Top 5 worst single-season collapses in NFL history

A dejected Philadelphia Eagles fan

NFL collapses before 2000

#3 - 1994 Philadelphia Eagles

If the Chicago Bears collapsed from 7-1 in the 2012 season, the Philadelphia Eagles were no better in 1994. The only difference is they had begun the season 7-2.

But what followed next was an utter and complete collapse. Seven straight defeats meant they finished the season with a losing 7-9 record.

By the time the regular season's final game rolled around, the Eagles were already out of playoff contention. All they were playing for was pride and a chance to stem the collapse and recover to a .500 record against the lowly Cincinnati Bengals.

But when things collapse, it is very difficult to stop the bleeding and they lost that game as well.

#4 - 1993 Miami Dolphins

Dan Marino famously never won the Super Bowl. The1993 Miami Dolphins season serves as a microcosm of what went wrong in the legendary quarterback's career.

Things were going pretty well and the Dolphins had a 9-2 record. Even though they lost Marino in Week 5, deputy Scott Mitchell came on in relief and led them within an arm-shot of the playoffs.

However, he also succumbed to injury and the Miami Dolphins lost five straight to end 9-7, their final loss coming in overtime to the New England Patriots.

The Miami Dolphins remain the only NFL team to ever reach a 9-2 record and miss out on the playoffs altogether.

#5 - 1996 Kansas City Chiefs

The final team on this list is the Kansas City Chiefs of the early 1990s.

Much like the Miami Dolphins above, the Kansas City Chiefs began the season with a 8-3 record. However, the team eventually collapsed and ended with a record of 9-7.

Much like the Miami Dolphins in 1993, they would go on to miss the playoffs altogether.

And that completes our list of the most iconic collapses in a single season in NFL history. What do you make of it?

Do you think there are others that deserve a mention? Please share your comments with us.

In the NFL, nothing is guaranteed. Even this season, when many fans are certain that their teams will be there come postseason, they would do well to have the humility to recognize that a collapse is always possible and not everything always goes to plan.