clarence Davis' "Sea of Hands" catch gave Oakland a 28-26 win.

Minnesota Vikings: 1999 NFC Championship Game vs. Atlanta Falcons

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings: 1999 NFC Championship Game vs. Atlanta Falcons

Minnesota Vikings — The 1998 Vikings had one of the greatest offenses ever, but they didn't seal the deal against the Falcons. Leading 27-20 late in the fourth quarter, Gary Anderson missed a game-clinching field goal, and Atlanta responded with a game-tying touchdown that forced overtime. In overtime, Morten Andersen sent the Falcons to the Super Bowl.

New England Patriots: Super Bowl XLII vs. New York Giants

New England Patriots

New England Patriots: Super Bowl XLII vs. New York Giants

New England Patriots — Super Bowl XLII is an obvious choice here for the Patriots. Entering the game 18-0, the Patriots were one game away from perfection. The Giants, however, pressured Tom Brady all game long, and Plaxico Burress' touchdown gave the G-Men the 17-14 win.

New Orleans Saints: 2007 NFC Championship Game vs. Chicago Bears

New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints: 2007 NFC Championship Game vs. Chicago Bears

New Orleans Saints — With the franchise's first Super Bowl berth on the line, the 2006 New Orleans Saints laid an egg, losing 39-14 to the Chicago Bears in Soldier Field. The Bears scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and Rex Grossman beat Drew Brees.

New York Giants: 2003 NFC Wild Card vs. San Francisco 49ers

New York Giants

New York Giants: 2003 NFC Wild Card vs. San Francisco 49ers

New York Giants — Leading 38-14 in the second half of their 2003 NFC Wild Card game with San Francisco, the Giants were cruising towards an easy win. But suddenly, the 49ers came alive, scoring 25 unanswered points to take a 39-38 lead. The Giants had a chance to win late, but Trey Junkin's botched snap prevented them from attempting a game-winning field goal.

New York Jets: 1969 AFL Divisional Playoff vs. Kansas City Chiefs

New York Jets

New York Jets: 1969 AFL Divisional Playoff vs. Kansas City Chiefs

New York Jets — A year after shocking the football world by winning Super Bowl III, the 1969 New York Jets were just as good if not better than the 1968 team. The Jets hosted the Chiefs in the AFL Divisional Playoff. Trailing 6-3 late in the game, the Jets had a first-and goal opportunity, but had to settle for a field goal. On the next drive, Kansas City scored the game-winning touchdown and won 13-6. KC would then advance to Super Bowl IV and win.

Oakland Raiders: 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff vs. New England Patriots

Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders: 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff vs. New England Patriots

Oakland Raiders — The 1972 "Immaculate Reception Game" deserves to be mentioned here for the Oakland Raiders, but the worst loss in team history was the "Tuck Rule" game against the Patriots. Oakland was denied a win after officials reversed a fumble recovery by the Raiders to an incomplete pass. New England would eventually win 16-13 in overtime and the Raiders have missed the playoffs in 12 of the last 13 seasons.

Philadelphia Eagles: Super Bowl XXXIX vs. New England Patriots

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles: Super Bowl XXXIX vs. New England Patriots

Philadelphia Eagles — In 2004, all the pieces fell into place for the Eagles. Following three consecutive NFC Championship Game losses, Philadelphia advanced to Super Bowl XXXIX where they met the New England Patriots. Not even an heroic performance from Terrell Owens could give the Eagles a Super Bowl. New England won 24-21 and the Eagles haven't appeared in the big game since.

Pittsburgh Steelers: 1976 AFC Championship Game vs. Oakland Raiders

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers: 1976 AFC Championship Game vs. Oakland Raiders

Pittsburgh Steelers — The 1976 Steelers weren't as dominant as the 1974 or 1975 Super Bowl champion teams, but the defense was at its best in 1976. In that season, the Steelers shut out five opponents and won their final 10 games to get to the AFC Championship Game. However, the Steelers faced the Raiders without both Rocky Bleier and Franco Harris and easily lost, 24-7.

San Diego Chargers: 1979 AFC Divisional Playoff vs. Houston Oilers

San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers: 1979 AFC Divisional Playoff vs. Houston Oilers

San Diego Chargers — Like another team on this list, the Chargers have had many gut-wrenching losses. The worst, in my opinion, was the 1979 AFC Divisional Playoff vs. Houston. The Chargers were heavy favorites against a team that was without Earl Campbell, Dan Pastorini and Ken Burrough. The Chargers committed five turnovers and were upset in San Diego, 17-14.

San Francisco 49ers: 1991 NFC Championship Game vs. New York Giants

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers: 1991 NFC Championship Game vs. New York Giants

San Francisco 49ers — After back-to-back Super Bowl victories, the 1990 49ers were one game away from a potential three-peat, but the New York Giants stood in their way. Leading 13-12 late in the game, Roger Craig fumbled and the Giants recovered. Jeff Hostetler then drove the Giants within field goal range, and Matt Bahr's game-winning field goal gave the Giants the 15-13 win.

Seattle Seahawks: Super Bowl XLIX vs. New England Patriots

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks: Super Bowl XLIX vs. New England Patriots

Seattle Seahawks — This past Super Bowl between Seattle and New England was the greatest in NFL history, but not for Seahawks fans. After taking a 24-14 second-half lead, the Legion of Boom gave up 14 unanswered points and the Seahawks trailed 28-24 late in the game. Russell Wilson drove the Seahawks all the way down to New England's goal-line, but Malcolm Butler intercepted him in the end zone to seal the win for the Pats.

St. Louis Rams: Super Bowl XXXVI vs. New England Patriots

St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams: Super Bowl XXXVI vs. New England Patriots

St. Louis Rams — Appearing in their second Super Bowl in three seasons, the St. Louis Rams were overwhelming favorites to defeat the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI. The Rams struggled throughout and trailed 17-3 in the fourth quarter. Kurt Warner led the Rams all the way back, but Adam Vinatieri kicked a game-winning field goal with no time left to give New England the 20-17 upset.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2000 NFC Championship Game vs. St. Louis Rams

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2000 NFC Championship Game vs. St. Louis Rams

Tampa Bay Buccaneers — No team other than the Buccaneers held the 1999 St. Louis Rams to under 21 points in any game, yet the Bucs were robbed of a potential victory. Trailing 11-6, Bert Emanuel's 12-yard reception was overturned by replay and the Rams would advance to Super Bowl XXXIV instead of the Bucs.

Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans: Super Bowl XXXIV vs. St. Louis Rams

Tennessee Titans

Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans: Super Bowl XXXIV vs. St. Louis Rams

Tennessee Titans — The Oilers/Titans have had so many terrible losses it was hard to pick just one, but Super Bowl XXXIV was the worst. Against the Rams, Tennessee fought back from a 16-0 deficit to tie the game. After a touchdown by St. Louis, Tennessee was driving to tie the score. Kevin Dyson caught a pass from Steve McNair around the goal-line, but he was stopped one yard short, giving the Rams the victory.

Washington Redskins: Super Bowl XVIII vs. Los Angeles Raiders

Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins: Super Bowl XVIII vs. Los Angeles Raiders

Washington Redskins — As the defending Super Bowl champions, the Washington Redskins were huge favorites over the Los Angeles Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII. However, it would be the Raiders who would dominate. Trailing 14-3 heading into halftime, Joe Gibbs called "Rocket Screen", which was intercepted Jack Squirek and returned for a touchdown. The Raiders would easily win, 38-9.

Brian Kalchik is a Houston Texans writer and featured writer for www.RantSports.com. He also covers the NBA, College Basketball, Fantasy Sports, Clubhouse and College Football for the site. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

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