Fansided

NFL: The Top 30 teams of the modern era

By S. Silverman

Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; General view of the golden NFL shield logo at the entrance to the 4th annual NFL Honors at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; General view of the golden NFL shield logo at the entrance to the 4th annual NFL Honors at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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  1. 2007 New England Patriots

The 1972 Miami Dolphins had celebrated their status as the only undefeated team in NFL history to complete their spectacular season with a Super Bowl championship. The Patriots appeared ready to rain on their parade with an explosive regular season that saw them reel off 16 straight victories.

When Bill Belichick’s Patriots added postseason victories over the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers, they became strong favorites to finish the season as Super Bowl champions in a confrontation with the New York Giants.

While they had been pushed by the Giants in a season-ending regular-season game, the Patriots had handled New York in that matchup.

But despite their dominance in the first 18 games, the Patriots lost in heartbreaking fashion and champagne bottles popped throughout South Florida.

Next: A catch for the ages

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