> At a Glance
> – Five NFL teams enter the playoffs seeking their first Lombardi Trophy
> – Jaguars and Texans have never reached the Super Bowl
> – Bills and Vikings share record for most Super Bowl losses without a win
> – Why it matters: These droughts could end as early as this postseason
The NFL playoffs feature five franchises still chasing their first championship, creating high-stakes drama for long-suffering fan bases across the league.
Playoff Picture
The Bills, Panthers, Texans, Jaguars and Chargers enter the postseason with everything to prove. Two of these squads will face immediate elimination as the Jaguars host the Bills in Jacksonville during Wild Card weekend.
Meanwhile, the Texans bring a nine-game winning streak into Pittsburgh against the Steelers, while the Chargers travel to New England to face the Patriots. In the NFC, the sub-.500 Panthers welcome the Rams to Charlotte.
Historical Context
The playoff field includes four teams that have never reached the Super Bowl:
- Jaguars
- Texans
- Browns
- Lions
Cleveland and Jacksonville have each lost three AFC Championship Games, while Detroit suffered its second NFC Championship Game defeat in the 2023 season. Houston hasn’t advanced beyond the Divisional Round since the franchise’s inaugural 2002 season.
Championship Droughts
12 NFL teams have never won the Super Bowl:
| Team | Super Bowl Record |
|---|---|
| Bills | 0-4 |
| Vikings | 0-4 |
| Bengals | 0-3 |
| Falcons | 0-2 |
| Panthers | 0-2 |
| Cardinals | 0-1 |
| Chargers | 0-1 |
| Titans | 0-1 |
Buffalo’s four losses came in consecutive seasons from 1990-93, while Minnesota’s defeats were spread across multiple decades.
Key Takeaways
- The Jaguars-Bills Wild Card game guarantees elimination for one title-hungry franchise
- Houston’s nine-game winning streak makes them a dangerous underdog
- The Panthers enter as underdogs with a losing record but home-field advantage
- Super Bowl 60 will crown either a first-time champion or add to another franchise’s legacy
One of these droughts will end when Super Bowl 60 kicks off, forever changing the narrative for the lucky franchise that finally breaks through.
