As the NFL playoffs get underway, here's a look at the five longest postseason droughts entering 2023

T-4. Atlanta Falcons (2017)

Despite a 5-6 record, the Atlanta Falcons found themselves in a first-place tie in the NFC South in late November. A late-season playoff run, however, was not in the cards

T-4. Carolina Panthers (2017)

Like their NFC South counterparts, the Carolina Panthers controlled their own playoff destiny late in the 2022 season. A 2-7 start to the season, however, was too much to overcome

Detroit Lions (2016)

With Week 18's road win over the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions finished with a winning record for the first time since 2017. Detroit, however, will come up just shy of making the playoffs for the first time since 2016

Denver Broncos (2015)

In Super Bowl 50, the Denver Broncos shut down league MVP Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers to win their third Super Bowl and send legendary quarterback Peyton Manning out a winner

New York Jets (2010)

The New York Jets reached the AFC Championship Game in consecutive seasons in 2009 and '10. Since then, the franchise has not returned to the playoffs