This is a list of current and former National Football League (NFL) franchise droughts (multiple consecutive seasons of not reaching a certain achievement) related to the post-season and Super Bowl. All 32 active NFL teams have qualified for and won a game in the playoffs. Teams that have never made it beyond each successive milestone are listed under the year in which they began NFL play. Of the 12 teams that have never won the Super Bowl, the seven who predate the institution of the game (the Cardinals, Lions, Oilers/Titans, Chargers, Browns, Bills, and Vikings) had all won an NFL or AFL championship prior to the AFL–NFL merger. In the case of the Vikings, however, the Super Bowl existed at the time they won their only league title (in 1969). Thus, the Vikings along with the other five teams (the Falcons, Bengals, Panthers, Jaguars and Texans, whose history is no older than the Super Bowl itself) are the only franchises to have never won the highest championship available to them. The Cardinals own the longest drought since a championship of any kind, at 0 seasons. Note that for continuity purposes, the Cleveland Browns are officially considered to have suspended operations for the 1996, 1997, and 1998 seasons. Since returning 0 years ago, they have only made the playoffs three times, while the Baltimore Ravens are considered to be a separate team that began play in 1996. The Ravens, as a result of the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy, absorbed the Browns' personnel upon their suspension, but not their history.

Active team droughts

Post-season droughts

Updated through December 1, 2024

Playoff game victory droughts

Sortable table, click on the header arrows.

AFC/NFC Divisional playoffs game appearance droughts

This is also a list of the last time a particular club won a wild card playoff game or had a first-round bye.

AFC/NFC Championship Game appearance droughts

This is also a list of the last time a particular club won a divisional playoff game.

Super Bowl appearance droughts

This is also the last time club won AFC or NFC championship game.

Super Bowl or NFL championship win droughts

This list also counts all seasons since a team last won the league championship or Super Bowl. Of active NFL teams 20 have won the Super Bowl, Of active NFL teams 7 have not won a Super Bowl, but have won an AFL or NFL championship pre-merger Of active NFL teams 5 have not won any championship or Super Bowl.

NFL or AFL Championship pre-1970s Merger

Super Bowl win droughts

This list counts all seasons since a team last won the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl crown droughts by division

Cities/regions awaiting first Super Bowl crown

Listed according to seasons waited. Current NFL cities/regions only.

Division title droughts

Listed according to seasons waited. Updated through December 1, 2024 **Does not include the three seasons (1996–1998) during which the franchise suspended operations.

Historical team droughts

Closest approaches without winning the Super Bowl

Counted from the first Super Bowl season, 1966, to present.

Longest NFL / AFL / Super Bowl championship droughts through history

This list only shows droughts of 30 or more seasons for teams. A championship is listed as winning an NFL Championship (1920—1969), AFL Championship (1960—1969), and Super Bowl Championship (1966—present). Active droughts are listed in bold type.

Longest NFL / AFL / Super Bowl championship appearance droughts through history

This list only shows droughts of 30 or more seasons for teams. A championship appearance is listed as appearing in an NFL Championship (1932—1969), AFL Championship (1960—1969), or Super Bowl Championship (1966—present). Active droughts are listed in bold type.

Playoff droughts of at least five seasons

Most consecutive post-season losses in team history

This is a sortable table of all 32 current NFL teams. Ten teams have multiple losing streaks where they lost an equal number of post season games before breaking the drought. Updated through the 2023-24 playoffs

Longest post-season droughts in team history

Note that the NFL did not institute a permanent playoff tournament until 1967 and that the NFL Championship Game and any impromptu one-game playoffs (played only in the event of a tie atop the division standings) were the only postseason matchups in this era. The Bert Bell Benefit Bowl (aka the Playoff Bowl; 1960–1969) is considered an exhibition game for the purpose of this list. Updated through November 29, 2024