NFL: The Greatest Single Season Performance in the History of Every Franchise

As we sit through the doldrums of the off-season anticipating the draft, many NFL fans begin to debate on such topics of who has had the best seasons.  Was it the '93 Cowboys?  The '72 Dolphins?  Maybe it was the Monsters of the Midway and the '85 Bears.

The fact that we are now sitting through a prolonged lockout has also left fans to reminisce about the past glory days, considering the future is clouded.  These are the reasons why we take a look at the single best season every current NFL franchise has had.  

I encourage you to leave your thoughts as to why team you feel was most dominant of all. 

New York Jets.

Year:  1968

Record:  11-3

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III 16-7

This one is quite easy for a team that's only won one Super Bowl, but what a historic one it was.  Many people credit the booming popularity of the NFL with the Jets shocking victory over the Colts.  With Broadway Joe Namath leading the way, this Jets team will forever go down as one of the legends of the NFL.

Buffalo Bills

Year:  1964

Record:  12-2

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating San Diego Chargers 20-7 in AFL Championship

When you talk about the Buffalo Bills, people usually think of two things.  First is their run of four straight Super Bowls, none of which ending successfully.  The other has been their outright futility since then, having not gone to the playoffs since their "Music City Miracle"  in 1999.

However, the Bills did enjoy a championship; the AFL title in 1964 when they were led by quarterback Jack Kemp and the rushing of Cookie Gilchrest.  One can only hope the Bills can one day add to their history before the franchise becomes just that and re-locates. 

Miami Dolphins

Year:  1972

Record:  14-0 (17-0 including playoffs)

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating Washington Redskins 14-7 in Super Bowl VII

It doesn't take a wild guess to realize what the best season for the Miami Dolphins was.  Being they're the only team to ever go undefeated in a season the '72 Dolphins take the cake.  Bob Griese helped lead the way with help from fullback Larry Csonka who some remember as a co-host for American Gladiators.  Currently most hear the most from running back Mercury Morris, who is the most oft-spoken Dolphin every time the last undefeated NFL team loses its first game. 

New England Patriots

Year:  2001

Record:  11-5

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating St. Louis Rams 20-17 in Super Bowl XXXVI

It can be debated that the New England Patriots had far more dominant teams in their other two Super Bowl wins over the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles.  However, there was none more dramatic than their first when they beat a Rams team that was favored by 14 points.

The whole game just seemed to fit perfectly that a team called the Patriots would win in one of the more patriotic sporting events in recent history, as it marked the first Super Bowl after the 2001 terrorist attacks.  The image of a young Tom Brady that went from backup to superstar will never leave us. 

Baltimore Ravens

Year:  2000

Record:  13-3

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating New York Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV

The 2000 Baltimore Ravens will be remembered mostly for one thing; having one of the more dominant defenses in NFL history.  They allowed less than 1,000 yards rushing for this season as well as the fewest points allowed (165) in regular season history.  Despite this, they were still incredibly a Wild Card with the Jacksonville Jaguars going 14-2 that same season.

But with players like Ray Lewis and Rod Woodson on defense, the running of then rookie Jamaal Lewis and the steady guidance of quarterback Trent Dilfer, they pounded their way to a Super Bowl victory. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Year:  1978

Record:  14-2

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating Dallas Cowboys 35-31 in Super Bowl XIII

It's truly hard to consider which Steelers team was best, seeing as they've won an NFL high six Super Bowls. While they've had a 15-1 season before, never before have they had a Super Bowl season in which they won 14 games. 

The late 70's were a golden time for the Steelers with their Steel Curtain defense, quarterback play from Terry Bradshaw, clutch runs from Franco Harris, and a receiving corps led by Lynn Swann.  The fact that they Steelers vanquished their rivals in the Super Bowl merely cemented the deal as the best season in Steeler history.

Cincinatti Bengals

Year:  1988

Record:  12-4

Crowning Achievement:  Losing to San Francisco 49'ers 20-16 in Super Bowl XXIII

Many new fans to the NFL think of the Bengals as one of the worst franchises in the NFL.  And why not?  The team has routinely missed the playoffs and flamed out the last two times they've made it to the post season.  The team is constantly surrounded in turmoil and right now has no receivers and a quarterback that would rather retire than stay there.

Things were much different though in the 1980's when the Bengals played two contested Super Bowls against the 49'ers, the second of which in 1988, they came tantalizingly close to winning.  Led by Boomer Esiason and "Ickey" Woods at running back, the Bengals came oh so close to adding themselves to the list of Super Bowl winners. 

Cleveland Browns

Year:  1964

Record:  10-3-1

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating Baltimore Colts 27-0 to win NFL championship.

There hasn't been a lot of celebrating in the city of Cleveland.  In fact the last championship the city has seen was this 1964 title in which they upset the highly favored Colts in the NFL championship.  This was the peak years for Jim Brown, who many consider the best running back in NFL history.  However, in this game, the credit went to receiver Gary Collins who had three touchdown catches. 

Indianapolis Colts

Year:  2006

Record:  12-4

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating Chicago Bears 29-17 in Super Bowl XLI

While the Colts franchise enjoyed tons of success in the city of Baltimore, there was little to write home about in their times in Indianapolis.  That is of course, until Peyton Manning was drafted in 1998.  The 2006 season was finally the ascension to the mountain top for Manning and coach Tony Dungy, who had a historic comeback against the rival Patriots in the AFC Championship, and dominated the Bears in the Super Bowl .

Houston Texans

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 13: Wide receiver Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans comes scores as he get's his foot down in the endzone in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Reliant Stadium on December 13, 2010 in Houston, Texas. Baltimore

Year:  2009

Record:  9-7

Crowning Achievement:  Having their first winning season in franchise history.

The newest NFL team, the Houston Texans have not had much success since coming into the league in 2002.  The franchise has thus far been best known for failing to live up to expectations.  In 2009, the Texans did just that, with many people predicting them to make the post season.   This was one season though in which they were able to at least pull over .500. 

Time will tell when the Texans will be able to fair better than the 2009 season. 

Tennessee Titans

Year:  1999

Record:  13-3

Crowning Achievement:  Losing to St. Louis Rams 23-16 in Super Bowl XXXIV

It seems like the Titans were still unpacking their boxes from Houston when Tennessee became as unlikely a participant in Super Bowl XXXIV as the St. Louis Rams.  Years from now, most people will remember two things from this game.  The first is the unlikely story of Kurt Warner who went from grocery bag boy to NFL and Super Bowl MVP.

The other will be the unforgettable image of Kevin Dyson trying to stretch out for one more yard to get the game tying score, only to come up just short.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Year:  1996

Record:  9-7

Crowning Achievement:  Losing to the New England Patriots 20-6 in the AFC Championship.

Many people expected great things from the Jaguars when, in just their second season, they advanced to the AFC Championship.  While there were arguably more dominant teams in years to come, no other Jags squad has gotten to the AFC title game.  Led by Mark Brunell and receiver Jimmy Smith, the Jaguars shocking upset of the Broncos in the AFC Divisional game was one of the bigger upsets of the 1990's.

Denver Broncos

Year:  1997

Record:  12-4

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating Green Bay Packers 31-24 in Super Bowl XXXII

"This one's for John," was the one line no one will forget from this game.  John Elway had made three trips to the Super Bowl, only to be demolished almost every time.  Coming off the aforementioned disappointment of 1996, the Broncos came to the Super Bowl as underdogs against the defending champion Packers. 

There would be no more sadness this time as Elway willed his team to a victory and start a dominating run that would culminate in a second championship just one year later. 

San Diego Chargers

Year:  1994

Record:  11-5

Crowning Achievement:  Losing to the San Francisco 49'ers 49-26 in Super Bowl XXIX.

The Chargers will be best known in this season sadly as being the victim's of one of the most dominating performances by a quarterback in Super Bowl history.  Steve Young torched them all night long en route the the Niners winning yet another championship. 

However, the year was an impressive one for the Bolts, having advanced to the Super Bowl with an impressive upset of the Steelers in Pittsburgh.  On paper, the Chargers have had better teams in recent years, but none have been able to get as far as the 1994 squad. 

Oakland Raiders

Year:  1976

Record:  13-1

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating Minnesota Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI.

The Raiders in the 1970's and 80's were a ferocious bunch, but no team was better than John Madden's 1976 men in black and gray.  Ken Stabler helped lead this team to a 13-1 record and with a cast of teammates that included the great receiver Fred Biletnikoff, the Raiders steamrolled their way to a championship, culminating in the dominating 32-14 over the Vikings. 

Kansas City Chiefs

Year:  1970

Record:  11-3

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating Minnesota Vikings 23-7 in Super Bowl IV

The Vikings come up on this list a lot don't they?  Before the Raiders feasted on them, the Chiefs did the same in Super Bowl IV.  Len Dawson (who most probably know him from his days with Inside the NFL), quarterbacked this team, who had endured their own disappointment, losing the first ever Super Bowl to the Green Bay Packers.  They would not be denied this time though and the Chiefs coached by Hank Stram, finally hoisted the championship for their fans. 

New York Giants

Year:  1986

Record:  14-2

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating Denver Broncos 39-20 in Super Bowl XXI

The Giants had two of the more dramatic Super Bowl victories in history, seeing Scott Norwood's Field Goal go wide in Super Bowl XXV and David Tyree's amazing grab in Super Bowl XXLII, but none was more dominant than their win in 1986.

Following the great Bears team of 1985, the Giants came with a powerful defense led by Lawrence Taylor and a potent offense with Phil Simms at the helm.  Simms set a Super Bowl record in this game with his accuracy as they dominated Elway up and down the field. 

Philadelphia Eagles

Year:  1949

Record:  11-1

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating the LA Rams 14-0 to win the NFL Championship.

Since the drafting of Donovan McNabb, it seems the Eagles have constantly been a Super Bowl contender, most recently with Michael Vick leading the way.  However, despite having great teams for almost a decade and a half, and success in previous decades, the last championship this team won was in 1949, when they went 11-1.  Steve Van Buren helped this team with over 1100 yards rushing that year. 

This likely won't upset any of their NFC rival fan bases, but the Eagles are one of the only early era football teams to have never won a Super Bowl, going 0-2 in their only two opportunities. 

Dallas Cowboys

Year:  1992

Record:  13-3

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating the Buffalo Bills 52-17 in Super Bowl XXVII

While there had been great Cowboys teams in the past coached by Tom Landry, no Cowboy team had dominated so thoroughly as the 1992 squad that boasted future hall of famers Troy Aikman, Emmittt Smith and Michael Irvin. 

Coached by Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys put forth one of the more dominating Super Bowl performances in NFL history, destroying the Bills.  This was the start of a dynasty of sorts for Dallas who would go on to beat Buffalo for a second time the following year, and the Pittsburgh Steelers two years after that. 

Washington Redskins

Year:  1991

Record:  14-2

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating the Buffalo Bills 37-24 in Super Bowl XVI

After reading this, you can see why the Bills kept losing Super Bowls.  They kept running into teams who enjoyed their best ever seasons!  Before the Cowboys crushed them, the Redskins had their most dominating season ever going 14-2, led by surprising NFL MVP, quarterback Mark Rypien.

Much like the Cowboys, the Redskins had tasted Super Bowl success prior to 1991, but no other team had as good of a record in the regular season, nor controlled the Super Bowl as much as this one against Buffalo.

Chicago Bears

Year:  1985

Record:  15-1

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX

The Monsters of the Midway were undoubtedly the best team in Bears history, and many would argue the best team in NFL history.  The Bears defense was one of the best in the history of the league, using Buddy Ryan's famed "46" defense.  Their offense had one of the best running backs ever in Walter Payton,and was guided by the "Punky QB" Jim McMahon. 

The biggest disappointment that would come from this team is not letting Walter Payton score a touchdown in the Super Bowl, and the mere fact this dominating force only went to one Super Bowl. 

Detroit Lions

Year:  1953

Record:  10-2

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating the Cleveland Browns 17-16 to win the NFL Championship

You wouldn't believe it, but the Lions were one of the more dominant teams in the NFL...in the 1950's.  This was a period of dominance shared between Detroit and Cleveland during this time, so it not surprise many their title came came down to the wire.  The best player on the Lions that year was cornerback Jack Christensen, who had an impressive 12 interceptions that year.

The 1950's were the golden years for the Lions.  One can only hope those days of gold could return to the Motor City in the near future. 

Minnesota Vikings

Year:  1969

Record:  12-2

Crowning Achievement:  Losing to the Kansas City Chiefs 23-7 in Super Bowl IV.

The Vikings have been a brides maid but never the bride when it comes to the Super Bowl.  They've been there numerous times, only to fall short, often in spectacular fashion. This Vikings team had the best regular season success before going to the championship game.  Quarterback Joe Kapp helped lead the team to their first ever Super Bowl that year.

One could argue their 1998 team was their best season, going 15-1, however that year was cut short by the Falcons int he NFC Championship.

Green Bay Packers

Year:  1966

Record:  12-2

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 in Super Bowl I

The Green Bay Packers are a team that has enjoyed success once every generation it appears.  They just won the most recent Super Bowl, and before that won in 1996 with Brett Favre at the helm.

However, there was no better team than the original Super Bowl winner, the 1966 Packers who were quarterbacked by Bart Starr.  Ray Nitschke was one of the leaders on their defense as well, and combined with a very deep roster, the Packers rolled through their season, climaxing in a 35-10 thrashing of the Chiefs. 

There has been much debate of who will be the best QB in Packer history. Is it Starr?  Favre?  Or will it be Rodgers?

In the end though, there should not be this type of debate of who the best Packers team was.

Carolina Panthers

Year:  2003

Record:  11-5

Crowning Achievement:  Losing to the New England Patriots 32-29 in Super Bowl XXXVIII

Since their inaugural year in 1995, there may be no one franchise that has exhibited a Jekyll and Hyde tendency than Carolina.  In just their second year they went to an NFC Championship but by 2001, they went a woeful 1-15.  Just two years later though they played in a Super Bowl.  Since then they've alternated between mediocrity and Super Bowl contention until this past year where they've returned to being an NFL bottom feeder.

No team though has matched the success of 2003 when they nearly came back to beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl.  With a powerful rushing duo of Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster, great receptions by Steve Smith and clutch QB play from Jake Delhomme, the Panthers surprised many that year.

Sadly, the success has not been sustained for any long period of time. 

Atlanta Falcons

Year:  1998

Record:  14-2

Crowning Achievement:  Losing to the Denver Broncos 34-19 in Super Bowl XXXIII.

Until recently, the Falcons had not enjoyed consecutive winning seasons.  One though in which they enjoyed a lot of wins was in 1998 when they went 14-2.  Amazingly though, they had to go to the road in the NFC Championship to take on the 15-1 Vikings, who many thought to be unstoppable.

However, in a battle of future hall of fame kickers, Gary Anderson missed his first field goal of the year at the end of regulation.  Morten Andersen would make the same mistake, kicking his team to the big game.

At the Super Bowl though the Falcons were overwhelmed by the John Elway machine.  Though they put up a fight, they were no match for the Broncos and Elway, who got to enjoy the storybook ending of retiring after winning consecutive championships. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Year:  2002

Record:  12-4

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating the Oakland Raiders 48-21 in Super Bowl XXXVII

For decades, the Bucs were a laughing stock in the NFL, known for losing (often in embarrassing fashion), and orange creamsicle uniforms.  All of that seemed to change when Tony Dungy came to the team.  The Bucs started to win games and eventually contended for Super Bowls.

The Buccaneers brass eventually felt Dungy could not get them to the promise land and in 2002, they brought in John Gruden.  All he did in his first year was take his team to a Super Bowl, destroying his former team in the process.

The Bucs had one of the better defenses in the past decade with the likes of Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber.  While the Bucs have not gotten to another Super Bowl, the Bucs have continued their success, getting as far away from their creamsicle history as possible. 

New Orleans Saints

Year:  2009

Record:  13-3

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIII

One of the most heartwarming stories in recent NFL history came in 2009 when the Saints won the Super Bowl.  Four years removed from the destruction of New Orleans, a tragedy that nearly led to the re-location of the Saints franchise,Drew Brees helped engineer one of the more potent offenses in years.  With a defense that helped create timely turnovers every game, the Saints outplayed the Colts in the 2nd half to win.

Another thing that will be remembered from this year, was the unforgettable NFC Championship game between the Saints and the Vikings. 

St. Louis Rams

Year:  1999

Record:  13-3

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating the Tennessee Titans 23-17 in Super Bowl XXXIV. 

When Trent Green went down to a season ending injury in the 1999 pre-season, all hoped seemed lost when unknown rookie Kurt Warner took over at quarterback.. It seemed destined to be yet another losing season for a franchise that was accustomed to them.

However, something magically clicked with this team, that shockingly went 13-3 amidst one of the best offenses in NFL history led by Warner, Marshall Faulk, Issac Bruce and Torrie Holt.  Their success culminated in a thrilling win over the Titans, who also had their best ever season in '99.

Arizona Cardinals

Year:  2008

Record:  9-7

Crowning Achievement:  Losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII

Much like St. Louis, Kurt Warner helped resurrect a team that was long seen as a laughing stock.  Playing for a team that many felt would never see a Super Bowl, Warner helped get the Cardinals into the game, and nearly shocked the world with a masterful 2nd half performance. 

It took a last second perfect pass from Ben Rothlisberger to deny the Cardinals of their dream finish.  Since Warner has retired, the Cardinals have gone back to the familiar position of last place.  Thanks to their 2008 success though, no one believes the Cards will be in the doldrums for long like so many past Cardinals teams have been. 

Seattle Seahawks

Year:  2005

Record:  13-3

Crowning Achievement:  Losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-10 in Super Bowl XL.

Call the last 12 years a time in which NFC West teams began to gain respectability.  Much like their division counterparts in St. Louis and Arizona, the Seahawks were often a franchise no one took seriously.  With little to no postseason success, the franchise turned to Mike Holmgren to turn things around.

It took awhile, but eventually he turned the Seahawks into an NFC force, culminating in a trip to the Super Bowl where they lost to the Steelers.  While they may have been vanquished that day, it helped truly put the Seahawks on the map. 

San Francisco 49'ers

Year:  1989

Record:  14-2

Crowning Achievement:  Defeating the Denver Broncos 55-10 in Super Bowl XXIV

When a team succeeds as much as the 49'ers did in the 1980's, it's hard to decide what team was most successful.  Was it 1981, with Dwight Clark's "catch"?  Many would say so, but when you see how dominant the '89 49er's were, you can't help but consider this team the best ever. 

No Super Bowl winning Niner team enjoyed a 14-2 record.  With Joe Montana and Jerry Rice setting records and Ronnie Lott scaring people to death on defense, the 49'ers rolled through everyone, most notably the Broncos in the Super Bowl in the biggest blow out in the game's history.

This would be the end of the Montana era with the 'Niners as he was never the same after a crushing hit by the Giants Leonard Marshall in the 1990 NFC Championship.  But the run of the San Francisco in the 1980's is one of, if not the most dominant decades by a team in NFL history.