Some NFL franchises routinely reach the playoffs and others aren’t so lucky. No NFL franchise is immune to playoff droughts, although some are longer than others.
The St. Louis Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals) and Washington (now Washington Commanders) are tied for the dubious record of longest playoff drought in NFL history. The Cardinals (1949-1974) and Washington (1946-1971) each went 25 years without earning a playoff berth.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (1948-1972) are next on the list with 20 seasons without securing a playoff spot.
The New York Jets are the owners of the longest active playoff drought. Here’s a look at the longest active playoff droughts in the NFL (year denotes when streak started):
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New York Jets – 2011
The Jets have the longest active playoff drought in the NFL as well as North American team sports (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS). The Jets last made the playoffs in 2010. The Jets reached the AFC championship game in their two most recent postseason appearances (2010 playoffs and 2009 playoffs).
Denver Broncos – 2016
The Broncos last reached the postseason in 2015. Coincidentally, the Broncos also won Super Bowl 50 that same season. Denver has three Super Bowl titles in franchise history (1997, 1998, 2015).
Detroit Lions – 2017
The Lions haven’t earned a postseason berth since the 2016 season. Detroit hasn’t won a playoff game since the 1991 playoffs. The Lions hold the dubious record of the NFL’s longest active streak without a playoff win.
Carolina Panthers – 2018
The Panthers’ playoff drought streak started in 2018. The Panthers have eight playoff appearances since their inception in 1995.
Atlanta Falcons – 2018
The Falcons haven’t made the postseason since the 2017 season. The Falcons have a total of 14 playoff appearances.
Houston Texans – 2020
Houston has six postseason appearances since the franchise’s first season in 2002. The Texans last made the playoffs in 2019.