The New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons now own the two longest active playoff droughts in the NFL, as both teams were officially eliminated from postseason contention on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers remain on the brink of extending their own long absence from the playoffs.
With the 2025 NFL regular season nearing its conclusion, the playoff picture continues to take shape—and for several franchises, the wait continues.
New York Jets: 15 Straight Seasons Without a Playoff Berth
The Jets’ playoff drought has officially reached 15 consecutive seasons, making it the longest active drought in the league.
- Last playoff appearance: 2010 AFC Championship Game
- Consecutive seasons missed: 15
- Status: Eliminated
Despite multiple coaching changes, quarterback transitions, and roster overhauls over the past decade and a half, the Jets remain stuck in an extended rebuild with no postseason breakthrough.
Atlanta Falcons: Eight-Year Playoff Absence Continues
The Atlanta Falcons were also eliminated on Sunday, extending their playoff drought to eight consecutive seasons.
- Last playoff appearance: 2017 season
- Consecutive seasons missed: 8
- Status: Eliminated
Once perennial contenders in the late 2010s, the Falcons continue searching for stability at quarterback and consistency on both sides of the ball.
Carolina Panthers: Third-Longest Active Playoff Drought at Seven Seasons
While the Jets and Falcons are officially out, the Carolina Panthers currently hold the third-longest active playoff drought at seven straight seasons.
- Last playoff appearance: 2017 season
- Consecutive seasons missed: 7
- Status: Mathematically still alive depending on results
Carolina’s window remains narrow, but mathematically open—for now. A loss or unfavorable combination of results would officially extend their drought as well.
Current Longest Active NFL Playoff Droughts (2025 Season)
| Team | Last Playoff Appearance | Active Drought |
|---|---|---|
| New York Jets | 2010 | 15 seasons |
| Atlanta Falcons | 2017 | 8 seasons |
| Carolina Panthers | 2017 | 7 seasons |
What’s Next for These Franchises?
With postseason hopes dashed for New York and Atlanta, the focus now shifts to:
- 2026 NFL Draft positioning
- Head coaching and front office decisions
- Quarterback development or potential trades
- Free agency and roster rebuild strategies
For the Panthers, survival remains theoretical—but every remaining game carries playoff implications.
Final Outlook
As the NFL playoff race tightens, the Jets and Falcons once again face an offseason of unanswered questions and unmet expectations. Meanwhile, the Panthers stand at the edge of joining them—unless a late-season miracle keeps their slim postseason hopes alive.