Which NFL teams in 2020 are the most likely to finish with an 8-8 record?
A stigma accompanies a win-loss record of 8-8. It’s such a record that is typically the butt of jokes and inspires eye-rolls from fans. To an extent, that is fair. The record is akin to a basic brown paper bag utilized as the topper ornament to a Christmas tree. It’s not morally problematic, but it simply has no sizzle.
The stomach-churning connotation to “8-8” arises when the beholder of the record was figured to be a postseason participant. This is why former head coaches such as Jason Garrett or Jeff Fisher are punch-lined with the “he is mediocre” quips. The teams under those respective men were often been dripping with talent, but the endgame of a season was mere mediocrity.
In the last ten years, 30 teams have finished a season with an 8-8 record. Simple math places that at three teams per season with the infamous record. Frequent offenders with this win-loss standing are the Dallas Cowboys (2011, 2012, 2013, 2019), Pittsburgh Steelers (2012, 2013, 2019), and Chicago Bears (2011, 2013, 2019).
Unsurprisingly, this is not a record that commonly punches a team’s ticket to the playoffs. No 8-8 team has ever won a Super Bowl or even appeared in one. In the 42 years since the 16-game format was enacted, only four 8-8 teams have won playoff games: 2004 Minnesota Vikings, 2004 St. Louis Rams, 2008 San Diego Chargers, and 2011 Denver Broncos. That final Denver team is probably the most memorable as that was the Tebow-divine-intervention team.
A couple of teams will likely be stuck with this undesirable record in 2020. These are three teams that are the probable culprits.