NFL’s 30 best teams that didn’t win the Super Bowl
This was supposed to be the group that cemented a mini-dynasty for the Packers. After winning their first Super Bowl since having Vince Lombardi on the sideline in 1996, Green Bay came back with another loaded team in 1997. Brett Favre was in the midst of his greatest years, winning the third of his three consecutive NFL MVP awards that year.
The Packers were a dominant squad on both sides of the ball, with the offense checking in second and the defense fifth, led by Hall of Famer Reggie White. Green Bay finished the regular season 13-3 and NFC Central champions, earning home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Favre was the driving force, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 35 touchdowns. Dorsey Levens was also a force on the ground, churning out 1,435 rushing yards.
In the postseason, the Packers blasted the upstart Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional round before taking out Jerry Rice, Steve Young and the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC title game. In the Super Bowl, the Packers were overwhelming favorites to defeat the Denver Broncos, only to fall in a 31-24 stunner. Favre would never get back to another Super Bowl.
Next: 18. 1984 Miami Dolphins