Fansided

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

By Matt Verderame

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
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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Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; John Elway, Denver Broncos General Manager and Executive Vice President of Football Operations, points to fans as he walks on the field before the Broncos game with the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; John Elway, Denver Broncos General Manager and Executive Vice President of Football Operations, points to fans as he walks on the field before the Broncos game with the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

8. 1996 Denver Broncos

John Elway had reached the Super Bowl three times in his Hall of Fame career, but had been blown out on each occasion with an inferior team. In 1996, the Denver Broncos put together a group that seemed, at the very least, destined for another Super Bowl appearance. With Elway’s career entering the twilight, Denver had a tremendous cast around him.

Led by running back Terrell Davis and Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, the Broncos were an offensive juggernaut that scored more than 30 points seven times. The Broncos rolled to a 13-3 record after missing the playoffs in the previous season, taking the AFC West crown and the conference’s top seed. The Broncos seemed a sure shot for the Super Bowl at that point, being 8-0 at Mile High Stadium that year.

Things further improved for Denver when the Jacksonville Jaguars came to town as the upstart sixth-seed, following their upset of the Buffalo Bills. The Broncos were 12.5-point favorites over the second-year expansion team, but inexplicably fell to the “Jagwads” (a term used that week by the Denver Post), 30-27. Mark Brunell and Natrone Means led the way, combining for 184 rushing yards.

Next: 7. 1992 San Francisco 49ers

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