The Worst Season in the History of Every NFL Franchise
Careful, I think Detroit Lions QB (from 2008) Dan Orlovsky is feeling nauseous heading into this article.
That said, each team has had their ups and downs, but no down like this.
Each teams' worst season since the establishment of the franchise, and their points scored and allowed per game averages.
Let's put it this way, they're going to be so bad that it's going to feel good.
Kind of like an answer to a question that is so horribly awful, that you can't even call it wrong.
So, go grab that brown paper bag and cut out some eye holes as we go into the abyss of the worst NFL teams from each franchise.
Arizona Cardinals: 1943, 0-10
1 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 9.5
POINTS AGAINST: 23.8
The worst part of this team was that in 1942 they finished a dismal 3-8.
So, a deprovement (if that's even a word) to 0-10 takes the cake in 1943.
It also marked the 18th-straight season where the Cardinals missed out on the playoffs.
But hey, this was when they were the Chicago Cardinals, so Arizona residents get off the hook in this one.
Atlanta Falcons: 1967, 1-12-1
2 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 12.5
POINTS AGAINST: 30.1
This was only the second season for the Falcons, so it's reasonable to cut them some slack.
However, when they took the field, the only thing worth viewing were those UH-freaking-mazing red helmets.
Words could not explain my excitement when they busted them back out in the new era.
Baltimore Ravens: 1996, 4-12
3 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 23.1
POINTS AGAINST: 27.5
Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you, that picture is of Ray Lewis from his rookie season.
It was also the Ravens' inaugural season, which still remains as the worst in franchise history.
Surprisingly though, their "points for" and "points against" differential is not what you would typcially expect from a 4-12 team.
Buffalo Bills: 1971, 1-13
4 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 13.1
POINTS AGAINST: 28.1
Even with the O.J. Simpson in the backfield, the Bills still struggled his first few years in.
However, flirting with an 0-14 season, Buffalo managed to snatch a W over the New England Patriots in Week 11 27-20.
The final three games, though, would combine for only 23 points.
Carolina Panthers: 2001, 1-15
5 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 15.8
POINTS AGAINST: 25.6
In the 2001 NFL Draft, the Panthers selected WR Steve Smith out of Utah in the third round.
Sadly, they managed to pull a 180 by drafting Florida State's Chris Weinke in the next round.
However, the lone W did come in the opening week over Minnesota 24-13, but then 15-straight losses put an end to all hope.
Chicago Bears: 1969, 1-13
6 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 15
POINTS AGAINST: 24.2.
Despite the record, worst of all was RB Brian Piccolo being diagnosed with cancer late in the season.
However, there were two bright spots.
The heart and soul of The Monster of the Midway, Dick Butkus, earned the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award.
And, RB Gale Sayers earned his final Pro Bowl selection.
Cincinnati Bengals: 2002, 2-14
7 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 17.4
POINTS AGAINST: 28.5
The season that epitomized the "Bungals", and Dick LeBeau's career as a head coach, Cincinnati didn't reach double digits in a game until Week 5.
The defense was arguably the worst of all, as they only managed to hold opponents under 20 points twice (came in both wins).
The only positive note, was that the offense picked up the pace after the bye week.
Cleveland Browns: 1999, 2-14
8 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 13.56
POINTS AGAINST: 27.3
Is football back in Cleveland where it belongs?
Well, since their return, they've only managed one playoff appearance. However, there is a promising future.
With that said, here's to drafting Tim Couch over Ricky Williams; which equals "fail."
But, the 16-15 win over Pittsburgh on the road made the '99 Browns forget about all other misfortunes.
Dallas Cowboys: 1960, 0-11-1
9 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 14.7
POINTS AGAINST: 30.7
Well, not so bad for legendary head coach Tom Landry's first season right?
Um no.
When you allow more than double what you score, playing golf is clearly your only hope.
However, this was the first season in Big D, so it could have been worse.
Denver Broncos: 1964, 2-11-1
10 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 17.1
POINTS AGAINST: 31.2
The worst part about the Broncos was that from their first season in 1960 through 1972, they finished with a losing record.
Now, although 1963 was also 2-11-1, '64 gets the nod because it's hard to duplicate being that awful.
So, my hat is off to them for manging to pull it off.
Detroit Lions: 2008, 0-16
11 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 16.7
POINTS AGAINST: 32.3
Yes, the worst single-season performance from any one team in the history of professional football.
The picture above sums the entire season up in a nutshell.
First off, when it's Dan Orlovsky there's already issues, but unknowingly running out of the back of the endzone is hilarious.
However, if you feel bad for Calvin "Megatron" Johnson, that's OK. Because he is amazing.
Green Bay Packers: 1958, 1-10-1
12 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 16.0
POINTS AGAINST: 28.7
Here's a trivia question for you.
Who was the head coach of the Green Bay Packers prior to Vince Lombardi?
His name is Ray McLean, and Lombardi replaced him following the 1958 season.
The rest, literally, is history.
Houston Texans: 2005, 2-14
13 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 16.2
POINTS AGAINST: 26.9
How long did you think Dom Capers was going to last as an NFL head coach?
He had one good season in Carolina, so sticking as the Green Bay DC is obviously the right decision.
That said, David Carr and his offensive line weren't too successful either, as Carr was sacked more than any other QB through their first four seasons.
Indianapolis Colts: 1991, 1-15
14 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 8.9
POINTS AGAINST: 23.8
You want to talk about an unproductive offense, only twice did the Colts manage to hit double digits in 1991.
This must have been what karma did for Indianapolis after they offered Jeff George the largest rookie contract a year earlier.
Next time, don't draft Jeff George. Wait, too late.
Jacksonville Jaguars: 1995, 4-12
15 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 17.1
POINTS AGAINST: 25.2
Can't really ever expect much from an expansion franchise.
Especially when they receive QB Steve Beuerlein in the expansion draft.
However, hope was shown as Mark Brunell ended up leading the way, which kept the momentum going into the '96 season.
There, the Jags' made it all the way to the AFC championship game.
Kansas City Chiefs: 2008, 2-14
16 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 18.1
POINTS AGAINST: 27.5
When coach Herman Edwards had to decide between Tyler Thigpen and Quinn Gray, there's going to be some problems.
Even with Tony Gonzalez at TE and Dwayne Bowe out wide, a solid QB is still needed.
Also, the fact that K.C. managed to only get half their win total from 2007 shows a definite need of personnel change.
Miami Dolphins: 2007, 1-15
17 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 16.6
POINTS AGAINST: 27.3
Counter intuitive to the 1972 season, the Miami Dolphins dodged the 0-16 season by getting their only win 22-16 over the Baltimore Ravens in OT.
Who would have though that Cleo Lemon would have thrown for over 300 yards in a game against the Ravens?
He pulled a one-hit wonder Doug Williams style, just came and went in a much quicker fashion.
Minnesota Vikings: 1962, 2-11-1
18 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 18.1
POINTS AGAINST: 29.2
Through the first four games of the season, the Vikings had totaled only 21 points.
As you can see, that practically set the tone for the rest of the season and most likely one angry Norm Van Brocklin.
But then again, he was always really angry. Except in the picture.
New England Patriots: 1990, 1-15
19 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 11.3
POINTS AGAINST: 27.8
Even die-hard Patriots fans probably don't even know who Tom Hodson is.
Well, they probably do, but what's the point of remembering a guy from the Pats' during that time not named Andre Tippett or Steve Grogan?
The most embarrassing part of the season came in Week 14 versus the Redskins when Washington jumped out to a 9-0 lead without running an offensive play.
Yikes.
New Orleans Saints: 1980, 1-15
20 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 18.1
POINTS AGAINST: 30.4
It's OK to have sympathy for Archie Manning's football career.
The poor guy was all the Saints had during his tenure there, and 1980 was no exception.
More notably was the 38-35 loss to San Francisco at Candlestick Park, where New Orleans held a 35-7 halftime lead.
They somehow snatch the defeat from the jaws of victory, by allowing 31 unanswered second-half points only to lose in OT.
New York Giants: 1966, 1-12-1
21 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 18.7
POINTS AGAINST: 35.7
It's not every year a team allows a five-TD average per game.
Plus, the season began with a 34-34 tie with the Steelers, so maybe that was an omen.
And, you actually could say it was, because in Week 12 the Giants and Redskins combined for the highest single-game point total in NFL history.
As you might have guessed, Washington won, 72-41.
New York Jets: 1996, 1-15
22 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 17.4
POINTS AGAINST: 28.3
After finishing out the '95 campaign 3-13, one might anticipate an improvement.
Seriously, what are the odds of going 1-15 after going 3-13?
Well, whatever they are, the Jets defied all odds and managed to pull it off.
In 1997, however, would then enter Keyshawn Johnson. Smiley face.
Oakland Raiders: 2006, 2-14
23 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 10.5
POINTS AGAINST: 20.7
The Raiders technically had a worse season in 1962 going 1-13.
But 1960 was their expansion year, plus with all their tradition and making a Super Bowl appearance just five years earlier, '06 was in-excusable.
That said, to give you an idea of who was on their team, just read 'em 'n' weep.
Aaron Brooks, Marcus Tuiasosopo, Rod Smart, and Duane Starks.
They even signed Jeff George during the final week of the preseason, but he didn't make the final roster. Sad face.
Philadelphia Eagles: 1936, 1-11
24 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 4.2
POINTS AGAINST: 17.1
The good news is that Philadelphia did start the year 1-0 with a 10-7 victory over the New York Giants.
And, then it all went downhill as they lost the final 11.
Six of the losses were shutouts, including a stretch of four in a row at one point.
Would have loved to see them verse the 1991 Indianapolis Colts, which only averaged 8.9 points per game
Pittsburgh Steelers: 1969, 1-13
25 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 15.5
POINTS AGAINST: 28.8
Well, the season did begin with a 16-13 win over the Lions, but then the Steelers tanked losing the final 13.
However, not all was lost as DL Joe Greene earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in addition to '69 being head coach Chuck Noll's first season.
By the final weeks of the season, Pittsburgh lost three close games (all within four points), which gave them the momentum heading into the '70s.
San Diego Chargers: 2000, 1-15
26 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 16.8
POINTS AGAINST: 27.5
So much for drafting Ryan Leaf in 1998, but 2000 did have one positive.
Punter Darren Bennett led the league with a 46.2-yard average.
And, whether you want to believe it or not, the punt is very important since football is a field-position game.
That said, it's too bad the O or D couldn't do anything.
Where was Bennett when S.D. really needed him? Like last season.
San Francisco 49ers: 1979, 2-14
27 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 19.25
POINTS AGAINST: 26
The most interesting thing about this season, was the fact that Joe Montana entered his rookie season, while O.J. Simpson retired afterword.
This was also Bill Walsh's first year as a head coach, and we all know how he turned out.
Also, the '79 'Niners were actually a very productive team.
They only suffered one, true blowout loss, while the rest hovered roughly around 10 points.
Seattle Seahawks: 1992, 2-14
28 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 8.7
POINTS AGAINST: 19.5
OK, so the offense was unbelievably pathetic.
However, DL Cortez Kennedy earned the Defensive Player of the Year award as the Seahawks D was respectable.
But somewhere Steve Largent is weeping with only eight points per game.
St. Louis Rams: 2009, 1-15
29 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 10.9
POINTS AGAINST: 27.2
Somehow, the Rams managed to be even worse in 2009 after finishing 2-14 in 2008.
Then again, with injuries and a new head coach, standards don't exist, just moving forward.
The lone win came against the Lions on the road 17-10.
Let's be honest, should that even count?
I guess, since it's on the road.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 1976, 0-14
30 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 8.9
POINTS AGAINST: 29.4
If there was one thing the Buccaneers' front office did right, it was drafting Lee Roy Selmon.
Hiring John McKay to be the head coach wasn't a bad idea either since he was very entertaining.
To view some hilarious quotes of coach Mckay, click here.
Or just check out these few.
""We’ve broken down the expansion teams and they’ve averaged winning 2.7 games their first year, which to me is rather difficult. I figured out the 2, but the .7 has got me wondering what the hell is going on."
"We didn't tackle well today but we made up for it by not blocking."
"
Tennessee Titans: 1994, 2-14
31 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 14.1
POINTS AGAINST: 22
Believe it or not, but in the early '70s the Houston Oilers went 1-13 in consecutive seasons.
So why is this one the worst one?
Because in 1993 the Oilers, finished 12-4 and were crowned Central Division champs.
A 10-game turn for the worse is rare, and it takes a lot to flip the switch like the '94 Oilers did.
Washington Redskins: 1961, 1-12-1
32 of 32
SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS FOR: 12.4
POINTS AGAINST: 28
Arguably one of the biggest mistakes in Redskins NFL draft history was taking Norm Snead over Fran Tarkenton.
For those that don't know, Tarkenton led the Minnesota Vikings to three Super Bowls and is a member of the Hall of Fame.
As for Norm Snead, well, he had an average career, but never really amounted into that upper echelon of QBs.
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