Unluckiest single-season teams

[Todd Pence]

The 1978 Cardinals. According to their expected point differential (based on offensive and defensive statistics), they should have been 10-6. Instead, they finished 6-10.

[JWL]

2005 Bengals

[NWebster]

2005 Bengals

Certainly goes into the injury what if category. A Steelers fan I was honestly worried that the Bengals were ascendant at that time.

[7DnBrnc53]

The 1989 Bengals had a chance to win the division heading into week 16 despite finishing the year in last place.

They couldn't have won the division, but they still had a chance to make the playoffs. The best they could have done is 9-7, and the Browns and Oilers had them beat even if those two teams tied their season finale.

[ChrisBabcock]

The 1989 Bengals had a chance to win the division heading into week 16 despite finishing the year in last place.

They couldn't have won the division, but they still had a chance to make the playoffs. The best they could have done is 9-7, and the Browns and Oilers had them beat even if those two teams tied their season finale.

Aha. I stand corrected! It looked possible to me at first glance if the Oilers and Browns would have both lost. I overlooked who each of those teams happened to be playing. (each other).

[Bryan]

The 1986 Seahawks defeated both the Giants and the Broncos, yet didn't even make the playoffs with a 10-6 record. Looking back on it, the AFC was pretty weak from 1983-1987, and the Seahawks probably should have accomplished a bit more. They had Largent, Easley, Curt Warner, John L. Williams, Green/Nash/Bryant. To not make the postseason in 1986 while teams like KC and the Jets got in is pretty damning.

[sheajets]

The 1993 Jets. Lost several games late in the fourth quarter, including a game against the Eagles where they were beat on a 94-yard touchdown interception return after having the lead. Weirdly, late in the season the Jets played three straight games in which only field goals were scored. That's gotta be a record for a Super Bowl-era team.

In Week 1 against Denver, they were making a comeback, but Blair Thomas couldn't stay in bounds near the goal line on fourth down (I think). In Week 6 against the Raiders, Ronnie Lott dropped what would have been an INT TD. And, in Week 17 against Buffalo, Thurman Thomas was given a TD even though replays showed that he fumbled out of the end zone before the ball broke the plane.

Damn Cary Blanchard missed 3 field goals at Rich Stadium that day as well.

That 1993 Jets team had a revived Boomer Esiason and the 6th rated defense in football. One of the best offensive lines in football. They should've been in the playoffs

[sheajets]

The 1986 Seahawks defeated both the Giants and the Broncos, yet didn't even make the playoffs with a 10-6 record. Looking back on it, the AFC was pretty weak from 1983-1987, and the Seahawks probably should have accomplished a bit more. They had Largent, Easley, Curt Warner, John L. Williams, Green/Nash/Bryant. To not make the postseason in 1986 while teams like KC and the Jets got in is pretty damning.

It all evens out in the long run. 2015 Jets, 10-6 and miss the playoffs

[sheajets]

The 1981 Detroit Lions. 8-8

Very good offense (prime Billy Sims and a career year from Freddie Scott) + above average defense. Beat the Super Bowl Champs to be 49ers. Beat their NFC Title Game opponent Dallas. Tough loss to the explosive Chargers and two losses to the Bucs and their great D (one by 3 pts)

[7DnBrnc53]

1989 San Diego Chargers: They had one of the best defenses in the league statistically (ninth in points allowed, sixth in total yards, 48 sacks, 25 INT's). Lost nine games by seven points or less with a tough schedule (nine games against teams that finished above .500, including the NFC East gauntlet).

That was the year of the Jim McMahon experiment, which didn't work out (2,132 yards, 10 TD's, 10 INT's in just 11 starts).