NFL’s 30 best teams that didn’t win the Super Bowl
13. 1969 Oakland Raiders
The Raiders had a chance to go to their second Super Bowl in three seasons back in 1969, and had plenty of talent to get there. Oakland was a power under head coach John Madden, led by quarterback Daryle Lamonica, and receivers Warren Wells and Fred Biletnikoff. The Raiders finished first in the AFL for offense and second defensively, showcasing a complete team.
Oakland was a juggernaut through the regular season, going 12-1-1. The Raiders had Lamonica going off throughout the campaign, throwing 34 touchdowns with 3,302 yards. Wells led the league in receiving, going for 1,260 yards and 14 touchdowns while Biletnikoff added 12. It was a passing game before its time, with owner Al Davis consistently wanting the ball pushed down the field.
In the playoffs, Oakland continued to look like a sure bet for the Super Bowl. The Raiders demolished the Houston Oilers, 56-7, moving onto a showdown with the Chiefs. In the final game played between two AFL teams, Kansas City came to the Oakland Coliseum and beat the Raiders, 17-7, moving onto Super Bowl IV. It was a devastating blow from their main rival.
Next: 12. 2001 St. Louis Rams