Now and then, an NFL team puts together a magical season that makes fans believe the dark days are behind them. And then they crash, burn, and remind everyone why hope is dangerous in this league.
These teams seemed to finally figure it out for one glorious year, only to unravel like a bargain-bin sweater immediately. Whether it was front office fumbles, quarterback delusions, or just plain old regression, these teams had a moment and then face-planted right after.
15. 2018 Chicago Bears
The defense was nasty, the kicker was not, and Matt Nagy was suddenly Coach of the Year. A year later, the offense broke, Trubisky regressed, and that magic disappeared quicker than a missed field goal.
14. 2015 Carolina Panthers
They went 15-1, danced to the Super Bowl, and looked like they’d be around forever. But the post-Super Bowl hangover hit hard, and they’ve been chasing that one season ever since.
13. 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars
That defense was terrifying, and Blake Bortles somehow got them to the AFC title game. But the team imploded the following year, and the “Sacksonville” era ended almost as fast as it began.
12. 2012 Washington (now Commanders)
After a dazzling rookie season and playoff berth, they thought RGIII was the future. However, injuries and organizational chaos hit immediately, and Washington was back to square one in no time.
11. 2016 Oakland Raiders
Derek Carr played like an MVP, the Raiders went 12-4, and the silver and black were relevant again. But Carr got hurt, the magic died, and they haven’t recovered the spark since.
10. 2006 Chicago Bears
That defense and Devin Hester carried them to the Super Bowl despite having Rex Grossman as the quarterback. But the offense never improved, and they quickly faded into mediocrity.
9. 2008 Tennessee Titans
They went 13-3 with Kerry Collins at quarterback and looked like legit contenders. One playoff loss later, and the momentum completely disappeared.
8. 2010 Kansas City Chiefs
They went 10-6 and won the division under Todd Haley, making people think something was brewing. But the following season was a disaster, and that brief success was a total mirage.
7. 2017 Minnesota Vikings
They made it to the NFC Championship with Case Keenum and the “Minneapolis Miracle.” Then they signed Kirk Cousins, expected more, and never reached those same heights again.
6. 2009 Cincinnati Bengals
They swept the AFC North and went 10-6 with a balanced team and a healthy Carson Palmer. But the good vibes didn’t last, and the next few years were more drama than dominance.
5. 2014 Arizona Cardinals
They started 9-1 and looked like a real threat under Bruce Arians. But injuries derailed them, and while they stuck around for a bit, that team never quite got over the hump.
4. 2004 San Diego Chargers
Drew Brees suddenly figured it out, they went 12-4, and everyone thought they were set. But inconsistency returned fast, and they ended up replacing Brees with Rivers soon after.
3. 2007 Cleveland Browns
They somehow went 10-6 with Derek Anderson and looked like they were finally turning a corner. One year later, they were 4-12 and back to being the Browns everyone knew.
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2. 2011 Detroit Lions
A young Matthew Stafford threw for over 5,000 yards, Calvin Johnson looked unstoppable, and they finally made the playoffs. But the following season brought a 4-12 collapse, and the magic fizzled.
Read More: 10 NFL Teams That Keep Hitting the Reset Button
1. 2001 Chicago Bears
They went 13-3 with a bunch of late-game miracles, a nasty defense, and Jim Miller at quarterback. They went 4-12 the following year, proving that lightning doesn’t strike twice, especially in Chicago.
Read More: 15 NFL Players Who Shined Bright—Then Disappeared
