At 15 straight losses, the Jacksonville Jaguars currently hold the NFL’s longest losing streak. There have been worse, though. Far worse. Here are some of the longest losing streaks in NFL history.
3. The Cleveland Browns (17 Games. Twice.)
While there are other teams with 17-game losing streaks, the Cleveland Browns have the distinction of having two 17-game losing streaks, back-to-back.
When It Started (Dec. 20, 2015, & Jan. 1, 2017)
With a 3-10 record going into this game with the Seahawks, the 30-13 loss in 2015 wasn’t all that surprising. However, the fact that the Browns wouldn’t see another victory for 369 days was. Then, adding insult to injury, the Browns broke their 17-game losing streak with a 20-17 win over the San Diego Chargers, only to turn around and start a brand-new 17 game losing streak with this 27-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wow.
When It Ended (Dec. 24, 2016, & Sept. 9, 2018)
In case you didn’t notice, the Browns’ lone win in 35 games against the Chargers occurred on Christmas Eve 2016. The beginning of the second streak: New Year’s Day 2017. You can’t make this stuff up. The Browns finally began to turn things around with a 21-21 tie against the Steelers to open the 2018 season and have been trending up ever since.
2. Detroit Lions (19 Games)
Besides being the second-longest losing streak in modern NFL history, The Detroit Lions’ 19-game losing streak is the only streak that occurred over three seasons.
When It Started (Dec. 30, 2007)
The Lions actually didn’t look terrible in ‘07. Sure, they had a losing record of 7-9 with the first loss of this streak starting with a 34-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers to close out the season, but no one expected a winless season in 2008.
When It Ended (Sept. 27, 2009)
The Lions narrowly survived a 19-14 battle against the Washington Football Team to end their 19 game losing streak. Considering the Lions’ only other win that season was a one-point victory over the Browns, the streak could have easily been in the 30s.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26 Games)
That's right. The current NFL champions also hold the longest losing streak record since the NFL/AFL merger in 1970.
When It Started (Sept. 12, 1976)
A 20-0 loss to the Houston Oilers was the beginning of some dark days for the Bucs. Over the course of the next 25 games, they would also endure 10 more games without scoring a single point. Ouch.
When It Ended (Dec. 11, 1977)
The losing streak was finally broken with a 33-14 blowout victory over the New Orleans Saints. And while a victory should be celebrated, full disclosure, the Saints had only won three out of their previous nine games that season.
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