The 1972 Miami Dolphins set the precedent of popping champagne after every NFL season, marking the inevitable end of the last undefeated team each year. While sometimes the streak lasts longer, like the New England Patriots in 2007 who lost only at Super Bowl XLVI, or ends quickly with early losses by week 4 as seen in 2010 and 2014, the tradition of an undefeated team eventually falling has persisted for 52 years.
On average, the longest undefeated streak during the Super Bowl era lasts about eight games. The Rams hold the record for the most times reaching nine wins without a loss in the past 59 years, while other teams like the Chiefs, Vikings, Colts, and Eagles have frequently been among the last undefeated teams. Notably, six NFL franchises — the Jets, Jaguars, Browns, Texans, Seahawks, and Ravens — have all held the position of being the last unbeaten at least once.
With the 2025 NFL schedule now available, an analysis has been made to predict which teams will remain undefeated the longest and who will be last standing in 2025.
Week 1: This week is often where early upsets crush fan hopes. Most opening games look predictable, but an upset can always happen, such as the Cincinnati Bengals, notorious for slow starts, potentially surprising others. The Buffalo Bills, seen as strong Super Bowl contenders, are predicted to lose a tough home game to another top contender. Remaining undefeated after Week 1 are 16 teams, including the Eagles, Chiefs, Falcons, Browns, Colts, Jaguars, Patriots, Cardinals, Steelers, Commanders, Broncos, 49ers, Packers, Rams, Ravens, and Vikings.
Week 2: The undefeated list starts to shrink as five games pit unbeaten teams against each other, while four others face tough road games. The Browns might meet their demise in Baltimore. The Super Bowl champion Eagles could lose in a rematch with the Chiefs. The Jaguars have a favorable matchup in Cincinnati, and the Steelers’ perfect streak depends on Aaron Rodgers remaining the starting quarterback. Ten teams remain undefeated at 2-0.
Week 3: The Rams are predicted to lose, unable to sustain their unbeaten run against the champions on the road. The Bengals are expected to end the Vikings’ streak, and the Cardinals’ defense aims to shine against San Francisco. Five teams remain at 3-0: Packers, Steelers, Cardinals, Chiefs, and Ravens.
Week 4: The Chiefs, who lost their last undefeated status in Week 10 last year, face a tough home game against the Ravens. Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers may begin to show age, while the Cardinals win a Thursday night game to become one of three unbeaten teams at 4-0: Cardinals, Ravens, and Packers.
Week 5: With relatively easier home games, the Cardinals and Ravens remain undefeated, and the Packers wait for their chance. Three teams still unbeaten: Cardinals (5-0), Ravens (5-0), and Packers (4-0).
Week 6: The Cardinals face a challenging matchup against the Colts, likely ending their long unbeaten streak. Though close games are predicted for Ravens and Packers, both have home-field advantage. Two teams remain undefeated: Ravens (6-0) and Packers (5-0).
Week 7: Ravens rest, while the Packers face the Cardinals in Arizona. The Packers’ strong form makes them favorites. Both teams stay unbeaten at 6-0.
Week 8: Ravens and Packers remain undefeated at 7-0, fueling Super Bowl hype and fan excitement despite not meeting until week 17.
Week 9: Both Ravens and Packers stand undefeated at 8-0 as they prepare for upcoming matches. The 1972 Dolphins undefeated narrative starts to echo in their fanbases.
Week 10: The Packers’ rare unbeaten streak ends against the Eagles, while the Ravens survive a scare from the Vikings and remain the last undefeated team at 9-0.
Week 11: Ravens enter double digits in their undefeated streak at 10-0 and become part of an elite group historically linked to playoff success and Super Bowl appearances.
Week 12: The Ravens face a tough home stretch but are favored to maintain their streak at 11-0, aligning with a tradition that links 11-0 starts to Super Bowl runs.
Week 13: The streak likely ends here for the Ravens after a high-pressure Thanksgiving night game against the Bengals. They finish 11-1, leading their division and conference.
In conclusion, popping champagne as the last undefeated team falls is a yearly NFL ritual that keeps fans on edge. And while the Ravens are the most likely to advance far this year, history shows perfection is elusive.
Fan Take: This yearly countdown to the last unbeaten team adds exciting drama to the NFL season, keeping fans engaged and hopeful. Watching which team can sustain greatness while carrying the weight of perfection offers a thrilling storyline that defines the spirit of football competition.
