Top 50 NFL Teams to Never Win a Super Bowl

Sometimes we forget about those NFL teams that weren't fortunate enough to win the Super Bowl. They fall through the cracks and are really never remembered again.

Still, the 2007 New England Patriots, 1994 Dallas Cowboys and 1968 Baltimore Colts need to be remembered for what they were—some of the greatest teams to ever play.

Certain situations, like a Roger Craig fumble in the NFC championship game or five costly interceptions by Dan Fouts, disabled their ability to make their mark in the history of the NFL.

Today, I am going to focus on the 50 greatest NFL teams to never win the Super Bowl. You will see truth come to light in the form of major upsets, blown leads and wasted opportunities.

But remember these teams as some of the greatest.

50. 2006 Chicago Bears

Regular season record: 13-3

Point differential: 10.8 PPG

Many people talk about the 2006 Chicago Bears as a defense-oriented team, and that is probably true. Still, their offense ranked higher in scoring (second) than their defense did in points allowed (third). A lot of that had to do with a stinging defense and plus-eight turnover margin. Still, the 427 points the Bears put up was astonishing to me in doing research for this article.

Rex Grossman had his best season as a professional quarterback, throwing for over 3,200 yards and 23 touchdowns. His rating was more indicative of an average signal caller at 73.9.

It was the defense that led Chicago to a 13-3 record and NFC North title. The Bears allowed 10 points or fewer seven different times, which we all know is incredibly hard to do in the modern NFL.

Chicago stunned the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, as Robbie Gould nailed a 49-yard field goal to tie the game in the fourth quarter and then hit on a 49-yard field goal in overtime. Chicago then destroyed the Saints in the NFC championship game for its first ticket to the Super Bowl since 1985.

However, it wasn't to be. The Indianapolis Colts, led by Peyton Manning, beat Chicago 29-17 to win the title. The Bears' five turnovers didn't help.

49. 2005 Denver Broncos

Regular season record: 13-3

Point differential: 8.8 PPG

Jake Plummer began his Denver Broncos career after six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. At this time, many people questioned whether he could win in the NFL. Following his move to Denver, Plummer won 19 of his first 27 starts with the Broncos prior to the 2005 season.

Things were looking up.

In 2005, he led the Broncos to their best record since John Elway's final season in 1998. They won 13 games and cruised to the AFC West title. Denver's defense also had a lot to do with the turnaround; it finished third in the NFL in scoring allowed and held five different opponents to 10 points or less.

The playoffs started at home against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Although the Broncos were "favorites," many people picked New England to walk all over them. It didn't happen. Denver won 27-13, as it forced five Patriots turnovers, including two Brady interceptions.

However, the dream came to an end the next week, as Denver fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC championship game.

48. 1980 Atlanta Falcons

Regular season record: 11-5

Point differential: 8.5 PPG

The 1980 Atlanta Falcons made only their second appearance in the playoffs after finishing the regular season with an 11-5 record. Steve Bartkowski made one of his two Pro Bowls, finishing the season with over 3,500 yards passing and 31 touchdowns. Running back William Andrews added over 1,700 total yards and six touchdowns.

The Falcons finished fifth in both scoring offense and defense, showing the consistency of this really good team.

Despite great regular season success, Atlanta fell to the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs, as Dallas' Danny White connected with Drew Pearson for two fourth-quarter touchdown passes.

47. 1992 Houston Oilers

Regular season record: 12-4

Point differential: 8.1 PPG

The 1992 Houston Oilers will always be remembered for blowing the biggest playoff lead in NFL history by allowing the Buffalo Bills to come back from a 35-3 second-half deficit.

What many people won't remember is that this team was truly one of the most dynamic in the league that season. Lorenzo White had nearly 2,000 yards of total offense, while the Oilers' run and shoot offense led to four different players having more than 650 receiving yards.

It was one of the final great seasons for a franchise that had struggled so much in Houston over the course of the last couple decades. Within five years they relocated to Tennessee and became what we now know as the Titans.

46. 1985 Denver Broncos

Regular season record: 11-5

Point differential: 8.5 PPG

The disturbing picture aside, this Denver Broncos team was destined to do good things. John Elway had been drafted a few seasons prior and was just hitting his prime.

Denver started the season with six consecutive wins and immediately became the favorite to win the AFC Championship. It would only go 5-5 over the final 10 games of the season, so many people expected an early playoff exit.

After defeating the New England Patriots in the Divisional Playoffs, Denver would have to take its act to Cleveland and play the Browns on their home field. With Denver down 20-13 in the fourth quarter, Elway led the Broncos on a 98-yard touchdown drive with, tying the game with 38 seconds remaining in regulation. Denver went on to win the game in overtime.

All the good feeling came to a crashing halt when Washington defeated the Broncos by 19 points in Super Bowl XXI.

45. 2008 Tennessee Titans

Regular season record: 13-3

Point differential: 8.8 PPG

The 2008 Tennessee Titans boasted a veteran quarterback that had been to the Super Bowl before and a great tandem of young running backs in Chris Johnson and LenDale White, as well as a stingy defense led by current Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz.

The results were immediate success. Tennessee ran off 10 consecutive victories to start the season. It wasn't what you would call dominating, as the Titans won seven of those games by 10 points or less: still, they remained undefeated into the middle of November.

The Titans lost three of their final six games to stumble into the playoffs and were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens 13-10 in the divisional playoffs.

44. 2001 Green Bay Packers

Regular season record: 12-4

Point differential: 7.8 PPG

The Green Bay Packers were coming off two consecutive seasons in which they didn't qualify for the playoffs. Many people concluded that their "dynasty" was over, especially with the departure of Mike Holmgren a few years earlier.

Not so quick.

Green Bay finished the season fifth in both scoring offense and defense, while Brett Favre threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. What helped him out a great deal was a career year from Ahman Green, who had nearly 2,000 total yards.

The Packers defeated San Francisco in the wild-card round to set up a meeting with the "Greatest Show on Turf" but lost to the Rams 45-17.

43. 1996 Carolina Panthers

Regular season record: 12-4

Point differential: 9.4 PPG

It was only the Carolina Panthers' second season in existence, and no one expected this team to even come close to contention, but they shocked an already surprised football world.

Their offense didn't scare many people, only scoring a bit over 22 points per game. It was the defense that truly dominated, finishing third in the NFL in scoring. This unit consisted of a myriad of "washed-up" veterans and other teams' throwaways. The likes of Kevin Greene, Sam Mills, Eric Davis and Carlton Bailey anchored the unit.

Following a 12-4 regular season, Carolina had the unenviable task of taking on the defending Super Bowl champions and greatest franchise in football history, the Dallas Cowboys. There was no way that a second-year expansion team could keep up with the likes of Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith.

Wrong.

They intercepted Aikman three times en route to one of the greatest upsets in playoff history. The next week, Carolina fell to the Green Bay Packers.

42. 1986 Cleveland Browns

Regular season record: 12-4

Point differential: 8.6 PPG

1986 was going to be the year that the Cleveland Browns finally got their first Super Bowl title. Everything was working in their favor. They had one of the best quarterbacks in the game, Bernie Kosar, as well as a punishing running game led by Earnest Byner and Kevin Mack.

Cleveland won eight of its final nine regular season games to take the AFC Central crown. Accordingly, the Browns defeated the New York Jets in their first playoff game, 23-20 in overtime.

However, it wasn't to be. In the AFC championship game, Cleveland gave up a 98-yard touchdown drive to the Denver Broncos late in the fourth quarter while leading by seven points and eventually lost in overtime.

To this day, many people consider that the most gut-wrenching defeat in Cleveland sports history.

41. 2002 Philadelphia Eagles

Regular season record: 12-4

Point differential: 10.9 PPG

If you could use one word to describe the 2002 Philadelphia Eagles, it would be "dynamic." They finished fourth in the NFL in scoring offense and second in scoring defense.

Despite missing five games due to injury, Donovan McNabb compiled nearly 3,000 total yards and 23 touchdowns. Running back Duce Staley had over 1,500 total yards, and the defense racked up a league-best 55 sacks.

After a 20-6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the divisional playoffs, Philadelphia was stifled by a dominating Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense in the conference championship game.

40. 1979 San Diego Chargers

Regular season record: 12-4

Point differential: 10.3 PPG

It was the beginning of "Air Coryell" and the modern NFL offense. Joe Gibbs was the offensive coordinator and helped lead one of the most dynamic offenses in league history up to that point. Dan Fouts threw for over 4,000 yards, while Charlie Joiner and John Jefferson both had 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

San Diego scored 30 or more points seven times during the season, finishing with an average of over 25 points per game—a huge accomplishment at the time.

However, as was the case with the Chargers of this era, regular season success did not translate to the playoffs. San Diego fell to the Houston Oilers 17-14 in the playoffs as Fouts threw five interceptions.

39. 1971 Miami Dolphins

Regular season record: 10-3-1

Point differential: 10.1 PPG

It was one season before the Dolphins would go undefeated and win the Super Bowl against the Washington Redskins. It was also Don Shula's second season as the head coach of Miami. This season saw the Dolphins take the next step towards the league's elite.

The three-headed monster of Jim Kiick, Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris combined for over 2,500 yards of total offense, while Bob Griese led a prolific passing game.

Miami swept to the AFC East crown by outscoring its opponents by a total of 141 points. It took care of business in the playoffs as well, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round and shutting out the Baltimore Colts in the conference championship. It was on to the Super Bowl.

That didn't turn out too well. Miami lost to the Dallas Cowboys 24-3.

38. 1968 Cleveland Browns

Regular season record: 10-4

Point differential: 8.6

Frank Ryan and Bill Nelson combined for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns as the Cleveland Browns offense dominated through the air. Leroy Kelly ran for another 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground.

Would Cleveland win its first Super Bowl?

If the regular season was any indicator, it would. Cleveland scored more than 30 points in eight different games and completely dominated its NFL counterparts.

After defeating Tom Landry and the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional playoffs, Cleveland ran into a buzz saw in the form of the Baltimore Colts, losing 34-0 in the conference championship.

A Super Bowl would have to wait.

37. 1988 Cincinnati Bengals

Regular season record: 12-4

Point differential: 7.6 PPG

The 1988 Cincinnati Bengals boasted so many weapons that it was extremely hard for any AFC opponent to keep up with them. Boomer Esiason threw for 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns en route to first-team All-Pro honors. Ickey Woods and James Brooks combined for over 2,000 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns, while Eddie Brown had over 1,200 yards receiving.

Needless to say, Cincinnati put up points in bunches. It failed to score 20 points in only two games and had eight 400-yard outings.

It still wasn't enough when Cincinnati ran into the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. With a 16-13 lead late in the fourth quarter, the Bengals defense allowed Joe Montana and the 49ers to drive down the field for a game-winning touchdown, capped off by a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor with less than a minute remaining in the game.

36. 1996 Denver Broncos

Regular season record: 13-3

Point differential: 7.2 PPG

The 1996 Denver Broncos featured a running game that averaged 148 yards per game, led by Terrell Davis. They also had John Elway, who threw for nearly 3,400 yards. In all, they averaged over 350 total yards and nearly 25 points per game.

Denver started the season by winning 12 of its first 13 games, the best stretch in franchise history.

However, the Broncos fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the divisional playoffs in a disappointing end to an otherwise great season.

35. 2004 Philadelphia Eagles

Regular season record: 13-3

Point differential: 10.2 PPG

Now this was going to be the season that the Philadelphia Eagles got their first Super Bowl title. Donovan McNabb was fully healthy, and it showed. He put up over 4,000 total yards and 34 touchdowns, compared to just eight interceptions, which was good enough for a 104.7 quarterback rating.

The duo of Brian Westbrook and Dorsey Levens combined for 2,000 total yards as well. The defense was stifling, finishing second in the NFL in points allowed.

For all intents and purposes, the Eagles were primed for a championship run.

After defeating the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons in the playoffs, Philadelphia was on to the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.

That didn't turn out too well, as the Eagles lost 24-21.

34. 1969 Dallas Cowboys

Regular season record: 11-2-1

Point differential: 10.4

The 1969 Dallas Cowboys dominated the landscape of the NFL during the regular season. They were anchored by Calvin Hill and Walt Garrison in the backfield, who combined for over 1,800 rushing yards. The defense was no joke either—Mel Renfro, Chuck Howley and Bob Lilly dominated opposing offenses.

This was going to be the season that Dallas got its first Super Bowl for Tom Landry.

Well, it didn't turn out that way.

Dallas fell to the Cleveland Browns 38-14 in the playoffs following a regular season that saw the Cowboys score 146 more points than their opponents.

33. 1967 Los Angeles Rams

Regular season record: 11-1-2

Point differential: 14.4 PPG

Under the leadership of George Allen, the 1967 Los Angeles Rams lost only one regular season game. They finished first in both scoring offense and defense as Roman Gabriel had one of his finest seasons in the NFL.

Dick Bass and Les Josephson combined for 1,900 total yards on the ground as well. The Rams were so good that all 11 of their victories came by double digits.

Still, they couldn't make it past Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr and the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs, losing 28-7.

32. 1969 Oakland Raiders

Regular season record: 12-1-1

Point differential: 9.6 PPG

The Oakland Raiders were in the midst of a three-year run that saw them win 37 of 41 regular season games. Under the leadership of John Madden, Oakland finished the 1969 regular season with just one loss.

Daryle Lamonica threw for 3,300 yards and 34 touchdowns, while venerable Warren Wells had over 1,200 yards receiving.

However, it wasn't to be in the playoffs. Oakland fell to the Kansas City Chiefs and Len Dawson in the conference championship.

31. 1966 Kansas City Chiefs

Regular season record: 11-2-1

Point differential: 12.3 PPG

The 1966 Kansas City Chiefs may have been the best American Football League team in history. They lost just two games and dominated in the 11 victories. The Chiefs finished first in the league in offense and second in defense.

They put up 40 or more points five times, as Len Dawson and Otis Taylor combined for nearly 1,300 passing yards, one of the greatest quarterback-wide receiver tandems of the time.

Kansas City had the daunting task of taking on the Green Bay Packers in the first NFL-AFL Championship Game, later known as Super Bowl I. It didn't turn out too well for Dawson and Co., as the heavily favored Packers won 35-10.

30. 1999 Jacksonville Jaguars

Regular season record: 14-2

Point differential: 11.2

It was only the Jacksonville Jaguars' fifth year of existence, but they ended up making history. They went 14-2 during a regular season that saw them run off a string of 11 consecutive victories. James Stewart and Fred Taylor were dominating in the backfield, combining for 1,800 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns.

However, it was what happened in the playoffs that put them on this list and into the NFL history books. After a first-round bye, Jacksonville was set to host its in-state rival the Miami Dolphins, a team with a storied history.

This ended up being the largest blowout in the history of the NFL playoffs. Jacksonville wiped the floor with Miami to the tune of 62-7, forcing Dan Marino and co. into a record seven turnovers.

Despite this success, Jacksonville lost to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC championship game the following week.

29. 1973 Dallas Cowboys

Regular season record: 10-4

Point differential: 12.8

The 1973 Dallas Cowboys had a new sheriff in town by the name of Roger Staubach. He had started a handful of games during his first couple seasons, but finally the keys to the offense were given to the former Heisman Trophy winner.

However, it was the running game of Walt Garrison, Calvin Hill and Robert Newhouse that stole the show. They combined for 2,500 yards and 17 touchdowns. Despite losing four regular season games, the Cowboys dominated the NFL. They put up 30 or more points eight times and were perfect at home.

Following a 27-16 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional playoffs, Dallas lost to the Minnesota Vikings in the conference championship game.

28. 2010 New England Patriots

Regular season record: 14-2

Point differential: 12.8 PPG

Yes, it was just last season, but the Patriots belong on this list. Tom Brady threw for 3,900 yards and a league-leading 36 touchdowns—he promises to trump that this season. They had five different receivers with more than 400 yards receiving, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns.

New England scored more than 30 points 11 times, including its final eight games.

Despite all this, the Patriots lost to the hated New York Jets in the divisional playoffs.

27. 1970 Minnesota Vikings

Regular season record: 12-2

Point differential: 12.3 PPG

The 1970 Minnesota Vikings dominated the NFL regular season. They won 12 games and finished first in both scoring offense and defense. The "Purple People Eaters" destroyed opposing offenses to the tune of just over 10 points per game.

However, they lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC playoffs.

26. 2003 Indianapolis Colts

Regular season record: 12-4

Point differential: 11.8 PPG

The 2003 Indianapolis Colts were among the league's best teams, and everyone knew it. They had a balanced offense with Peyton Manning and Edgerrin James and boasted the best wide receiver tandem in the league.

Indianapolis scored 30 or more points nine times and eclipsed the 400-yard mark seven times.

After putting up 79 points in their first two playoff games, the Colts took on their bitter rival the New England Patriots for a chance to go to the Super Bowl. They lost 24-14 as the Patriots defense stifled Manning and co.

25. 1991 Buffalo Bills

Regular season record: 13-3

Point differential: 8.8 PPG

The 1991 season represented the second of four consecutive trips to the Super Bowl for the Buffalo Bills. They had a three-headed monster on offense with Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas and Andre Reed, while the defense was no slouch itself.

Over the duration of the season, Buffalo outscored its opponents by a total of 151 points and finished second in the NFL in scoring offense with over 28 points per game.

After beating the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos in the playoffs to earn a trip to the Super Bowl, Buffalo fell to the Washington Redskins 37-24.

24. 2006 Baltimore Ravens

Regular season record: 13-3

Point differential: 9.5 PPG

The picture of Ray Lewis says it all. This was the modern form of the previously mentioned "Purple People Eaters" defense. Under Rex Ryan, Baltimore's defense finished first in the NFL in points allowed at just over 12 per game.

The Ravens boasted a record nine defensive Pro Bowl performers as well. Over the course of the season, they held seven different opponents to 10 points or less.

But the offense couldn't pick up the slack in the playoffs, as Baltimore lost to the Indianapolis Colts 13-6 in the divisional round.

23. 1972 Washington Redskins

Regular season record: 11-3

Point differential: 8.3 PPG

Before the 1972 Washington Redskins had the unfortunate task of taking on the undefeated Miami Dolphins in the Super Bowl, they rolled to NFC supremacy by destroying pretty much every opponent in their path.

Washington finished the regular season fifth in total offense and third in total defense, showing why it was the best all-around team in the conference.

Larry Brown and Charley Harraway combined for 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns as Billy Kilmer led a productive passing game.

This success came to a crashing halt at the hands of the undefeated Miami Dolphins, losing 14-7 in the Super Bowl.

22. 2006 San Diego Chargers

Regular season record: 14-2

Point differential: 11.8 PPG

The 2006 San Diego Chargers scored over 30 points per game, as their offensive weapons were on full display during the regular season.

LaDainian Tomlinson had 2,300 total yards and a record 31 touchdowns out of the backfield. Philip Rivers threw for another 3,400 yards over the air, and the Chargers were off and running.

After starting the season 4-2, San Diego reeled off 10 consecutive victories to end the regular season, throttling every opponent in sight.

But as has been the case in recent history, San Diego fell flat on its face in the playoffs, losing to the New England Patriots 24-21 in a closely fought AFC divisional playoff game.

21. 1994 Dallas Cowboys

Regular season record: 12-4

Point differential: 10.4

The 1994 season brought the Dallas Cowboys a new head coach, Barry Switzer, following Jimmy Johnson's falling out with Jerry Jones, but they didn't lose a step during the regular season.

Dallas finished 12-4 and was among the league's best offensive teams, averaging over 25 points per game. The defense wasn't too shabby either, finishing third in the NFL.

However, previous postseason success against the San Francisco 49ers would not be repeated. Steve Young and co. jumped out to a 21-0 first-half lead and held Dallas at bay the rest of the game to capture the NFC championship.

20. 1990 San Francisco 49ers

Regular season record: 14-2

Point differential: 7.8

The 1990 San Francisco 49ers may have been one of the single greatest teams to ever come back from two consecutive Super Bowl championships intact.

Joe Montana threw for 3,500 yards and 26 touchdowns. Jerry Rice caught half those touchdown passes and had 100 receptions for the third time in his career.

However, it was the Roger Craig fumble late in the fourth quarter of the NFC title game with San Francisco leading 13-12 over the New York Giants that best defined this season. New York would go on to kick a game-winning field goal to take the conference title, thus ending the 49ers' hopes for a third consecutive Super Bowl title.

19. 1997 Green Bay Packers

Regular season record: 13-3

Point differential: 9.0 PPG

I know, that Sportsman of the Year cover doesn't seem to befit Brett Favre, but I found it applicable nonetheless. Green Bay finished the 1997 regular season at 13-3, whipping nearly every opponent it played.

As the season came to an end, it became apparent that Green Bay was the odds-on favorites to win the conference. After all, it finished second in the NFL in scoring offense and looked to be unstoppable.

Favre threw 35 touchdown passes, 12 of them to Antonio Freeman. The Packers defense was up for the fight too, ranking in the top five of the league.

Green Bay defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs before losing to the Denver Broncos for John Elway's first-ever Super Bowl title.

18. 1990 Buffalo Bills

Regular season record: 13-3

Point differential: 10.3 PPG

This was the first of four Buffalo Bills AFC championships. They shocked the AFC by finishing the regular season with a 13-3 record and owning the league's best offense. Jim Kelly's quarterback rating of 101.8 ranked him first in the AFC, while Thurman Thomas totaled over 1,800 yards.

They swept through the AFC Playoffs by scoring 95 combined points against the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Raiders.

It was on to the Super Bowl.

Down by the score of 20-19 with just seconds left on the clock, Scott Norwood missed the game-winning field goal, and Buffalo went on to lose their first of four consecutive Super Bowls.

17. 1992 San Francisco 49ers

Regular season record: 14-2

Point differential: 12.2 PPG

The 1992 season can best be defined as the year that the 49ers quarterback torch was passed from Joe Montana to Steve Yong. The former was injured in the very first game, missing the rest of the season. Young was more than ready to fill those enormous shoes.

He led the 49ers to a 14-2 regular season record, completing 67 percent of his passes for 3,500 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Ricky Watters took over for the departed Roger Craig, and compiled 1,500 yards of total offense. Jerry Rice didn't miss a beat either, hauling in over 1,200 yards receiving. The 49ers averaged 27 points per game, good for No. 1 in the NFL.

However, they fell to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC championship game at home.

16. 1973 Los Angeles Rams

Regular season record: 12-2

Point differential: 15.0 PPG

As you can see in the picture above, John Hadl won the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 1973, leading the Los Angeles Rams to a 12-2 record. The Rams scored nearly 28 points per game, which was good for No. 1 in the NFL.

Los Angeles won its final six games of the regular season by a combined 190-56 total to steamroll into the playoffs.

The Rams lost to the Dallas Cowboys 27-16, as Hadl completed only seven of 22 passing attempts.

15. 1969 Minnesota Vikings

Regular season record: 12-2

Point differential: 17.6 PPG

The 1969 Minnesota Vikings had one of the most dominating regular seasons in the history of the NFL, outscoring opponents by an average of about 18 points per game. Their defense surrendered less than 10 points per game as they ate opposing offenses for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

After defeating the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns in the playoffs, Minnesota once again failed to win the Super Bowl, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs.

14. 1998 Atlanta Falcons

Regular season record: 14-2

Point differential: 9.5

The "Dirty Bird" rises, and Dan Reeves gets another shot at that elusive Super Bowl title. Atlanta finished the season with a 14-2 record, second to only the Minnesota Vikings.

Jamal Anderson ran for over 1,800 yards on the ground, and Chris Chandler had his best season as a pro, throwing for 25 touchdowns with a quarterback rating over 100.

Atlanta upset the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional playoffs before matching up with the aforementioned Minnesota Vikings, who came into the game with a 16-1 record. Atlanta held its own in the Metrodome and came out on top after Morten Andersen nailed an overtime field goal.

Two weeks later, Atlanta fell to John Elway and the Denver Broncos in his final game in the NFL.

13. 2005 Indianapolis Colts

Regular season record: 14-2

Point differential: 12.0 PPG

A year prior to the Colts' first Super Bowl title in 33 years, the Indianapolis Colts had their best regular season since 1968.

The Colts finished second in both scoring offense and scoring defense during the regular season. They were so successful that they didn't lose their first game until Week 15 against the San Diego Chargers. Overall, Indianapolis won its first 13 games of the season and won 10 straight by double digits.

Despite all this success, the Colts lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-18 in the AFC Divisional Playoffs. It was a bitter end to a season in which many expected them to win their first title since the Johnny Unitas days.

12. 1968 Kansas City Chiefs

Regular season record: 12-2

Point differential: 14.3 PPG

It was the first season of the modern Super Bowl era, and the Kansas City Chiefs were dominating the American Football League. Players like Len Dawson and Otis Taylor were led by the venerable Hank Stram.

Kansas City finished the regular season with a 12-2 record, finishing first in the conference in scoring defense. Over a five-game span, the Chiefs defense gave up a total of 13 points (two field goals and a touchdown).

Their largest defeat came at the hands of the Oakland Raiders on the road by the score of 38-21. The two met in the divisional playoffs with pretty much the same result. Oakland defeated the Chiefs 41-6, capitalizing on four Dawson interceptions.

11. 1968 Oakland Raiders

Regular season record: 12-2

Point differential: 15.7 PPG

The 1968 Oakland Raiders beat the previous team in this article, the Kansas City Chiefs, in the playoffs, but it was what they did during the regular season that may have trumped that performance.

Oakland opened the season by winning four consecutive games. In three of those games they scored 40 points. After two consecutive losses, Oakland ran off a string of eight straight wins to end the season. Raider quarterbacks Daryle Lamonica and George Blanda combined for nearly 4,000 yards and over 30 touchdown, while Warren Wells and Fred Biletnikoff both had 1,000-yard receiving seasons. 

Following Oakland's 41-6 destruction of the aforementioned Kansas City Chiefs, they ran into Joe Namath and the eventual Super Bowl champions in the conference title game. The Jets won 27-23 despite 400 yards passing from Lamonica.

10. 1986 Chicago Bears

Regular season record: 14-2

Point differential: 10.2 PPG

One year removed from a 15-1 record and a complete destruction of the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, Chicago was right back among the league's elite teams. It returned 20 of 22 starters from the previous season and appeared destined to repeat.

The regular season pretty much supported the idea that Chicago was in a league of its own. Once again, the Bears defense ranked No. 1 in the entire NFL in points allowed, led by a dominating front seven. In fact, their defense allowed seven points or less seven different times, including a shutout of the second-place Minnesota Vikings.

It wasn't as dominating of a performance as the season before. Six of their 14 wins came by less than 10 points, and four different quarterbacks started a game: Jim McMahon, Mike Tomczak, Steve Fuller and yes, Doug Flutie. Still, Chicago finished the regular season tied with the New York Giants for the best record in the league.

Chicago took on the Washington Redskins in the divisional round of the playoffs, but the Bears could not overcome two Flutie interceptions and were upset 27-13.

9. 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers

Regular season record: 10-4

Point differential: 14.6 PPG

Pittsburgh was the two-time defending Super Bowl champion and was destined to become the first team to win three consecutive championships in the modern era. All was set in place, as the "Steel Curtain" was back at full strength.

Pittsburgh started off the season with a rocky 1-4 record, losing those four games by a combined 19 points. Many people had come to the conclusion that its dynasty was over and this team wasn't equipped to handle the pressure of going for a three-peat.

Well, a nine-game winning streak that included three consecutive shutouts and a five-game span that saw Pittsburgh's defense surrender a total of nine points put these skeptics right back into their holes. The Steelers once again finished the season with the league's No. 1-ranked scoring defense.

After destroying the Baltimore Colts in the league divisional playoffs, Pittsburgh ran into an equally as good Oakland Raiders team, and the results were different. Three Raiders running backs combined for 166 yards against the vaunted "Steel Curtain" as Oakland took the AFC championship behind a dominating 24-7 performance.

8. 1984 Miami Dolphins

Regular season record: 14-2

Point Differential: 13.4 PPG

These wasn't your father's Miami Dolphins. Gone were the days of Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick and Mercury Morris. Instead, they were replaced by Dan Marino and many other youngsters.

One common linkage: Don Shula.

The 1984 Miami Dolphins led the entire world in scoring offense, averaging well over 30 points per game. Marino broke the single-season touchdown record with 48 and threw for over 5,000 yards in just his second season.

They had a three-headed monster in the running game and boasted a great young receiving corps led by Mark Duper and Mark Clayton. These two receivers combined for 2,700 yards and 26 touchdowns. For all intents and purposes the Miami Dolphins were back and were the team to beat in the NFL.

The Dolphins breezed through the regular season with a 14-2 record, scoring 34 or more points nine separate times.

Then came the Super Bowl matchup against an equally impressive San Francisco 49ers team led by Joe Montana. Miami's defense couldn't do a thing to stop the 49ers offense, as they were jumped on for four first-half touchdowns. Overall, San Francisco put up 38 points and well over 500 yards in he blowout victory.

Miami hasn't been back to the Super Bowl since.

7. 2001 St. Louis Rams

Regular Season Record: 14-2

Point Differential: 14.4

Two years after winning the first Super Bowl in franchise history, the Rams were right back atop the National Football League, this time with Mike Martz at the helm. St. Louis averaged over 31 points per game and improved dramatically on the defensive side from a disappointing 2000 campaign.

The normal actors in the "Greatest Show on Turf" were still present as well. Kurt Warner threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 34 touchdowns, Marshall Faulk had a combined 2,000 yards and 21 touchdowns, and so on...

Their two regular season losses came by a combined 10 points against the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Other than that, St. Louis was perfect. The Rams scored more than 30 points 11 different times and ran away with the NFC West crown.

After St. Louis destroyed the Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, it got a sturdy test from Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles but survived for a five-point win.

Then came the Super Bowl. It pitted the Rams against Tom Brady and the upstart New England Patriots. Most people believed it was a foregone conclusion that Kurt Warner and co. would take their second crown in three years. It didn't happen. Instead, New England defeated the Rams on a last-second field goal.

6. 2004 Pittsburgh Steelers

Regular Season Record: 15-1

Point Differential: 7.6

The 2004 Pittsburgh Steelers weren't the most dominating team in league history, but they just won. By win, I mean 14 consecutive to end the regular season. They started off the year 1-1 before going on one of the greatest in-season runs in NFL history.

The defense dominated during this span, giving up just under 16 points per game, bringing back memories of the "Steel Curtain." It held seven different opponents to 10 points or less en route to a 15-1 record. This unit boasted five Pro Bowl starters, not including a young but productive James Harrison.

Many people expected Pittsburgh to run away with the AFC crown, but it ran into a juggernaut in the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game. Behind two touchdown passes by Tom Brady, they upset the Steelers 41-27.

5. 1987 San Francisco 49ers

Regular Season Record: 13-2

Point Differential: 13.7 PPG

Before the San Francisco 49ers won two consecutive Super Bowls in 1988 and 1989, they fell flat on their face in the playoffs following the 1987 season. A team that boasted assistant coaches such as George Seifert, Mike Holmgren, Dennis Green and Ray Rhodes was primed to win the club''s third Super Bowl under the leadership of Bill Walsh.

Following a 30-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on opening day, San Francisco ran off seven consecutive victories. It scored 24 or more points in each win, winning all but one game by more than 10 points. The 49ers capped off a dominating regular season by winning their final six games, the last three by a combined 124-7 score.

The playoffs were a different story. San Francisco fell to the Minnesota Vikings 36-24 in the division round, a game that saw Joe Montana go down to injury and be replaced by the newly acquired Steve Young.

4. 1968 Dallas Cowboys

Regular Season Record: 12-2

Point Differential: 17.5

Before there was Roger Staubach, Danny White and Troy Aikman, the Dallas Cowboys had Don Meredith under center. This was when the Cowboys made the move towards becoming "America's Team."

The 1968 Dallas Cowboys boasted 11 Pro Bowl performers and multiple first-team All-Pros. All but one of the Cowboys' 12 regular season wins came by double-digit points.

The season saw both Bob Hayes and Lance Rentzel both go for over 900 receiving yards, which was uncommon during that era in the NFL. For many people the Super Bowl would be decided in the conference championship between the Baltimore Colts and Dallas Cowboys.

In order for this to happen, both teams would have to win their first postseason game. While Baltimore held up its end of the bargain, Dallas was upset by an inferior but talented Cleveland Browns team.

3. 1998 Minnesota Vikings

Regular Season Record: 15-1

Point Differential: 16.2 PPG

This team was built to win the first Super Bowl in franchise history. It had a veteran quarterback with something to prove in Randall Cunningham and a dynamic receiving corps led by Cris Carter and rookie phenom Randy Moss, as well as a solid defense across the board.

Throughout the regular season it had become a given that the Vikings would destroy any NFC opponent in their way. The Vikings scored at least 24 points in every game that season and went over the 30-point plateau 12 different times.

Moss shattered rookie receiving records with over 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns, and Cunningham had his best season as a pro with over 3,700 yards and 34 touchdowns. Adding to the misery of opposing defenses, Robert Smith gained over 1,100 yards on the ground.

Yet it wasn't to be. Minnesota fell to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC championship game when Morten Andersen connected on a game-winning overtime field goal to end any wishes of the franchise's first-ever Super Bowl title.

Key players included Randall Cunningham, Randy Moss, Cris Carter, John Randle and Ed McDaniel.

2. 1968 Baltimore Colts

Regular Season Record: 13-1

Point Differential: 18.4 PPG

The 1968 Baltimore Colts swept through the National Football League in one of the most dominating regular season performances in league history. They averaged nearly 30 points per game and lost just one game.

Over a six-game span that season, Baltimore outscored its opponents by a combined score of 161-22, and that wasn't against weak opponents either. In the playoffs, the Colts took care of business against the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns by a combined 58-14 clip, as the defense allowed a total of 500 yards in the two games.

Baltimore ended up being pitted against the New York Jets of the American Football League in Super Bowl III and was a huge favorite. Joe Namath of the Jets guaranteed a victory and delivered as New York capped one of the greatest upsets in NFL playoff history by defeating the 13-1 Baltimore Colts.

1. 2007 New England Patriots

Regular Season Record: 16-0

Point Differential: 16.2 PPG

The 2007 version of the New England Patriots has to be considered the greatest team to never win a Super Bowl title. Tom Brady and Randy Moss broke single-season touchdown records as the Patriots scored 30 or more points in their first eight games and finished the regular season by scoring nearly 37 points per game.

In the season finale, New England came back to defeat the New York Giants on a Brady touchdown pass to Moss. This capped off a perfect regular season and sent both players into the history books.

New England may have been considered the greatest team ever assembled if it had not fallen to the very same New York Giants in the Super Bowl on a last-second touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress.