This Unclaimed Prize: Stories of the NFL Teams Who Never Won Super Bowl
Super Bowl Curse
The Super Bowl is the biggest event in sports in North America every year since its inception in 1967. Although there are 32 teams in the NFL, there are a staggering 12 NFL teams without a Super Bowl.
Over the years, there have been dynasties of teams that have stacked Super Bowl wins, like the early 2000s New England Patriots, and more recently, the Kansas City Chiefs. Although there have been 59 Super Bowls since the first one back in the 60s, most of the wins are distributed amongst the top franchises.
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers lead the NFL in Super Bowl wins with six a piece each. The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers are tied for third with five Super Bowl wins a piece. The Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers are tied for fifth with four Super Bowl wins a piece. That’s 30 of the 59 Super Bowl wins split among just six teams.
Now that we have covered the most successful NFL franchises, let’s explore those 12 unfortunate NFL teams who never won a Super Bowl.
Minnesota Vikings
Starting with maybe the most unfortunate of the 12, the Vikings have certainly had their chances. The Vikings are tied for the most Super Bowl appearances without a win with four total.
The Vikings were perhaps one of the most dominant teams in the NFL during the 1970s, which was the decade in which they had all four Super Bowl appearances. The Vikings’ 54.5% regular season win percentage is eighth all-time, and yet they top the list of NFL teams that haven’t won a Super Bowl. Still, Vikings’ fans remain a loyal fanbase even though their team hasn’t won a Super Bowl before.
Buffalo Bills
If the Vikings aren’t the most unfortunate NFL team, the Bills certainly are. Not only are the Bills tied with the Vikings for most Super Bowl appearances without a win at four, but all four of them came in consecutive years from 1991-1994.
Their first appearance was their closest chance, as Bills kicker Scott Norwood missed a 47-yard field goal with time expiring to win the game 22-20. Instead, they lost, 20-19 to the Giants, and the Bills are still on the list of NFL teams that have never won a Super Bowl.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have been an unsuccessful team for most of recent history until Joe Burrow showed up. The Bengals had not appeared in a Super Bowl since 1989 until Joe Burrow brought them to the big game in 2022. Ultimately, the Bengals fell in a close game to the Rams, losing 23-20.
The Bengals have three Super Bowl appearances on their resume with nothing to show for it, although Bengals’ fans remain hopeful with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase still on the team. Maybe this electric duo can remove the Bengals from the list of NFL teams who haven’t won a Super Bowl.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are currently thought of as one of the sorriest franchises in the NFL, but they are one of the youngest teams in the league, joining in just 1995. Still, they are actually the only NFL team that hasn’t won a Super Bowl that has a winning record overall in the postseason.
The Panthers last made the Super Bowl nine years ago in Super Bowl 50, losing to the Broncos in a 24-10 rout behind the legendary Peyton Manning.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns had success as a franchise before the Super Bowl era, but it’s been a rough go since then. The Browns are just one of four NFL franchises who not only haven never won a Super Bowl but don’t even have an appearance.
Perhaps the saddest stat of all, the Browns actually have more winless seasons than Super Bowl appearances.
Detroit Lions
While we’re on the topic of teams without a Super Bowl appearance, the Lions also have the unfortunate statistic of doing so. The Lions have gotten close in recent years, making the NFC championship multiple times in the last five years now, but they have not been able to punch their ticket to a Super Bowl just yet. However, fans remain faithful, as the Lions seem to be trending upward in the 2020s. Still, the Lions make the list of NFL teams who have never won a Super Bowl.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars had their fair share of success early on in the NFL, making the playoffs in four of their first five seasons, but it’s been all downhill since. The Jaguars have really only had one opportunity since the 2000s to make the Super Bowl, but they blew a double-digit fourth-quarter lead to the Patriots in the AFC championship in 2017.
The Jaguars are probably considered one of the least successful NFL franchises in NFL history, and they make the list of NFL teams who have never won a Super Bowl as well as never making a Super Bowl appearance. For those interested in the latest odds and potential outcomes of upcoming games, check out the NFL game odds.
Arizona Cardinals
When you think of teams without a Super Bowl, it’s surprising to see the Cardinals on that list. The Cardinals are the oldest franchise without a Super Bowl, and they have had some very good teams since they joined the NFL in 1920. To think they had Larry Fitzgerald, one of the best receivers of all time, and didn’t win a Super Bowl with him. However, they got close, as their only Super Bowl appearance in 2009 featured the famous receiver.
Other teams to Have Never Won a Super Bowl:
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Tennessee Titans
- Houston Texans
- Atlanta Falcons
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