Throughout the NFL’s long and storied history, greatness has often been defined by dominance, resilience, and legendary players.
Yet, for every dynasty that rises, some teams fall spectacularly short — squads so poor that their seasons have become infamous tales of futility.
These teams didn’t just lose; they redefined what it meant to struggle in professional football.
From offensive meltdowns to defensive nightmares, here are the worst NFL teams of all time — ranked by their unforgettable failures.
25. 1978 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)
In just their second season as an NFL franchise, the Buccaneers struggled mightily. Their offense was dreadful, scoring only 161 points across 16 games — a league low — while allowing a punishing 28.3 points per game. It was a harsh welcome to the league for Tampa Bay.
24. 1986 New York Jets (4-12)
Quarterback Ken O’Brien threw 16 interceptions, and the Jets’ running game ranked dead last in the league.
Their four meager wins left them anchored at the bottom of the AFC East standings.
23. 2005 Cleveland Browns (3-13)
Under head coach Romeo Crennel, the Browns’ defense was porous, surrendering an average of 5.8 yards per play.
Their three wins came only against teams that finished with losing records — a grim silver lining in a dismal season.
22. 2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-14)
Head coach Lovie Smith’s second season was a catastrophe. Quarterback Mike Glennon struggled, and the defense collapsed, conceding a staggering 405 points over the course of the year.
21. 2012 Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)
Quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn led one of the league’s weakest offenses. The Chiefs ranked last in both total yards and points scored, limping through a miserable two-win season.
20. 2009 St. Louis Rams (1-15)
Head coach Steve Spagnuolo’s defense surrendered 32.7 points per game, while rookie quarterback Sam Bradford endured a rough introduction to the NFL. The Rams’ offense was among the league’s worst, and their lone victory provided little comfort.
19. 1991 Indianapolis Colts (1-15)
Rookie QB Jeff George’s first year was a disaster, marked by turnovers and poor execution. A series of roster cuts and offseason missteps left the Colts utterly depleted and unable to compete.
18. 2021 Jacksonville Jaguars (3-14)
Urban Meyer’s chaotic tenure as head coach defined this disastrous season. The Jaguars’ defense allowed 30.4 points per game — the worst in the league — while rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence struggled to find his rhythm.
17. 1973 Houston Oilers (1-13)
Coach Sid Gillman’s “run and shoot” offense was a total flop. Quarterback Dan Pastorini threw 20 interceptions, and the team’s lone win did little to redeem an otherwise miserable campaign.
16. 2020 New York Jets (2-14)
Under head coach Adam Gase, quarterback Sam Darnold regressed significantly, while the defense fell apart. Their only two wins came against bottom-dwelling teams, highlighting the depth of their struggles.
15. 1992 Seattle Seahawks (2-14)
The Seahawks’ offense was historically bad, averaging just 8.8 points per game — earning them the unfortunate nickname “Ground Zero.” Defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy was the sole bright spot in an otherwise gloomy season.
14. 1971 Buffalo Bills (1-13)
In O.J. Simpson’s rookie season, he rushed for just 742 yards as the Bills gave up 31 points per game. Their lone victory couldn’t mask a season full of defensive breakdowns and offensive woes.
13. 1982 Baltimore Colts (0-8-1)
During a strike-shortened season, the Colts couldn’t manage a single win, salvaging only one tie. Their offense was virtually nonexistent, leaving fans with little to cheer for.
12. 1985 Buffalo Bills (2-14)
The Bills scored a mere 194 points all season — one of the lowest totals in franchise history. However, their disastrous year paved the way for the draft pick that brought Jim Kelly to Buffalo.
11. 2019 Cincinnati Bengals (2-14)
Zac Taylor’s debut as head coach was underwhelming, producing just two wins behind the inconsistent play of quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Ryan Finley. It marked the beginning of a much-needed rebuild.
10. 2011 St. Louis Rams (2-14)
The Rams stumbled to another disastrous season, losing seven straight games to close the year. Their offense was stagnant, and their defense couldn’t keep them competitive in any matchup.
9. 2007 Oakland Raiders (2-14)
Lane Kiffin’s brief tenure as head coach was a nightmare. First-overall pick JaMarcus Russell turned out to be a monumental bust, and the Raiders’ offense was among the league’s worst.
8. 1996 New York Jets (1-15)
A year after finishing 10-6, the Jets completely collapsed. With quarterbacks Neil O’Donnell and Chad Pennington struggling mightily, the team managed just one lonely win in a season best forgotten.
7. 2016 Cleveland Browns (1-15)
Head coach Hue Jackson’s Browns opened the season with a win — then lost 15 straight. Inconsistent quarterback play and a leaky defense defined one of the franchise’s darkest chapters.
6. 2000 San Diego Chargers (1-15)
Ryan Leaf’s tenure as quarterback proved disastrous. He threw 18 interceptions with a dismal 50 passer rating, cementing his reputation as one of the NFL’s biggest busts.
5. 2007 Miami Dolphins (1-15)
Under head coach Cam Cameron, the Dolphins’ offense sputtered, averaging just 16.7 points per game. Quarterbacks Cleo Lemon and John Beck failed to generate any momentum in an abysmal campaign.
4. 2001 Carolina Panthers (1-15)
Rookie QB Chris Weinke struggled mightily, while head coach George Seifert’s team lost 15 games by double digits. It was one of the worst collapses in franchise history.
3. 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-14)
As a brand-new expansion franchise, the Buccaneers endured a nightmarish debut season. They scored only 125 total points and failed to win a single game, cementing their place in NFL infamy.
2. 2008 Detroit Lions (0-16)
The Lions’ defense allowed a jaw-dropping 517 points, while the offense under Jon Kitna couldn’t find any consistency. Their 0-16 record marked a historic low point for the franchise.
1. 2017 Cleveland Browns (0-16)
Topping the list is the 2017 Browns, whose offensive incompetence and poor quarterback play led to an utterly winless season. Scoring just 18.7 points per game, they joined the Lions as the only 0-16 teams in NFL history.
FAQ
Which NFL Team Has The Worst Record In History?
The 2008 Detroit Lions and 2017 Cleveland Browns share the worst record ever, both finishing 0-16.
Has Any NFL Team Gone Winless In A Season?
Yes — both the 2008 Lions and 2017 Browns completed entire seasons without a single win.
What Causes NFL Teams To Perform So Poorly?
A mix of injuries, poor coaching, weak drafting, and lack of chemistry often leads to historically bad seasons.
What Team Had The Worst Offense In NFL History?
The 1992 Seattle Seahawks averaged just 8.8 points per game — one of the lowest offensive outputs ever recorded.
Did Any Bad NFL Teams Later Turn Things Around?
Yes. Teams like the Buccaneers and Chiefs rebounded from dismal years to eventually win Super Bowls.