We ranked the best NFL teams to fall short of the Super Bowl: Stacking 16 historic near misses
ESPN is kicking off it's countdown to Super Bowl LXI series by ranking the best teams that didn't quite make the big game, including the 2023 Ravens.
The NFL is full of what-ifs, and ESPN's latest series is shining a light on the teams that came so close to the Super Bowl but ultimately fell short. By ranking the best teams to not quite make it to the big game, ESPN is giving fans a chance to relive the historic near misses that still sting for fans of those teams. The inclusion of the 2023 Ravens is especially interesting, as it shows that even recent teams are being considered for this dubious honor.
This series matters because it gives fans a chance to reflect on the past and wonder what could have been. For teams that consistently come close but don't quite make it, it's a reminder that there's often a fine line between success and heartbreak. By stacking up these historic near misses, ESPN is also highlighting the competitive balance of the NFL, where even the best teams can have an off year or face unexpected challenges. For fans, it's a chance to relive the drama and excitement of past seasons.
As the countdown to Super Bowl LXI continues, fans should keep an eye on which teams make the top spots in ESPN's ranking. Will the 2023 Ravens crack the top 5, or will they fall short? Which teams will be considered the biggest near misses in NFL history? And what can current teams learn from these historic examples of coming up just short? As the NFL season heats up, fans will be eager to see how this series unfolds and which teams ultimately emerge as the best of the near misses.
Originally reported by espn.com. TourNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.