5 biggest season collapses in NFL history

#3 – Pittsburgh Steelers, 2020 season

Pittsburgh Steelers v Buffalo Bills NFL 2020

Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered one of the most humiliating season collapses in recent years. After an excellent start to the year, the Steelers were 11-0. But Pittsburgh dropped four of their final five outings to finish 12-4. To make matters worse, this included a humiliating defeat to the Ryan Finley-led Cincinnati Bengals on MNF. Then another AFC North rival defeat to the Cleveland Browns in Week 17.

They met the Browns again in the AFC Wildcard game. They were defeated 48-37, as they fell 28-0 behind in the first quarter, effectively ending the game.

#2 – Miami Dolphins, 1993 season

Chiefs 10 Dolphin 30 NFL 1993

The Miami Dolphins of 1993 can blame their defense for their season collapse. Miami had begun the season like a house on fire, being 9-2 by the end of November. They looked like Super Bowl contenders.

However, like every other year, the NFL threw up another surprise when the Dolphins lost every one of their final five outings to end the year 9-7. In their final three games against the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots, they gave up 47, 45 and 33 points respectively.

#1 – San Diego Chargers, 1987 season

Denver Broncos v San Diego Chargers NFL 1978

The San Diego Chargers’ season collapse in 1987 is something unlike we’ve seen in the NFL. After losing their first game of the year, the Chargers went on an excellent run, winning each of their next eight outings. They were 8-1 by the middle of November.

However, after beating the Raiders in Week 10, they would go on to lose every one of their remaining games that season. They finished 8-7 and missed the playoffs altogether.

To cap off a ridiculously poor run, the Chargers fell 24-0 to their division rivals Denver Broncos in the final week of the season.