NFL

NFL teams that have never won or appeared in a Super Bowl

Some franchises have felt glory slip through their fingers, while others have never even reached the big game. Year after year, their fans dream of breaking the curse and making history in the NFL. Check out which teams.

Quarterback Kurt Warner #13 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009.
© Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesQuarterback Kurt Warner #13 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009.

In the rich and thrilling history of the NFL, 12 out of 32 franchises have yet to lift the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy. Among them, four teams have never reached the Super Bowl, including the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.

On the other hand, eight teams have felt glory within their grasp, only to see it slip away on the sport’s biggest stage. Major franchises have reached the Super Bowl four times each but have failed to secure victory.

As each season unfolds, hope is reborn for these popular teams and their loyal fans. The NFL, with its unpredictability and excitement, offers a new opportunity every year for these teams to change their fate.

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NFL teams that have never been to the Super Bowl

Cleveland Browns

Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after sacking Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half in 2023. (Source: Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after sacking Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half in 2023. (Source: Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The Browns have one of the most passionate fan bases in the NFL, but they have yet to make an appearance. Cleveland was a dominant franchise in the pre-Super Bowl era, winning multiple NFL championships in the 1950s and early 1960s, led by legends like Otto Graham and Jim Brown. However, since the Super Bowl era began in 1967, they have struggled to reach the top.

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Their closest chances came in the late 1980s, when they reached three AFC Championship Games under quarterback Bernie Kosar. Unfortunately, they ran into the powerhouse Denver Broncos and suffered heartbreaking losses, including “The Drive” in 1986 (when John Elway led a 98-yard game-tying drive) and “The Fumble” in 1987 (when running back Earnest Byner lost the ball near the goal line).

The Browns‘ struggles worsened in 1995 when the franchise relocated to Baltimore, only to be re-established in 1999 as an expansion team. Since then, Cleveland has only won one playoff game (2020 season) and remains one of the most starved franchises for a Super Bowl appearance.

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Detroit Lions

Quarterback Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions reacts after throwing a second quarter touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers. (Source: Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Quarterback Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions reacts after throwing a second quarter touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers. (Source: Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Like the Browns, the Detroit Lions were a dominant team in the early years of professional football, winning four NFL championships (1935, 1952, 1953, 1957). However, since the Super Bowl era began in 1967, they have never reached the big game. They have often been plagued by poor management, inconsistent coaching, and an inability to sustain success.

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One of their best chances came in the 1991 season, when they reached the NFC Championship Game behind legendary running back Barry Sanders. However, they were blown out by Washington 41-10, ending their closest run.

Since then, Detroit has suffered through multiple rebuilds and even became the first team in NFL history to finish 0-16 (2008 season). More recently, under head coach Dan Campbell, they have shown promise, including a deep playoff run in the 2023 season, but they still haven’t been able to reach the Super Bowl.

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Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after being sacked against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff in 2025. (Source: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after being sacked against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff in 2025. (Source: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans are the youngest franchise in the NFL, having entered the league as an expansion team in 2002 after the Houston Oilers relocated to become the Tennessee Titans. As a relatively new team, they haven’t had as much time to build a Super Bowl legacy, but their lack of playoff success has still been disappointing.

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The Texans didn’t reach the playoffs until 2011, when they finally won their first division title. Since then, they have made multiple postseason appearances, often led by star players like J.J. Watt and Deshaun Watson, but have never advanced past the AFC Divisional Round.

One of their most painful losses came in the 2019 season, when they held a 24-0 lead against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round, only to allow Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to storm back and win 51-31. While the Texans are still seeking their first Super Bowl trip, they have shown promise with young quarterback C.J. Stroud, raising hopes for the future.

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Jacksonville Jaguars

Josh Allen #41 of the Jacksonville Jaguars reacts during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at EverBank Stadium on November 12, 2023. (Source: Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Josh Allen #41 of the Jacksonville Jaguars reacts during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at EverBank Stadium on November 12, 2023. (Source: Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

The Jaguars joined the NFL in 1995 as an expansion team and quickly found success, reaching the AFC Championship Game in 1996, just their second season in existence. However, they were dominated by the New England Patriots, preventing them from reaching the Super Bowl.

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Jacksonville has made the AFC Championship Game three times (1996, 1999, and 2017), but each time, they fell short. Their 1999 team, led by quarterback Mark Brunell and a dominant defense, finished 14-2 but was crushed by the division-rival Tennessee Titans in the AFC title game.

In 2017, the Jaguars, led by a fearsome defense nicknamed “Sacksonville” and quarterback Blake Bortles, had a 10-point fourth-quarter lead over the Patriots, only for Tom Brady to orchestrate another comeback, ending Jacksonville’s dream season.

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NFL Teams that have been to the Super Bowl but never won

Arizona Cardinals

Calais Campbell #93 of the Arizona Cardinals kneels on the field before taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009. (Source: Al Bello/Getty Images)

Calais Campbell #93 of the Arizona Cardinals kneels on the field before taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009. (Source: Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals made their only Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XLIII (2008 season) against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Led by quarterback Kurt Warner and star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, they had a strong playoff run, including an NFC Championship victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

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In the Super Bowl, Fitzgerald scored what appeared to be a game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter, putting Arizona ahead 23-20 with just over two minutes remaining.

However, the Steelers responded with one of the most dramatic drives in Super Bowl history. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger led Pittsburgh down the field and threw a spectacular touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes, who made a toe-tap catch in the end zone with 35 seconds left.

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The Cardinals fell short, losing 27-23, despite a strong performance. This remains their only Super Bowl appearance to date, and they have struggled to return to that level ever since.

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons walks off the field after losing to the New England Patriots 34-28 in overtime during Super Bowl 51 in 2017. (Source: Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons walks off the field after losing to the New England Patriots 34-28 in overtime during Super Bowl 51 in 2017. (Source: Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

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The Falcons have played in two Super Bowls, both ending in heartbreak. Their first appearance was in Super Bowl XXXIII (1998 season), where they faced John Elway and the Denver Broncos.

Atlanta was overmatched, losing 34-19, as the Broncos won their second consecutive title. Despite a strong season led by quarterback Chris Chandler and running back Jamal Anderson, the Falcons couldn’t keep up with Elway’s legendary performance.

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However, their most infamous Super Bowl loss came in Super Bowl LI (2016 season) against the New England Patriots. The Falcons, led by MVP quarterback Matt Ryan and star receiver Julio Jones, built a commanding 28-3 lead midway through the third quarter.

But then, disaster struck. The Patriots, led by Tom Brady, staged the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, forcing overtime and winning 34-28. The collapse became one of the most infamous moments in sports history, and the Falcons have yet to recover their status as a top Super Bowl contender.

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Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills Thurman Thomas on the bench during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl in 1994. (Source: Rick Stewart/ALLSPORT)

Buffalo Bills Thurman Thomas on the bench during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl in 1994. (Source: Rick Stewart/ALLSPORT)

The Buffalo Bills hold the unfortunate record of appearing in four consecutive Super Bowls (1990-1993) and losing all four. Their first and closest chance came in Super Bowl XXV (1990 season) against the New York Giants.

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The Bills, led by quarterback Jim Kelly and running back Thurman Thomas, had a chance to win with a last-second field goal, but Scott Norwood’s 47-yard attempt sailed wide right, resulting in a heartbreaking 20-19 loss.

The next three Super Bowls weren’t as close. In Super Bowl XXVI, Washington dominated the Bills 37-24. In Super Bowls XXVII and XXVIII, Buffalo faced the Dallas Cowboys in back-to-back seasons, suffering blowout losses of 52-17 and 30-13.

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Despite their Super Bowl struggles, the early ‘90s Bills remain one of the most talented teams in NFL history, known for their K-Gun offense and dominant AFC performances.

Carolina Panthers

Running back DeShaun Foster #20 of the Carolina Panthers scores on a 33 yard touchdown run against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004. (Source: Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

Running back DeShaun Foster #20 of the Carolina Panthers scores on a 33 yard touchdown run against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004. (Source: Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

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The Carolina Panthers have made two Super Bowl appearances, both ending in defeat. Their first came in Super Bowl XXXVIII (2003 season) against the New England Patriots. Led by quarterback Jake Delhomme and a strong defense, the Panthers played in a thrilling back-and-forth game.

In the final moments, New England kicker Adam Vinatieri nailed a game-winning field goal, giving the Patriots a 32-29 victory. Despite the loss, this game is remembered as one of the best Super Bowls ever played.

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The Panthers returned to the Super Bowl in Super Bowl 50 (2015 season) with a dominant 15-1 record, led by MVP quarterback Cam Newton. Their opponent was the Denver Broncos, powered by one of the best defenses in history, featuring Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware.

Denver’s defense overwhelmed Newton, forcing multiple turnovers and leading to a 24-10 Broncos win. The loss was a major disappointment for Carolina, and they have struggled to return to that level ever since.

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Cincinnati Bengals

General view of Super Bowl XXIII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals in 1989. (Source: Rick Stewart /Allsport)

General view of Super Bowl XXIII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals in 1989. (Source: Rick Stewart /Allsport)

The Bengals have reached three Super Bowls, all ending in losses. Their first appearance was in Super Bowl XVI (1981 season) against the San Francisco 49ers. Led by quarterback Ken Anderson, they struggled early but mounted a late comeback before ultimately losing 26-21. This game marked the beginning of the 49ers dynasty under Joe Montana.

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They got another shot in Super Bowl XXIII (1988 season), once again facing Montana’s 49ers. Cincinnati led 16-13 with just over three minutes left, but Montana orchestrated a legendary 92-yard game-winning drive, ending with a touchdown pass to John Taylor.

The team lost 20-16, marking another devastating defeat. Most recently, in Super Bowl LVI (2021 season), they faced the Los Angeles Rams. Despite a strong performance by Joe Burrow, Cincinnati’s offensive line struggled, allowing multiple sacks, and the Rams won 23-20 with a late touchdown.

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Los Angeles Chargers

Running back Natrone Means #20 of the San Diego Chargers is tackled by several San Francisco 49ers players during Super Bowl XXIX in 1995. (Source: Simon Bruty /Allsports)

Running back Natrone Means #20 of the San Diego Chargers is tackled by several San Francisco 49ers players during Super Bowl XXIX in 1995. (Source: Simon Bruty /Allsports)

The Chargers’ only Super Bowl appearance came in Super Bowl XXIX (1994 season) against the San Francisco 49ers. Led by quarterback Stan Humphries and running back Natrone Means, the Chargers were massive underdogs.

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Unfortunately, they were completely overmatched, as Steve Young and the 49ers dominated them 49-26, setting a record for most points scored in a Super Bowl at the time.

Despite multiple playoff appearances over the years, the Chargers have never returned to the Super Bowl. They’ve had talented teams, including those led by Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Antonio Gates, but have consistently fallen short in the postseason.

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Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings against Miami Dolphins at the Super Bowl. (Source: @ProFootballHOF)

Minnesota Vikings against Miami Dolphins at the Super Bowl. (Source: @ProFootballHOF)

The Vikings have a frustrating Super Bowl history, appearing in four Super Bowls between 1969 and 1976 and losing them all. Their first was in Super Bowl IV, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 23-7.

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In Super Bowl VIII, they were dominated by the Miami Dolphins 24-7. Their third appearance, Super Bowl IX, saw them fall to the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-6. Finally, in Super Bowl XI, they were overwhelmed by the Oakland Raiders 32-14.

Despite their Super Bowl struggles, the Vikings were a powerhouse team in the 1970s, led by legendary coach Bud Grant and their fearsome “Purple People Eaters” defense. However, they never managed to capture a championship, and they haven’t returned to the Super Bowl since the 1976 season.

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Tennessee Titans

Titans Quarterback Steve McNair (#9) runs the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV between the St Louis Rams and the Tennessee Titans in 2000. (Source: Al Bello)

Titans Quarterback Steve McNair (#9) runs the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV between the St Louis Rams and the Tennessee Titans in 2000. (Source: Al Bello)

The Titans made their only Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV (1999 season) against the St. Louis Rams. Led by quarterback Steve McNair and running back Eddie George, they were locked in a close battle with the Rams, who were led by MVP quarterback Kurt Warner.

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With the the team trailing 23-16 in the final seconds, McNair completed a pass to Kevin Dyson, who sprinted toward the end zone but was tackled one yard short as time expired.

The dramatic ending, often referred to as “The Tackle”, is one of the most heartbreaking moments in Super Bowl history. The Titans have remained competitive over the years but have never made it back to the Super Bowl.

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