The NFL is a league built on parity. Teams can quickly go from worst to first due to the league's structure and competitive balance. Therefore, teams enduring prolonged playoff droughts leave fans and analysts puzzled.
With 14 playoff spots available, teams have higher chances to end their playoff droughts. However, that has not stopped certain franchises from toiling and missing the playoffs. Here are the current five longest playoff droughts in the NFL.
1 - New York Jets, 13 years
The New York Jets' playoff drought is now at 13 years following their elimination from playoff contention after their 30-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Jets' 13-year drought is now the longest active playoff drought across the NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA.
2 - Denver Broncos, 7 years
The Broncos have not played in the playoffs since winning Super Bowl 50 in February 2016. Their current playoff drought stands at seven years. However, that could change this year. The Broncos are 7-7 and hold a legitimate chance at making the playoffs and ending their seven-year drought.
3 - Carolina Panthers, 6 years
The Panthers entered this season with a five-year playoff drought that has now changed to a six-year drought. With a 2-12 record, the Panthers are mathematically out of playoff contention.
4 - Detroit Lions, 6 years
The Lions last played a playoff game in January 2016. Detroit nearly ended their playoff wait last season, but they are on track to end the drought this year. With a 10-4 record, the Lions need just one win to win the NFC North and book a playoff spot.
5 - Atlanta Falcons, 5 years
The Atlanta Falcons' current playoff drought sits at five years. The 2023 Falcons sport a 6-8 record and have an 8% chance of making the playoffs. They require something special to stop this drought from extending.