Every NFL team's most devastating loss of all time

Every NFL team’s most devastating loss of all time

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after taking a sack in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions during the NFC Wildcard Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium on January 4, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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Jacksonville Jaguars running back Natrone Means dives forward for additional yards during the Jaguars 30-27 victory over the Denver Broncos in the 1996 AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 4, 1997 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

Denver Broncos: 1996 AFC Divisional Round vs Jacksonville Jaguars

In what is one of the greatest upsets in NFL history, the Broncos lost to a Jaguars team that was in their second year of existence.

Denver was the No. 1 seed in the AFC going into the playoffs. Jacksonville had gone 9-7 that season, and were coming off an upset win over the Bills in the Wildcard round. Denver took an early 12-0 lead in the first quarter, and it looked as if they were going to cruise to the AFC Championship Game. Instead, the Jaguars scored 20 unanswered points in the second and third quarter to take a 20-12 lead.

Jacksonville took a 30-20 lead late in the fourth quarter off the strength of a Jimmy Smith touchdown reception. The Broncos would score a late touchdown, but it was all for not as Jacksonville, the 14 point underdogs, came into Mile High Stadium and beat Denver 30-27.

The Jaguars would go on to lose the AFC Championship Game to New England, but to win consecutive road playoff games was big for their young franchise. The Broncos suffered their worst loss in history in a game where they took Jacksonville far too lightly.

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