NFL's 30 best teams that didn't win the Super Bowl

NFL’s 30 best teams that didn’t win the Super Bowl

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after throwing an interception during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

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Aug 8, 2015; Canton, OH, USA; John Madden (left) and Jonathan Ogden during the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

15. 1974 Oakland Raiders

In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, the Raiders were consistently in the hunt. In fact, from 1967-77, Oakland played in nine of a possible AFL/AFC title games. Incredibly, a team led by the incomparable John Madden was only able to reach the Super Bowl twice, winning in 1976 and losing in 1967 (actually coached by Jon Rauch that season).

In 1974, the Miami Dolphins and Raiders were believed to be the best two teams in the league. The Raiders had the league’s highest-ranked offense and a top-10 defense, helping it earn another AFC West crown and the top seed in the playoffs with a 12-2 record. The Raiders losses came by a combined four points, including an opening day loss to the Buffalo Bills.

In the playoffs, Miami and Oakland met in what is now known as the “Sea of Hands” game, with Clarence Davis snatched a game-winning, last-second touchdown away from Dolphins defenders. Sports Illustrated actually dubbed the game Super Bowl 8.5, inferring that whoever won would be a lock going forward. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers would start their dynasty the following week, trouncing Oakland on the road to advance to Super Bowl IX.

Next: 14. 2011 Green Bay Packers

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